Commercial or private carriers (i.e., commercial transport companies) are subject to the Department of Transporation's (DOTs) Hazardous Materials Regulations. These include companies such as FedEx and DHL, as well as medical couriers, etc.

Transport of infectious substances to other institutions or entities such as another university, a waste disposal facility, or a return to the manufacturer should only be done by DOT licensed hazardous materials carriers to another location via a public thoroughfare.

When Principal Investigators leave an institution, the research may be transferred to the new institution, which then becomes the owner. The original institution is legally responsible for the shipment to the new institution. Contact HSRM (612) 626-6002 for consultation.

Principal Investigators must participate in Hazardous Shipper Training before selecting a carrier or transporting material. Category A and Category B Infectious Substances should be consigned by air (exempt human specimens are exempt but regulated). Assurance from the carrier must be given that DOT regulations are being met.

As of October 1, 2006, the DOT regulations state that Materials of Trade (MOTS) (see 49 CFR §173.6) exceptions only apply to patient specimens or those samples that would be otherwise considered Category B that are contained in a human (patient) or animal sample (no cultures). Therefore, personal or dedicated vehicle transport in addition to carrier transport can only use a MOTS exception for Patient Specimens.