Every American schoolchild learns the story of the American Revolution, from the Boston Tea Party to the Declaration of Independence to the final victory at Yorktown. But the story everyone knows is not the whole story—especially if you have a Dangerous Goods background. Just as mass audiences usually miss the key hazmat-related themes in popular…
Archive for News
DG Digest: IMO Announces Newest Amendment to IMDG Code, Due in September
As the nation starts to swing in towards the 4th of July holiday and typical summer fun, regulatory activity has perked up somewhat. Does this mean a busy fall ahead? We’ll see! Meanwhile, here’s the most recent news: IMO The International Maritime Agency announced that the newest amendment of the IMDG Code (i.e. 39-18) for…
Dangerous Goods Symposium 2018 workshop: “Authoring Closure Instructions”
Howard Z. Skolnik and W. Dean Ricker—chairman and president, respectively, of Skolnik Industries—will lead a workshop on “Authoring Closure Instructions” during the 13th annual Dangerous Goods Symposium, September 5–7, 2018, in Rosemont, Illinois. “The 49 CFR says every package with a UN certification must have closure instructions to give shippers a way to complete a... Read more [...]
DG Digest: PHMSA and the FRA add to Thermal Protection Systems list, last updated in 1994
Mid-June finds summer warmth coming in, and the last two weeks found a variety of interesting regulatory news coming to the forefront. Summertime usually means vacation time at many companies; make sure your company’s planning accounts for potential reduced staffing and the distractions that sometimes can affect people about to take time off. Safety and... Read more [...]
Begin Using those New EPA 5-Part Hazardous Waste Manifests on June 30th!
If you or your company generate or handle hazardous waste, you should be aware by now that the EPA will launch their new e-Manifest system on June 30, 2018 (only 15 days away!). The e-Manifest system is a national system to track hazardous waste electronically, and will eventually completely replace paper manifests. For at least…
Hazmat software integration clicks at SAPPHIRE NOW conference
Last week, Labelmaster Senior Manager of Strategy Kristen Dapore attended the SAPPHIRE NOW conference in Orlando. Manning a booth with our integration partner SCT Software, she came away with one undeniable fact: Businesses want one solution that brings everything together for their entire operation. That’s why SAP®—the host of the conference—is the giant it is.... Read more [...]
How will blockchain impact hazmat? Transparency 18 offered exciting clues.
Last month I had the pleasure of attending the Transparency 18 Summit in Atlanta. FreightWaves, the event’s host, offered an unparalleled opportunity to learn what’s new and emerging related to technology and supply chain. Based on my experience there, I’m convinced the future of the logistics industry is as exciting as ever. Since FreightWaves is... Read more [...]
See Pia Jala’s insights on lithium battery packaging in HCB Monthly
Labelmaster Vice President of Operations Pia Jala is one of the Dangerous Goods industry’s most experienced voices. In the latest issue of HCB Monthly, she examines the impact across the supply chain of Obexion advanced lithium battery packaging: “What if the supply chain industry turned its attention beyond the labels placed on the outside of…
DG Digest: PHMSA weighs in on class 9 non-bulk requirements, tape width on spec packages, and further international harmonization
The summer season kicks off with a slightly elevated level of regulatory action, including interesting interpretations from PHMSA. Meanwhile, it’s time to start planning for the warm season at your company. Are you ready with a plan to mitigate the risk of heat related illness for your employees? Proactive is far better than reactive for... Read more [...]
Avengers vs. Solo: A movie review for hazmat professionals
So far, it’s been a great summer season at the movies for Dangerous Goods professionals. Two blockbuster movies about hazardous materials transport have already blasted their way into your local multiplex. We’re talking, of course, about Avengers: Infinity War and Solo: A Star Wars Story. Now, to the layperson, Avengers may appear to be a…
DG Digest: PHMSA to solicit input on improvements to 2020 ERG
Monday marked Memorial Day, 2018. The Labelmaster family joins with the rest of our nation in expressing our gratitude to those who have fallen in the service of our nation. Their sacrifice is everlasting. The week wraps up with the following regulatory news: OSHA The agency issued a renewed ICR dealing with permit required confined…
DG Digest: FRA increases grant opportunities as PTC deadline looms
As May slides towards its end, regulatory activity remains at low ebb. Summer is typically the low point of bustle as regulators enjoy time off like everyone else; will this year be different? Time will tell. Meanwhile, here’s what did happen last week: FMCSA The nation’s agency regulating motor carrier safety released a set of…
What device manufacturers can learn from the failure of Bluesmart
Why device manufacturers must build compliance into their R&D When your product runs on lithium batteries, it isn’t enough to comply with current restrictions. Your survival may depend on how well you anticipate future restrictions. Bluesmart learned that lesson the hard way. Earlier this month, the maker of “smart” luggage had to shut down due…
DG Digest: PHMSA aligns with ICAO & IMO on 2mm inner border issue for labels
May proceeds with a little more action on the regulatory front, with PHMSA contributing guidance on the always confusing label border issue and the FRA updating PTC progress. Here’s all the latest: PHMSA The agency published a Letter of Interpretation clarifying the “2mm inner border” issue for labels in 49 CFR 172.407(c)(3). PHMSA said that…
PHMSA publishes proposed upcoming regulatory agenda
The US government’s Office of Management and Budget, or OMB, recently published the projected regulatory agenda that PHMSA intends to pursue over the next six months. Federal agencies typically publish their agendas on a semiannual basis as an indicator of the priorities they envision working on. Such activities will be published in the Federal Register…
Hazmat professionals! Here’s your 2018 Mothers’ Day Gift Guide!
Back by popular demand—it’s our last-minute Mothers’ Day gift guide for Dangerous Goods professionals! Nearly all hazmat professionals have mothers, are married to mothers or are themselves mothers. Yet no one but Labelmaster ever examines the formative role our mothers played in our Dangerous Goods development, or the critical question on everyone’s minds over the... Read more [...]
DG Digest: PHMSA defines scope and mission of new Accident Investigation Team
The year progresses; here it is May tomorrow already! April closes out with significantly increased regulatory activity; the biggest news being PHMSA’s announcement of a new Research and Development Forum and a big plug for its new Hazmat Investigative team. See all the details below: PHMSA The agency reiterated the mission of its new hazmat... Read more [...]
Top 11 reasons hazmat shippers will love the new Labelmaster.com
Have you visited Labelmaster.com lately? We’ve recently given the entire website a thorough renovation to make it easier for Dangerous Goods shippers like you to find what you need. Easier to order. Easier to keep your entire shipping operation compliant. And, if we do say so ourselves, easier on the eyes. Here’s why you’ll love…
DG Digest: OSHA Issues ICRs on Bloodborne Pathogens, Mechanical Presses, and Explosives
Spring is finally springing over the nation; the last few days have brought warmer weather and a slackening of the late snowfall that has plagued so many places around the country. Let’s hope it sticks; the spring, not the snow! It was a relatively quiet week in the regulatory world; here the latest happenings: PHMSA…
COSTHA 2018 preview: Another chance to discover Obexion
Next week, logistics and Dangerous Goods professionals from all over the globe will gather for the COSTHA Annual Forum & Expo 2018—the yearly compliance event hosted by the Council of Safe Transport of Hazardous Articles. COSTHA is one of the world’s foremost organizations promoting Dangerous Goods shipping compliance, and we’re proud to be part of…
DG Digest: EPA issues IRC on hazardous substance discharges into waterways
The nation continues to be battered over large areas by very late and unusually heavy snowfalls. Many companies have plowing & shoveling contracts with private vendors that often end on April 1st each spring. If this is how it works at your company, it may be the case that your vendor will need that extra…
IATA Publishes 2018 Guidelines for Passengers Traveling with Lithium Batteries
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today published their guidelines for passengers traveling with lithium batteries and devices that contain lithium batteries. Please download and refer to their full guide here: LithiumBatteryPassengers_March 2018. Some highlights: Effective March, 2018 These rules are already in effect as of March. The guide covers topics like: Types of batteries and when... Read more [...]
What Obexion’s special permit means for lithium battery shipping
If your business ever ships damaged, defective or recalled lithium-ion batteries—or devices that contain them—you need a thorough knowledge of section 173.185 of the 49th volume of the Code of Federal Regulations. Ha! Just kidding! You really only need to know one word: Obexion. Here’s why: In addition to its revolutionary, fire-mitigating fiberboard material, every... Read more [...]
DG Digest: PHMSA issues ICR on service delivery to the hazmat community and the TSA’s considers updating requirements for hazmat endoursements
Scratch the moderating weather I talked about last week—the nation continues in the grip of unseasonal winter weather. Is your company still on guard for slips and falls on ice and snow? Hopefully it will all be over soon, but don’t forget to protect those employees from the winter that won’t go home! Here’s the... Read more [...]
CHEMTREC and Labelmaster team up for one reason: safety.
Last month, Labelmaster and CHEMTREC announced a new partnership that makes Labelmaster the exclusive label manufacturer and distributor for CHEMTREC. Now, all Dangerous Goods labels printed with CHEMTREC information will come from Labelmaster. But this partnership isn’t really about labels. It’s about safety. CHEMTREC chief executive John Modine explains, “Having Labelmaster as our exclusive label... Read more [...]
DG Digest: The TSA is updating penalties for cargo screeners & IATA issues guidance on ‘label border’ issue
April is here and along with moderating weather brings with it a few new items for our blog, although in general regulatory activity remains limited. Here are the latest relevant releases: DOL/OSHA OSHA and the Department of Labor are planning a renewed ICR dealing with their Respiratory Protection Standard. This set of regulations sets the... Read more [...]
Industrial Pack 2018 preview: a new chance to discover Obexion
Next week, vendors and buyers from every segment of the packaging industry will meet up at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta for the first annual Industrial Pack 2018. Of course, Labelmaster will be there! The organizers of Industrial Pack describe it as “North America’s FIRST and ONLY free-to-attend trade event dedicated to … bring…
11 questions every e-commerce device maker must ask about lithium batteries
Say you’ve invented a robot that doesn’t just vacuum floors, but cleans all the grime off your showers, sinks and toilets, too. (Let’s call it the “Bathroomba.”) If an informal poll here at Labelmaster is any indication, your brainchild will command a premium price and sell a million units by next Wednesday. There’s only one... Read more [...]
DG Digest: FRA & PHMSA seek info on fully-automated transport systems
Spring has arrived—I hope it is starting to bloom in your hometown! Remember to be careful when getting those outdoor spaces back into service after their winter shutdown. It’s easy to injure muscles that may not have seen much use since last October! Regulatory activity this last week focused on the US government’s efforts to…
DG Digest: Will the EPA ease burden on small waste generators by adding aerosol cans to Universal Waste Program?
The last full week of winter featured St. Patrick’s Day, always a busy event in most American municipalities. Hopefully everyone had a nice time, practiced safely! The end of winter found regulatory activity continuing its relatively slow pace, though things were a little busier than has been the recent case, and EPA published a proposal... Read more [...]
As blockchain gets bigger, will hazmat transport get linked up?
Almost a year ago, we asked why no one was talking about blockchain in hazmat shipping. As far as we know, we’re still the only ones asking. There have been no significant developments in the application of blockchain technology to Dangerous Goods transport. Yet, as blockchain continues to grow more important to worldwide logistics, it…
What do hazardous waste labels say about your DG partner?
In the world of Dangerous Goods transport, a few millimeters can send otherwise calm logistics professionals scrambling for that extra bottle of Tums. That’s what happened in January 2017, when an update to the 49 CFR (section 172.301, for you regulation geeks) went into effect mandating that, for all hazmat or hazardous waste packages larger…
DG Digest: FRA has a new admin and EPA announces new 5-part Haz Waste Manifest
March roars in like a lion and minces out like a lamb—so the old chestnut goes. In regulatory terms, however, March seems lamb-like from the get-go, continuing the recent trend of minimal activity. A revised hazardous waste manifest form livens things up a bit, however, if you are a CERCLA waste generator. Here’s all the…
DG Digest: FRA’s has a new admin and EPA announces new 5-part Haz Waste Manifest
March roars in like a lion and minces out like a lamb—so the old chestnut goes. In regulatory terms, however, March seems lamb-like from the get-go, continuing the recent trend of minimal activity. A revised hazardous waste manifest form livens things up a bit, however, if you are a CERCLA waste generator. Here’s all the…
TMC 2018 Annual Meeting preview: innovation and reliability
This week, trucking’s leading fleet professionals, vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers will gather in Atlanta for TMC18—the Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition. Of course, Labelmaster will be there at Booth 811! “People at TMC are always looking for innovation,” says Mike Kelly, Labelmaster Director of Sales Operations. “Increased fuel economy,... Read more [...]
10 things your C-suite might not know about Dangerous Goods
In our 2014 Master Series video—“DG and the C-suite: What Every Executive Needs to Know”—Labelmaster President Alan Schoen says: “Unfortunately, the C-suite does not know a lot about the transportation of Dangerous Goods. They think we’re shipping nuclear bars from the waste treatment plant, and that’s not what it is.” How much has changed in... Read more [...]
DG Digest: OSHA to hold public meeting to solicit comments on whistleblower protections