What is the primary purpose of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)?

The HMR exist to protect the public from the dangers of hazardous materials in transportation. The regulations have three core intents: contain the product (proper packaging that will not leak under normal transportation conditions), communicate the risk (labels, placards, shipping papers that tell anyone who handles or encounters the shipment what is in it), and ensure safe drivers and safe vehicles (training, endorsements, vehicle requirements). Every specific rule traces back to one of these three intents. Understanding this helps you remember why a rule exists, not just what it says. Revenue is a side effect of permit fees; the regulations are safety-driven.