If you’re looking for a hazmat company, it is essential that you know where to look and what to look for. Hazmat companies have to meet strict requirements to operate successfully, and some are better than others in terms of efficiency and adherence to protocols. Therefore, it pays to seek out the best.
In the sections below, we will run through a list of criteria for successful hazmat companies, and then list the top ten companies in the US. Depending on where you live, there are a variety of quality options available to you. If, for example, you live in Illinois and need specialized transportation, you might search for a hazmat trucking company in Chicago area. This way, you can find local providers who not only meet federal and state safety regulations, but also have experience navigating the specific logistical challenges of the Chicago region, such as urban traffic patterns and proximity to major freight hubs.
Requirements to be a successful hazmat company
Running a hazmat company is a complex and potentially dangerous task. To run a successful operation, companies must meet strict criteria.
Training and compliance
- Establish distinct emergency protocols. Every hazmat company must have well-established procedures for handling spills, accidents,and dealing with other types of emergencies.
- Conduct training sessions with their employees to ensure that all of them are briefed on the necessary procedures for dealing with hazardous materials.
- Comply with regulations. Given the dangerous nature of dealing with hazardous material, there are many different regulations that company owners must meet on the local, state, and federal levels. These regulations apply to both transportation and storage.
- Security. Security is paramount in any company that deals with goods. Reliable hazmat companies include secure storage facilities that preferably have remote access controls.
Materials handling and equipment
To operate a successful hazmat company, it is absolutely essential that all company employees possess specialized expertise. This includes:
- Having an understanding of different hazmat classes and how to work with them. Hazmat materials include flammable, corrosive, and radioactive materials, and each of these has its own handling requirements.
- Having the right specialized equipment. Hazmat companies need to possess the appropriate vehicles, as well as containers and personal protective equipment for its employees.
- Insurance policy requirements. As hazmat companies deal with many kinds of sensitive materials, they need to take out detailed insurance policies.
Security requirements
Hazmat companies need to meet strict safety and security requirements to stay in business. This includes:
- Conducting regular risk assessments to identify possible problems and learn how to prevent them.
- Taking security measures to ensure that hazmat materials are protected from theft and unauthorized access. This means installing sophisticated surveillance equipment.
- Staying in regular communication with other stakeholders in the business. This includes emergency responders and regulatory agencies.
Leading companies in the US
After reviewing hazmat companies across the country, we have come up with a list of the leading ones in terms of meeting the criteria outlined above. These companies have proven their reputations for reliability and attention to protocols over the course of many years.
- Fortune Carriers, Inc. Fortune Carriers, Inc has been operating since 2021. With its headquarters in Blue Ash, Ohio, the company has quickly established itself as one of the leading transportation companies in the country, particularly dealing with hazmat transportation. It operates throughout the 48 contiguous states.
- Boyle Transportation. With its headquarters in Billerica, Massachusetts, Boyle Transportation has been operating for more than 50 years, and it operates throughout the US and Canada. The company has a solid reputation for strict adherence to the law, and in successfully transporting many types of hazardous materials.
- Hazmat Environmental Group. The Hazmat Environmental Group is headquartered in Buffalo, New York, on the border with Canada. This company has been in business for almost 40 years, and also works throughout the 48 contiguous states in the US, as well as Canada. It is especially known for its sustainable practices, and for its focus on environmentally sound operations.
- Cast Transportation. Cast Transportation is headquartered in Henderson, Colorado, but has several other offices nationwide. It is one of the oldest companies in the US with over 75 years of experience. It has earned its reputation as a reliable company over many years.
- Bennett International Group. Bennett International Group is headquartered in McDonough, Georgia, and is a family-run company. It operates throughout North America and provides a range of transportation services, one of which is hazmat transport.
- Schiber Transportation. Also one of the oldest companies in the country, the Schiber Transportation Group has been operating for 70 years and focuses specifically on hazmat services. They are headquartered in Hartford, Illinois.
- Rinchem. Also one of the oldest transportation companies in the country, Rinchem has been operating for 50 years and specializes in chemical logistics transport. They have proven to be an industry leader in this area. It also provides other types of hazmat services. Rinchem operates out of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
- Pinnacle Freight. Pinnacle Freight company operates throughout the US and has been in business for 30 years. It has a solid reputation for dealing with hazmat operations. They are headquartered in Florence, New Jersey.
- Buchheit Logistics. Buchheit Logistics may be the oldest hazmat transport company in the country with 89 years in business. It offers a range of transportation solutions, including hazmat services. The company is headquartered in Perryville, MO.
- Titan Worldwide. Titan Worldwide provides several different kinds of specialized solutions, and hazmat services are among them. It has been operating for 13 years and works. The company originated in the UK and now has offices in different countries.
Final say
Running a hazmat company is an extremely complex and risky operation. However, these companies provide vital services, and those that have stayed in operation for many years have truly proven their worth. If you have specialized needs, be sure to look up companies that specialize in precisely what you need and ensure that the company has a solid reputation. If you take the time to review potential partners carefully, you should be able to come up with a good solution for your needs.