TSA approves more than 1 million truckers

WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- More than 1 million truck drivers have been approved to transport hazardous material in the United States, the Transportation Security Administration says.

The TSA requires that all truck drivers receive a biometric security check in order to transport hazardous material in the United States.

TSA officials say the fingerprints and backgrounds of more than 1 million drivers have now been verified as secure and have received the Hazardous Material Endorsement, which allows the driver to transport the dangerous cargo, the TSA reported.

The HME Threat Assessment program was created in 2004 as part of an effort to address potential security threats on the U.S. interstate highway network.

"Truckers are another set of eyes on the road and are part of the security network," Gale Rossides TSA deputy administrator, said in a statement.

"They play a vital role in keeping our freeways, streets, counties and cities safe."

Officials say with the Hazardous Material Endorsement, drivers can transport substances like explosives, radioactive materials and infectious substances among other dangerous material.