Recently, a corrosive wood cleaner was leaking from a shipment at a package sorting facility in Kentucky. The Columbus, Ohio distribution company responsible for the shipment is now on the hook for a $63,000 civil penalty to settle allegations for failing to properly mark, label, or complete shipping papers. In another case, a Korean-based company paid out $72,000 in fines after its shipment of flammable solvents, paint, and resins was found leaking at the same Kentucky package sorting facility. The Korean-based company had also failed to properly package, mark, label, and complete shipping papers as required under Department of Transportation (DOT) and hazmat regulations.
Each year, scores of companies fail to meet basic hazardous materials shipping requirements. Lapses in safety transportation procedures can cause injury to shipping facility workers as well as harm the environment. Missteps can also result in costly recovery work and backlog. Companies can prevent those types of failures by implementing hazmat training solutions for employees involved in preparing shipments.
Hazardous Materials Shipping Laws and Regulations
According to US DOT 49 CFR and Hazardous Materials Regulations:
- Labels must be used for hazardous materials when they are being transported.
- Any person who offers a hazardous material for transportation must label the package or containment device.
- Section 172.411 through 172.448 shows the designs for specific types of DOT shipping labels.
For hazmat shippers in a rush, the transportation and compliance process does not have to be a daunting task. Companies can avoid costly fines, rejected shipments, and other incidents in transit by combining a safe mindset with the utilization of valuable safety educational resources and industrial-grade materials. Identify materials and their hazards, mark the materials for shipment, and document as well as make a record of the shipment for future use.
Ship Hazardous Materials with Confidence
Shipping hazardous materials requires an attention to detail and understanding of rules
and regulations. Reduce the risks involved in hazardous material transportation and accomplish shipping goals simply and practically. Learn the process of safely shipping hazardous materials through simple tips, easy compliance steps, and efficient communication with the free, downloadable Shipping Hazardous Materials guide. Understand classification, labeling, and documentation for DOT shipping compliance. Use labels made with the toughest material to withstand harsh chemicals, weather, and rough shipping processes.
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