Low ImpactNotice/Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

PHMSA Seeks Public Comment on 9 New Hazardous Materials Special Permit Applications

February 2, 2026

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has published notice of nine new applications for special permits to transport hazardous materials, including lithium batteries and infectious substances, under alternative conditions. Public comments are due by March 4, 2026. This notice has no direct impact on visa holders or immigration status.

What This Notice Is About

The Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has published a routine notice announcing nine new applications for special permits (official exemptions that allow companies to transport hazardous materials under conditions that differ from standard federal regulations). This is a standard procedural notice inviting public comment.

Note for Visa Pulse readers: This document pertains to hazardous materials transportation regulations and has no direct connection to US immigration policy, visa processing, or the status of F-1, H-1B, or other visa holders. It is included here for completeness but does not affect immigrant or nonimmigrant visa holders.

What Applications Were Filed?

Nine companies have applied for special permits to transport various hazardous materials under alternative regulatory conditions:

Veolia ES Technical Solutions, LLC – Transport of damaged lithium ion cells for disposal in a large UN 50D packaging (by motor vehicle).
BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems Inc. – Transport of spacecraft containing compressed gases and lithium ion batteries in non-standard packagings (by motor vehicle).
Trinseo LLC – Use of leak detection methods instead of visual inspection for railroad tank car manway covers (by rail freight).
Research Foundation for The State University of New York – Transport of mice infected with infectious substances in alternative packaging (by motor vehicle).
GS Yuasa Lithium Power, Inc. – Transport of prototype and low-production lithium batteries on cargo-only aircraft.
Kalitta Air, LLC – Transport of articles containing non-flammable, non-toxic gas that are normally forbidden on cargo-only aircraft.
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. – Use of a Design Certifying Engineer to certify tank car designs instead of requiring Association of American Railroads (AAR) approval (by rail freight).
Arkedge Space Inc. – Transport of a lithium ion battery design that has not yet passed standard UN safety testing, via cargo-only aircraft.
Samsung SDI Battery Systems GmbH – Transport of prototype lithium ion batteries exceeding 35 kilograms on cargo-only aircraft.

How to Submit Comments

Anyone wishing to comment on these applications must do so on or before March 4, 2026. Comments should:

Reference the specific application number (e.g., 22177-N)
Be submitted in triplicate to: Record Center, PHMSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590
Include a self-addressed stamped postcard if you want confirmation of receipt

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

Bottom Line

This is a standard regulatory notice with no immigration implications. No action is required for visa holders or international students and workers.

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