NATEC launches 4-hour online HAZMAT ground shipper refresher

NATEC International has put its DOT HAZMAT Ground Shipper Recurrent Training online as a four-hour, self-paced refresher for employees who need three-year retraining under federal rules. The course covers recent rule changes, can earn 4 REHS CEUs and is meant to help companies keep hazardous materials shipping staff compliant without pulling them off the job for a full day.

Why it matters: - HAZMAT employees must complete recurrent training at least once every three years under 49 CFR 172.704(c)(2). - The new online format gives companies a faster way to keep hazardous materials shipping staff current while reducing schedule disruptions. - The course may also help learners earn 4 REHS CEUs, if requested before the course begins.

What happened: - NATEC International, Inc. launched its U.S. Department of Transportation HAZMAT Ground Shipper Recurrent Training as a four-hour, self-paced online refresher. - The course is for people who prepare and offer hazardous materials for shipment by highway. - NATEC announced the course on Oct. 20, 2026.

The details: - The refresher is recurrent training only and is for students who already completed initial HAZMAT employee training. - The course covers the DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations in 49 CFR Parts 171-180, which apply nationwide. - Training topics include the Ten Steps for preparing and offering a HAZMAT shipment, from classification through carrier handoff. - The curriculum also covers proper shipping names for hazardous waste, hazardous substances, marine pollutants and elevated-temperature materials. - Other topics include packaging, marking and labeling, including packages of hazardous waste. - The course covers Placard Table 1 and Table 2, the 1,001 pound rule, loading, unloading and segregation. - Learners also work through the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest with an interactive manifest activity. - The training includes recent rule changes, including HM-215Q and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency e-Manifest Third Rule. - The course uses narrated slides, interactive games, a shipping description exercise, a hands-on manifest activity and knowledge checks. - Students who pass receive a certificate of completion from NATEC immediately. - NATEC is approved to offer Registered Environmental Health Specialist continuing education units, and this course earns 4 REHS CEUs. - Shipping and receiving staff, warehouse and dock workers, packers, production and laboratory personnel, EHS and compliance staff, and supervisors are among the intended audiences. - Employees who have not completed initial HAZMAT training must do that first within 90 days of hire or a job change. - NATEC’s DOT HAZMAT Ground Shipper Training, also known as HM-181 Employee Training, takes approximately 13 hours. - The refresher covers federal highway shipping only and does not cover air or vessel shipping. - Employers remain responsible for site-specific training and records.

Between the lines: - NATEC is leaning on interactive instruction to make compliance training less of a checkbox exercise and more of a skills refresh. - The online format is aimed at operations that cannot easily spare workers for a multi-day classroom session. - The focus on recent rule changes suggests the course is meant to help employers keep pace with shifting federal and EPA requirements.

What's next: - Companies can register for the DOT HAZMAT Ground Shipper Recurrent Training now. - NATEC says the course is one of several online offerings, including RCRA Hazardous Waste Generator Training, California Title 22 Hazardous Waste Generator Training and HAZWOPER Refresher Training. - Course offerings, formats and schedules vary across NATEC’s training catalog.

The bottom line: - NATEC is packaging mandatory HAZMAT retraining into a four-hour online course designed to save time, reinforce compliance and keep highway shipping staff current.