Hazardous materials transportation isn`t as scary as you imagine

The transportation of nuclear and other explosive materials is one of the most difficult in the field of cargo transportation. However, not everything is as bad as it seems at first sight.

Truckers who carry nuclear bombs and weapons are regulated by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), an organization established in 2000. The NNSA is part of the Office of Secure Transportation (OST) of the US Department of Energy (DOE).

According to Curtis Johnson, a lead headhunter of the NNSA, the Department of Energy is constantly in need of new employees. Despite the routine, this employment is part of important major operations, and each vehicle in the convoy is serviced by several federal agents.

“We typically place trucker`s vacancies on www.usajobs.gov three or four times a year, and each job vacant for one or two weeks,” Johnson said.

After employment NMC candidates spend approximately 18 weeks of training in Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. The 18-week course is called Nuclear Material Courier Basic (NMCB) and is required for all new NMC applicants.

In the NMCB there are three stages of training where candidates develop the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to become an NMC:

1. Driving training, that gives the fundamental skills of driving OST vehicles. Applicants must get a CDL certification and pass all driving tests.
2. Shooting training is provided for OST primary weapons, and candidates must complete training in approved courses by the Department of Energy.
3. Individual tactics and tactics for small units, adapted to the operations of the OST mission. Applicants must pass all tests of the effectiveness of the tactics.

But not all candidates complete training. Three main reasons for not getting a degree are: voluntary retirement, injury and failure to complete part of the course.

Flights are usually operated all year and are nearly always planned in advance.

However, all possible inconveniences are compensated by fair wage. Its range for the NV-01 (basic) federal NMC employee is $ 48 682 to $ 76 981.