Archive for News
DG Digest: FMCSA reviewing HOS rules, FAA seeks further data on drones, and the EPA wants to designate certain ‘high-priority’ chemicals
The penultimate week of the summer season was not quite as busy as last week’s heavy action; however, the federal government did have some actions of note, particularly to motor carriers, drone aircraft operators, and chemical manufacturers. See the week’s events below: FMCSA The agency proposed amendments to its hours-of-service (HOS) requirements to provide greater... Read more [...]
How much do new civil penalties for hazmat violations actually cost you?
As Labelmaster Staff Regulatory Specialist Nikki Burgess reported a couple of weeks back, many federal agencies recently raised their civil penalties about 2.5% for Dangerous Goods regulatory citations. In other words, any compliance errors you make will now cost you a little more. Since most readers of this blog—and most players in the global hazmat…
DG Digest: A major new NPRM (HM-219C) from PHMSA, plus updates from FMCSA, OSHA and more.
It’s still a few weeks until Labor Day and the unofficial end of the season. However in strong contrast to the recent summer regulatory doldrums, as we head towards summer’s end the Federal Register was busy indeed this week with multiple large published actions by a number of relevant agencies. Grab your coffee and find…
13 questions (and answers) about the 2020 Emergency Response Guidebook
Believe it or not, 2020 is only a few months away, and that means it’s almost time for the Dangerous Goods version of the summer Olympics—the quadrennial release of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG). Since we’re already seeing heavy pre-orders for the new 2020 ERG, we wanted to take a few minutes to answer a…
DG Digest: PHMSA revisits requalification period for certain DOT 4-series cylinders, issues special permits
Summer doldrums this week as regulatory activity eases along. August is traditionally a slow month in our nation’s capital. PHMSA however stayed active and is the only player in this week’s digest. Here’s all the latest: PHMSA PHMSA is proposing to revise requirements on the requalification period for certain DOT 4-series specification cylinders in non-corrosive... Read more [...]
DG Symposium preview: Why is lithium battery recycling suddenly sexy?
Todd Coy, Vice President at KBI, will speak about “Lithium Battery Recycling and End of Life Transport” at the 14th annual Dangerous Goods Symposium, September 4–6, 2019, in Chicago. The third day of every Dangerous Goods Symposium is devoted to lithium battery issues, with an expert panel sharing the latest regulatory developments and fielding pointed... Read more [...]
DG Digest: Regulatory Agencies Announce Adjustments to Civil Penalties
Summer continues into its traditionally warmest month; be sure your employees remain able to cope with the heat that can afflict our workplaces. It’s also a heavy vacation month and the reduced staffing that can result can pressurize employees that are covering vacationing colleagues; be on the lookout for people who may be trying a little…
DG Symposium preview: The hazmat possibilities of unmanned aircraft systems
Mark Wuennenberg, VP of Regulatory Affairs at Drone Delivery Canada, will speak about “Innovation Taking Flight—Drones in Cargo Logistics” at the 14th annual Dangerous Goods Symposium, September 4–6, 2019, in Chicago. Will unmanned aircraft systems (commonly referred to as drones) ever have a role to play in Dangerous Goods transport? If Mark Wuennenberg has anything... Read more [...]
DG Digest: WA State v. Federal Government — jurisdiction at stake in dispute over crude oil volatility limits
As is often the case in the mid-summer, the regulatory news is a little sparse this week; however, PHMSA offers an interesting request for comments regarding federal primacy in interstate transport, and OSHA had reasons to publish also. See all the latest below: PHMSA Interested parties are invited to comment on an application by the... Read more [...]
Infographic: Who needs Dangerous Goods training? And what kind?
Who needs Dangerous Goods training? That’s easy. Training is mandated by law for anyone involved in the transport of Dangerous Goods. There are very few exceptions to the rule. But who needs what kind of training? That’s a more complicated question. Employers are responsible for making sure every employee is trained for every DG function…
Supply Chain Moves: Week of July 22, 2019
Week of July 22, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Effectively shipping products is challenging enough in today’s dynamic supply chain environment, but the complexity and risk is significantly increased when shipping dangerous goods – especially when managing returns and product recalls. This makes having in place the right technology, packaging and processes... Read more [...]
DG Digest: EPA to limit some feedback under Toxic Substances Control Act
It’s hot, right? Mid-summer is here with tremendous heat and we all have to protect our employees. Remember the basics: provide plenty of water, make sure employees take more frequent breaks in a cool area, caution them against overexertion in the heat, and keep an extra eye open for people struggling in the weather. Let’s all do…
How to get strategic about hazmat packaging efficiency
If you’re an e-commerce customer—and who isn’t these days?—you’ve probably had the experience of receiving a small item in a large package and wondering, Was this really the most efficient way to ship this thing? As a supply chain professional, however, you know the answer probably isn’t that simple. Packaging efficiency in today’s decentralized omnichannel... Read more [...]
DG Digest: Should training providers be able to administer CDL skills testing?
The summer doldrums continue in the regulatory sector, with minimal activity underway. The FMCSA is the big player this week, with a significant proposal to modify CDL driver testing standards. Here’s all the latest: FMCSA The agency proposes to allow States to permit a third party skills test examiner to administer the Commercial Driver’s License... Read more [...]
Omnichannel, decentralized and hazmat-compliant: A brave new world
Labelmaster and Pierbridge will host an exclusive webinar—“How to Stay Dangerous Goods Compliant and Optimize Parcel Shipping in the Brave New Omnichannel Shipping World”—Thursday, July 25 @ 1:00 PM Eastern (12:00 PM Central). Register here. How much more complex and challenging can shipping get? You’re doing everything you can to satisfy customers’ demands for fast,... Read more [...]
DG Digest: FAA may ease fire protection rules for transport aircraft
Last week included a holiday period and as such regulatory activity was at rather low ebb. However, the FMCSA stayed fairly busy with several issuances, and the FAA announced an interesting new NPRM related to fire protection standards for transport aircraft. See the week’s action below: FMCSA The agency amended its Hazardous Materials Safety Permit... Read more [...]
Explosives aren’t the only e-commerce hazmat you might ship for July 4th
July 4th is the day we celebrate being American, and what’s more American than getting what you want, when you want it? E-commerce delivers on that dream for millions of Americans every day, and that can be a beautiful thing. It can also be a dangerous thing, because many e-commerce shippers still don’t realize when…
DG Digest: DoD updates its Dangerous Goods regulations, and a hazardous chemicals ICR from OSHA
The nation moves into the 4th of July holiday period as summer takes hold; it’s time to be extra careful as people hit the road for that summer vacation they’ve been planning, and most especially this week, to be extra careful around fireworks. The 4th of July always produces a stream of injuries from the…
DG Symposium preview: IATA’s Nicolas Carlone on automation and virtual reality
Nicolas Carlone, Assistant Director of DGR and Cargo Publications at IATA, will speak on Dangerous Goods acceptance automation—and give a live demo of IATA’s new virtual reality training tool—at the 14th annual Dangerous Goods Symposium, September 4–6, 2019, in Chicago. During last year’s Dangerous Goods Symposium, we wrote, “Sometime in the not-too-distant future, someone will... Read more [...]
DG Digest: USPS testing use of smaller Limited and Excepted Quantity labels
The end of June finds the nation’s schoolchildren mostly finishing their tenures for the year; that means a lot more potential danger on the roads for drivers and equipment operators. If your company operates on the roads, make sure your employees are aware of the increased risk. Here’s the period’s regulatory news: FMCSA The agency published... Read more [...]
5 questions you should ask about lithium battery packaging testing
When it comes to shipping lithium batteries compliantly, labels and marks grab all the headlines, but the real story is in packaging. After all, while labels and marks are critical for proper identification of a package’s contents, the package itself is what keeps those contents from causing damage. In the case of lithium batteries and…
Supply Chain Moves: Week of June 17, 2019
Week of June 17, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Companies today are investing heavily in technology. But how those investment decisions are made can vary based on cost, ROI and more. Organizations shipping dangerous goods need to make compliance and risk mitigation key considerations. To help companies keep a pulse on technology…
Why your in-house legal department should understand hazmat shipping
Used to be, when Dangerous Goods pros heard from a lawyer, it could only mean one thing: bad news. Something went seriously wrong with a hazmat shipment. That mindset is changing. Will Troutman and Jim Shimko are trying to change it even faster. Troutman is a Partner with the Los Angeles office of the law…
DG Digest: TSA issues ICR to stakeholders engaged in surface transportation
The week found the United States and her allies marking the 75th Anniversary of the World War 2 invasion of Normandy in France, beginning the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi rule. The Labelmaster family joins with our fellow citizens in expressing gratitude for the bravery and sadness at the sacrifice of those who took…
5 situations where you might need “extreme” hazmat labels and placards
Say you ship drums of UN 1263 paint every single day. You know the applicable regulations for shipping 1263 like you know your kids’ middle names. You could wallpaper your entire facility with the shipper’s declarations for 1263 you’ve printed over the years. Your phone passcode is 1263. You’re as likely to ship UN 1263…
DG Digest: FRA withdraws 2016 NPRM on train crew staffing
It’s the first week of June, and stormy weather has been an issue for much of the country. Be sure your workplace pays proper attention to safety response and evacuation plans for such events; storm water runoff may also be an issue for certain businesses. Don’t be caught unprepared! It was a quiet week on…
CEOs! Want supply chain to be a competitive weapon? Start with hazmat.
For years now, we’ve been helping supply chain professionals see hazmat compliance as a competitive advantage, not a cost center. Show your bosses real visibility into the true costs and value of improved compliance, we’ve said, and you’ll secure the resources to drive new revenue and boost profitability. Turns out we’re not the only ones…
DG Digest: ADR to go Global, Could Drop “European Union (EU)” from Title
Monday the 27th marked our nation’s Memorial Day honoring fallen military veterans. The Labelmaster family joins our fellow Americans in expressing gratitude for their sacrifice. It was a middling busy week on the regulatory front; here’s the latest: OSHA The agency announced that on Thursday, June 20, 2019, OSHA will conduct a public meeting to…
Last chance to take the 2019 Dangerous Goods Confidence Outlook survey!
Labelmaster, Hazardous Cargo Bulletin (HCB) and IATA invite you to participate in the world’s most comprehensive survey of hazmat professionals. The last day for responses is Friday, May 31. Usually, when you see a “last chance” email or blog headline, it’s to entice you into some sort of offer you’ll regret missing. Maybe it’s a... Read more [...]
DG Digest: PHMSA seeks nominees for first ever lithium battery committee
We begin the final month of the spring with a fairly busy week. Before too long the summer vacation and holiday season will begin; it’s easy for some employees to become a little preoccupied. Let’s make sure we all keep focused on the safety of our workplace! It’s been a busy week in the regulatory…
A top 3PL offers e-commerce tips on shipping lithium batteries by USPS
Many Labelmaster customers are more than just customers—they’re our true partners in making the Dangerous Goods supply chain safer and more efficient. One recent example is our new page on shipping lithium batteries via the U.S. Postal Service, which we developed following a suggestion from our longtime friends at third-party logistics provider GEODIS, Erin Gaul... Read more [...]
DG Digest: PHMSA to hold public meeting on 2020 ERG
Sunday was Mothers’ Day; here’s hoping all the Moms out there got the “royal treatment.” Thank you for all you do! The week was a little busy in the regulatory sense; here’s all the latest: FAA The agency published a proposed new ICR that will affect the manufacturers of small unmanned aircraft (drones) and that…
Shipping lithium batteries by mail: 3 things you must know
If you’re in the hazmat business, you’re no stranger to Publication 52 from the United States Postal Service. Affectionately referred to as “Pub 52,” this public document (a.k.a. “Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail“) outlines the do’s and don’ts for the safe transport of Dangerous Goods via the U.S. mail. One of the thorniest topics in... Read more [...]
DG Digest: OSHA announces 2019 funding for underserved workplace programs
Spring is well underway now; many businesses will be attending to outdoor maintenance and grounds upkeep that may have been off the schedule in the winter months. It’s easy to get hurt on roofs or with power tools; be sure your team remembers and abides by the rules for engaging in those tasks to everyone…
Can one compliance gap ruin your bottom line? Ask the Night King.
We all know Game of Thrones, the hit series currently in its final season on HBO, is really about hazmat transport. Fittingly, Sunday night’s episode 3 supplied a metaphor that every supply chain organization should take to heart. Spoiler alert: If you aren’t current on Game of Thrones, skip the next two paragraphs! The episode…
DG Digest: EPA proposes to amend TSCA reporting for small manufacturers
The last two weeks of April featured improving weather across the United States, and then a late season snow storm hit east of the Mississippi! Make sure your workplace’s cold weather and snow removal plans are still effective and protect those employees. Regulatory action was varied across the time period, with EPA action in reference…
How is hazmat shipping like your favorite sport (and how do you win)?
It’s a great time of year to be a sports fan. The NBA and NHL playoffs (WOW! What a first round…) are at full throttle, Major League Baseball is back and the NFL draft is right around the corner. The athletes who play those sports are the best in the world at what they do.…
Client ID Database has DG Stakeholders North of the Border Facing a New Registration Requirement
Formal consultation (the equivalent in Canada to the familiar US “Comment period” for proposed rulemakings) has ended in Canada on a new proposal which, according to Transport Canada, will require stakeholders who will: import, offer for transport, handle or transports dangerous goods in Canada To register with Transport Canada under the identification database requirement. The... Read more [...]
Add your voice to the 4th annual Dangerous Goods Confidence Outlook
Labelmaster, Hazardous Cargo Bulletin (HCB) and IATA invite you to participate in the world’s most comprehensive survey of hazmat professionals. The revealed results of the annual Dangerous Goods Confidence Outlook have become a tradition at the Dangerous Goods Symposium. A few insights usually take the crowd by surprise, and you hear reactions like: I’ve always... Read more [...]
DG Digest: PHMSA issues Emergency Waiver No. 13 for areas affected by severe flooding
Mid-April snow snarled much of the nation over the weekend, but it’s also now the culmination of tax season. Transport regulations may not be topping everyone’s list of things to think about this week; however, plenty of action took place all the same. Here’s the latest: PHMSA The agency published Emergency Waiver No. 13. This waiver... Read more [...]
