On March 2, 2011 PHMSA published a final rule implementing enhanced enforcement procedures authorized by the Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety and Security Reauthorization Act of 2005. These new procedures supplement those currently in place, and apply to all of the DOT's operating administrations. The new requirements become effective on May 2, 2011.

Under these new procedures the DOT can now:

• detain potentially noncompliant packages for inspection.
• open detained packages, in order to identify non-compliant or undeclared hazmat.
• issue out-of-service orders to remove transport vehicles or packages from transportation to mitigate imminent hazards.

Source:  Lion Technology, Inc.