What is the most common mode of hazardous material transport?

The most common mode of hazardous material transport is highways. This choice reflects the logistical realities of shipping practices, as road transport provides significant flexibility and accessibility for the majority of locations in the United States. Highways connect a vast network of destinations, allowing for direct delivery of hazardous materials to various facilities, such as factories, warehouses, and retail locations.

In contrast, while railways can efficiently transport large volumes of hazardous materials over long distances, they have limitations in terms of access to specific locations and often require further transport by truck once the rail journey is completed. Airways, although fast, are generally utilized for lightweight and high-value cargo, and there are strict regulations regarding the transport of hazardous materials by air that limit their use. Waterways offer an efficient means for transporting bulk hazardous materials over great distances, particularly for international shipping, but they are not as widely used domestically for hazardous cargo compared to highways.

Overall, the highway system’s ability to provide timely and direct access to a wide variety of destinations is why it is the predominant mode of hazardous material transport.