Training Intervals

Have you ever missed a payment because it wasn’t set up on auto draft? Or maybe you have been late on a payment because you simply forgot when its due. We all have been there before. Human beings tend to live up to the stereotype of “out of sight, out of mind” quite easily. This holds true for re-occurring training as well. Because we don’t have to take the “test” every month, week, or even annually we tend to lose track of when its due. One of the most common question we receive at Transportation Compliance Associated, Inc. (TCA), is some form of:

How often is DOT training required?

Per the Department of Transportation (DOT) a “hazmat employee” must initially be trained in General Awareness, Function Specific, Safety Training, and Security Awareness within 90 day after employment. The requirements can be found in the Code of Federal Regulation or 49 CFR 172.704

Of course, the next question that usually follows is:

How often is recurrent training required?

Again, the requirements can be found if 49 CFR 172.704 which state that hazmat employees must conduct recurrent training:

1. Every 3 years
2. Change in job assignment; or
3. Change hazardous materials regulations

Your employer may require additional training when new hazards, equipment, or new procedures are introduced or a failure in a safety procedure.

If you’re wondering about DOT training it quite possible you may be shipping your products by more than one mode of transportation as well. As a quick reference guide, we have listed below the training frequency of 5 of the most common modes of transportation for your viewing pleasure:

Training Frequency

DOT (Ground)- 3 years

IATA (Air)- 2 years

IMDG (Vessel) – 3 years

TDG (Canadian Ground) -3 years

ADR (European Ground)-  3 years

If you have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge or want to learn more about the transportation industry, and easy way to do that is to opt-in to our newsletter where you will receive articles like this one, industry news, and special offers. Let us here at Transportation Compliance Associates (TCA) worker harder so you can work smarter! Whether it’s industry leading training, consulting, or full compliance solutions, TCA can help you achieve all your compliance goals. For a FREE consultation, you can reach us at (724) 899-4100 and one of our team members will help you decide what industry leading training and compliance program best suits your needs.