Final answer:
Transporters are responsible for determining if a permit or special route is needed to transport a hazardous material load. They must comply with regulations set by the United States Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency. Customs officers use scanning devices to inspect vehicles and detect any illegal transportation of hazardous materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the United States, it is the responsibility of the transporters to find out if a permit or special route is needed to transport a hazardous material load. The United States Department of Transportation hazardous materials regulations, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency's hazardous waste regulations, apply to the transportation of regulated wastes on public roads, highways, rails, and waterways. Transporters must comply with these regulations to ensure the safe transportation of hazardous materials.
Customs officers can also use scanning devices, such as gamma ray, x-ray, or neutron-scanning devices, to inspect the contents of trucks and cars, helping to detect any hazardous materials being transported illegally.