Feedback Requested: Hazmat Endorsement Renewal Delays

Feedback Requested: Hazmat Endorsement Renewal Delays

The PPA has received reports from multiple companies in the past 6 months indicating a prolonged wait period for HME Threat Assessment Program approval. Since PennDOT administers its own HME testing program rather than relying on TSA federal processing center, PennDOT is responsible for notifying the driver (as defined here). In each scenario, there was a breakdown in the PennDOT approval process which a.) significantly delayed the necessary update in the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) for TSA processing or b.) resulted in expiration of the HME application due to no action taken by the state. In both scenarios, the company contacted the PPA for assistance which ultimately led to direct interaction with PennDOT to manually address the specific application. It is unclear if any action would have occurred if an inquiry did not take place.

Your Feedback Requested

The PPA would like to know if you have experienced a similar issue or have a current driver who is currently waiting 2+ months for HME application approval. We would like to understand the severity of this issue and consider necessary action to address it. Please contact Ted Harris directly at tharris@papetroleum.org if you have/are experiencing this issue.