What Is This Notice?

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) — the federal agency that regulates the safe transportation of hazardous materials — has published its February 2026 round of special permit decisions. A special permit allows a company or individual to transport or package hazardous materials in a way that differs from the standard Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), when the applicant can demonstrate the alternative is at least as safe.

This notice is not directly related to immigration policy and does not affect F-1, H-1B, or other visa holders in their immigration status. This is a transportation safety regulatory notice.

What Was Granted?

PHMSA granted 25 special permit applications, including both new permits (marked "-N") and modifications to existing ones (marked "-M"). Notable approvals include:

  • Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX): Authorized a single tank propulsion system, lithium-ion battery packs, and additional transportation locations.
  • Blue Origin, LLC: Permitted additional Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) — high-pressure tanks used in rockets.
  • Amazon.com, Inc. (two separate permits): One permit covers transportation of small compressed gas cylinders (argon, CO2, helium, nitrogen) up to 1 liter as limited quantities. A second covers retail consumer products like beverages, cosmetics, and medicines containing certain alcohols, exempting them from full HMR requirements.
  • Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd.: Authorized to transport certain forbidden explosives by cargo-only aircraft in support of U.S. foreign military sales (FMS).
  • Arch Recycling Resources LLC: Authorized a one-time shipment of lithium-ion batteries and electronics in nine freight containers from Port Newark, New Jersey.
  • Planet Labs PBC: Permitted to transport non-standard compressed gas cylinders incorporated into spacecraft components.
  • Echo Magnet Services B.V.: Authorized to ship MRI machines (classified as UN3538) via cargo-only aircraft.
  • Call2Recycle, Inc.: Granted relief from certain labeling requirements under Part 172 of the HMR for battery recycling.

What Was Denied?

One application was denied:

  • WMA Motorsports (Application 22136-N): Sought to transport flammable, toxic liquids (UN1992) in non-UN specification 5-gallon steel drums. PHMSA rejected this request, meaning the company must use standard-compliant packaging.

What Was Withdrawn?

One application was withdrawn by the applicant:

  • Parker-Hannifin Corporation (Application 22189-N): Had sought authorization to transport a non-hazardous material that was marked with hazardous materials communications.

Comment Deadline

The public may submit comments on these permit actions. Comments must be received on or before March 19, 2026. Submit comments in triplicate to:

Record Center, PHMSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590

Reference the specific application number in your comment.

Who Should Pay Attention?

This notice is primarily relevant to companies and logistics operators that transport hazardous materials by road, air, or other modes. It is not an immigration-related document and has no bearing on visa status, work authorization, or immigration proceedings.

For more information, contact Donald Burger, Director, Office of Hazardous Materials Safety Special Permits Program at (202) 366-4535.