THE IMPORTANCE OF UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS ON THE TRANSPORTATION OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS

The safe and efficient transportation of nuclear and other hazardous materials depends in large part on uniform and consistent regulations at all levels of government -- Federal, State, local and (when transportation takes place on an Indian reservation) Indian tribes. Consistent requirements for the classification, description, packaging, marking, labeling, placarding, and handling of nuclear materials (1) are more readily understood and followed by shippers and carriers, (2) reduce delays in transportation, and (3) can be enforced more effectively through the cooperation of Federal, State, local and tribal authorities. In all cases, safety is promoted. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) works to achieve uniformity through coordination of its regulations with international standards and cooperation with State, local, and tribal officials to adopt and enforce compatible requirements. DOT also issues administrative determinations whether Federal hazardous material transportation law preempts State, local, or Indian tribe requirements.