Behind every successful hazmat shipment is a driver managing safety, compliance, and communication.
We rode along with Shaker Logistics driver Steve Meehan during a hazmat load and spoke about trucking careers, stories from the road, and what it takes to safely move hazardous chemicals.
From Law Enforcement to Trucking
After driving for a food distributor in the 90s, Steve pivoted into public service and worked as a Trooper in the New York State Police for 24 years. When he retired, Steve felt the urge to get back on the road again.
Q: Did you expect that you would be driving a truck again?
A: I missed it during my other career a little bit here and there, so I always thought I’d do it when I retired. I applied to Shaker and got hired, and now I get to drive two days a week.
What Goes Into a Hazmat Shipment
Even as part-time driver, Steve had to be thoroughly trained to move hazardous goods like chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Hazmat freight introduces an added layer of responsibility with specific procedures for documentation, compliance, and communication.
Q: What are some of the things you keep track of when you’re at the dock for a hazmat load?
A: I always check that the chemicals on my paperwork match what they load onto the truck. Then I make sure the load is tied down so nothing can shift or spill. Before I roll out, I placard the truck up to match the commodity and check in with dispatch to make sure we’ve got everything we need.
Q: What kind of documentation goes along with a run like this?
A: I send digital scans of the bill of lading, a picture of the cargo securement, a picture of all the placards, and proof of delivery. It can be 8 or 9 documents for one load depending on the run.
Each of these elements plays a role in both compliance and traceability. Proper placarding and documentation communicate potential hazards to emergency responders, while also providing a clear record of how the load was secured and transported.
Safety at the Dock
Mishaps at the dock are just as likely as mishaps on the road. Most docks and facilities have specially designed technology that drivers use to keep loading and unloading as safe as possible.
Q: How do dock workers know when it’s safe to load the trailer?
A: I use an electronic wheel chock that’s attached to the outside of the loading dock. When I put the chock under my wheel, it sends a signal to the dock workers inside to let them know it’s safe to load. When the dock workers are done, they flip a switch and I get a green light that tells me I can pull out. This prevents accidents at the dock.
These processes eliminate guesswork between the driver and dock personnel. Clear communication and controlled movement are critical to reducing risk on hazmat loads.
Life Between Stops
Waiting can be a big part of driving, especially on hazmat runs. While dock workers triple-check their paperwork and make sure packaging is sealed tightly, Steve passes the time in the cab of his truck.
Q: What do you do to keep yourself entertained while you’re waiting to be loaded or unloaded?
A: I listen to the radio all the time, and like everybody else, I’ll jump on my phone and check some stuff out. I do a lot of reading, too. I like nonfiction, like outdoor adventure mishaps. Right now, I’m reading ‘A Wolverine Is Eating My Leg.’
Life Outside the Truck
For many drivers, what they do outside of work mirrors the on-the-go nature of the job itself.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not driving?
A: Number one would be mountain biking. In the wintertime, I go skiing. Walking the dog, hiking with my family, anything that gets me outside.
Unexpected Moments on the Job
Even routine routes can offer surprising experiences.
Q: What’s the most interesting thing you’ve seen on the road?
A: Last winter around Thanksgiving, I turned down my usual route and saw all these cranes in the trees on the side of the road. It turns out that the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was coming from East Greenbush that year, and they were cutting it down right there. Who would think that they’d pick the tree up on the route I always run, on the day I was working?
Why A Carrier’s Culture Matters
The driver’s experience, and the service they deliver, is shaped as much by the company as the work itself.
Q: What stands out to you about driving with Shaker?
A: The personnel are really easy to deal with. The coworkers, the bosses, everyone is very understanding and supportive. The fleet of trucks is top notch and they take care of any maintenance issues right away… Shaker is a place to retire a career, and you know you’re going to be running with a reliable company.
Great Drivers Deliver Great Service
Hazmat freight shouldn’t be handled by just anyone. From dock procedures to documentation and communication, each step depends on experienced drivers following consistent processes.
For shippers, working with a carrier that prioritizes those details can make a measurable difference in both risk management and service reliability.
Partner With a Carrier That Prioritizes Safety
Moving hazardous materials requires discipline, communication, and attention to detail at every step.
At Shaker Logistics, that starts with experienced drivers and clear processes designed to support safe, consistent execution.
If you’re shipping hazmat freight and need a partner you can rely on, reach out to Shaker Logistics today.