A carrier is found to be transporting a bulk shipment of Division 1.1 explosives without a required HMSP. What is a likely consequence for the carrier under federal rules?

49 CFR 107.329; 49 CFR Part 385, Subpart E

The penalty range for operating HMSP-regulated materials without a permit is large on purpose, because these are materials capable of causing mass-casualty events (bulk explosives, radioactive HRCQ, certain poison gases) if something goes wrong. A driver who knowingly transports such a load for an unpermitted carrier can be held personally liable in addition to the company facing fines, so "I was just following dispatch" is not a legal shield. Understanding the stakes, penalties up to $238,809 per violation, is what makes the verification step worth the extra five minutes.