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DG Digest: PHMSA Greenlights Special Permits, FMCSA Clarifies Regulations, OSHA Seeks Input on Methylene Chloride Standard

It was a relatively quiet week last week after the tumult of the now-completed election season. With the transition between administrations now underway, most federal agencies tend to follow a low profile, since policy and priorities are likely to shift in January. Meanwhile, here is the week’s news: PHMSA The agency has released its latest

DG Digest: EPA Clarifies E-Manifest Rules, FRA Proposes Waiver Standard Updates, and OSHA Seeks Input on Noise and Carcinogen Standards

Halloween is over. Hopefully, everyone enjoyed their treats! And hopefully everyone has remembered to set their clocks back an hour as of yesterday (if you are reading this on Monday!). Who would have thought November could arrive so quickly? Here’s last week’s regulatory news: EPA In a new final rule, the agency issued a set

DG Digest: PHMSA Addresses Cryogenic Liquid Risks, FAA Issues Safety Alert for Battery-Related Cargo, and Transport Canada Releases Updated Training Guidance

The leaves are falling fast now as we enter into the second month of autumn. Are your wintertime snow and ice clearance plans in place? Before too long, many parts of the country will be experiencing such weather, so if you haven’t quite finished your preparations, now’s a great time to do so. No one

DG Digest: EPA determines TCEP, a flame-retardant used in plastics and foam products, poses unreasonable risk

The end of September is here—how fast did that month fly by! As October comes in, cooler weather is rapidly making its way into many parts of the country. Before long, the “S” word—snow—might start becoming a consideration for folks in the high country. Now’s a great time to start thinking about your wintertime plowing

Shaping the Future of Dangerous Goods: 2024 DG Symposium Recap 

The Dangerous Goods Symposium once again proved to be the go-to place for the DG industry to come together to exchange insights and collaborate. This year’s symposium gave attendees the chance to learn directly from government regulators and top professionals across the DG, logistics and supply chain sectors.   Here’s a quick snapshot of the event:

DG Digest: Federal Agencies Release Semi-Annual Regulatory Agendas, PHMSA Announces $41M in Grants to Support First Responders

The third week in August found regulatory activity picking up a little—perhaps it means folks are beginning to return from all those summer vacations as the season begins to wind down towards Labor Day. If you haven’t had your summer fun yet, don’t dawdle, school and the autumn aren’t terribly far way, and it’s a

DG Digest: Will CPSC Move to Ban Aerosol Dusters?

Here we are rolling into August already! With this being an election year the various political campaigns are in full swing, but much of “official” Washington spends most of the coming month in recess. Will that reflect in a lightened regulatory schedule? We’ll all find out together. Meanwhile, stay cool if you can! Here is

DG Digest: From Waste Tracking to Emergency Response: Regulatory Updates from EPA and OSHA

EPA The agency finalized amendments to the hazardous waste manifest regulations and the hazardous waste electronic manifest (e-Manifest) regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Among other things, EPA is finalizing changes to manifest regulations for shipments of hazardous waste that are exported for treatment, storage, and disposal. See the rule changes here.

Label Finder Updates Include International Shipping Options

In the fast-paced world of Dangerous Goods (DG) compliance, selecting the proper shipping label is essential. Without the right labels, DG shipments will be rejected by regulatory authorities and carriers, creating harmful supply chain delays. However, finding the proper label isn’t always quick or easy. In fact, with numerous label options across nine hazmat classes,

DG Digest: Attention Transporters of Hazardous Materials: PHMSA Proposes Registration Fee Updates; OSHA to Hold Public Meeting on UN GHS Standards

June traditionally begins the summer season and the end of the regular school year in many places across the country. Be sure to account for the potential additional presence of children enjoying their summer break during your travel, work, and especially while driving. Here’s the week’s news: PHMSA In an NPRM, the agency, in order

DG Digest: FRA Ups Railroad Safety with Dispatcher & Signal Maintainer Certifications; OSHA Updates Vinyl Chloride Standard

The Memorial Day weekend just concluded is the unofficial kick-off to the nation’s summer season. As such, it’s now a great time to review your home and workplace heat safety plans. Employees that work out of doors or in non-climate-controlled buildings can face real risks during hot weather. Be sure that you review your site

DG Digest: FAA, FMCSA, CPSC & OSHA: Updates on Undeclared Dangerous Goods, Radioactive Materials, Fuel Containers & More

Hopefully, everyone enjoyed the weekend just past, with “Star Wars Day” and Cinco de Mayo both falling over the period. Nowadays, it’s kind of the unofficial start to the summer season. Here’s to a great upcoming summertime for all of us! Let’s take a look at the current regulatory news: FAA The agency has published

Want more large-format lithium battery packaging options? We’ve got good news. 

Large-format lithium batteries power our world—from electric vehicles and energy storage systems to industrial robots and even aircraft. But with great power comes great responsibility, especially when it comes to safe and compliant transportation. That’s why Labelmaster’s DGeo packaging division has partnered with Action Wood 360 to offer easy-to-use collapsible wooden crates for large-format battery

DG Digest: New PHMSA Rule Makes Multi-Modal Hazmat Shipping Easier, Aligns with International Standards

As we publish, it’s Tax Day! Are you ready? Hopefully everyone has things under control for the year. It’s always an adventure. Meanwhile, it was an eventful regulatory week as PHMSA published its long awaited HM-215Q harmonization rule.  Let’s dive right in: PHMSA As just noted, the final rule updating international harmonization was published. The

DG Digest: Shipping Accident in Baltimore: A Reminder of Safe Cargo Practices

Shipping accident in Baltimore As most people already know, last week the Singapore flagged container ship MS Dali collided with the Francis Scott Key road bridge at the mouth of the harbor in Baltimore, Maryland. The bridge subsequently collapsed, tragically killing six maintenance workers on the span. Casualties may have been far greater but for

DG Digest: PHMSA Clarifies Special Permit Process, Adds Hazmat Training FAQs, and Issues Monkeypox Guidance

It’s mid-March, and the formal beginning of Spring is just a day or two away. Hopefully, every will have a chance to enjoy the improving weather and perhaps a spring break holiday. Be sure to include appropriate safety planning in your spring events! Here’s the last week’s extremely busy regulatory news: PHMSA The agency published

With the growing proliferation of lithium batteries, here’s how we’ve got safe shipping covered 

Lithium batteries power our lives—from smartphones and power tools to hoverboards and e-bikes. But their potential fire risk is so significant that airlines don’t even allow them in checked bags. The lithium battery chain is now expected to grow by more than 30 percent annually for the remainder of the decade, with a market size

Faster than coffee: Automating hazmat shipping with DGIS software

Why do so many people love single-serve coffee makers? Because they make a complex process simple and fast. That’s also why many hazmat organizations use advanced automation software. Dangerous Goods transport is one of the most complex processes in modern industry. Automation solutions that make hazmat shipping simpler and faster are essential for keeping your

DG Digest: NEW IMDG and ADR Corrigenda Released

It’s Presidents Day this Monday, honoring all the men who have thus far served as our nation’s chief executive. Most people have a favorite president from history; do you? Given the holiday, most federal and state agencies are closed today. However, last week did feature some new regulatory action. Here’s the latest: IMDG Code The

DG Digest: New tranche of semi-annual regulatory agendas released

Winter rolls on as we all recover from “The Big Game” on Sunday. Did your team win? Hey—there’s always next year, and baseball spring training starts later this week. Never give up, right? It was a relatively quiet regulatory week; here’s the latest news: Semi-Annual Regulatory Agendas A third tranche of new regulatory agendas has

DG Digest: An NPRM from OSHA in reference to required emergency response measures and organization

“Punxsutawney Phil,” the famous prognosticating groundhog in Pennsylvania, did not, according to news reports, see his shadow last Friday. According to the tradition, that means we’ll see a speedy end to winter. Let’s hope that groundhog nailed it! Meanwhile, however, just in case he’s wrong, be sure your winter safety plans remain in effect until

DG Digest: Proposed rulemaking from the CPSC regarding reducing required size of safety marks on consumer coin/button cell battery packaging

Here we are at the end of January! Whew! One more month of the worst weather to go. Hopefully, later this week, “Punxsutawney Phil” the famous groundhog in Pennsylvania will predict a quick end to winter.  Hang in there and stay safe! Here’s this week’s regulatory news: CPSC The Commission published a proposed rule (via

What customers are saying about Labelmaster’s new line of CurTec shipping products

Recently, Labelmaster announced the addition of CurTec high-performance plastic containers, drums and pails to our already robust packaging offering—allowing us to provide the industry’s broadest assortment of UN-certified primary containers. For Dangerous Goods (DG) pros, the lineup may be the right packaging solution to fit their needs for safe and compliant shipping. Here’s what we’ve

DG Digest: US Postal Service proposal to impose new packaging requirements for hazmat consigned by mail.

Holiday reminder – if you’re shipping to a destination with the expectation of a pre-December 25th arrival, time is just about up! If you are consigning dangerous goods, the holiday doesn’t excuse us from ensuring compliance, so let’s all bear down through the rush and ship things in accordance with what we know is correct!

DG Digest: United States Postal Service proposing to require the hazardous materials icon in lieu of the service icon.

Holiday time bustle continues! Many workplaces will see a little short-handedness amongst the staff as employees take seasonal vacation periods, so let’s all make sure that we help the folks that are working to do so safely, avoiding “short-cuts” that may appear to save time or make up for someone not being present, but in

4 ways non-essential hazmat training can boost your career.

Regulations mandate that hazmat employees—i.e., people who directly handle or supervise shipments of Dangerous Goods—be trained to perform their specific functions. To comply with these regulations, you may already participate in training sessions, or be taking one or more online hazmat training courses. That training is mandatory. But what about hazmat training that isn’t mandatory?

DG Digest: OSHA Advisory Committee to meet Dec 12th & U.S. EPA proposes including concept of ‘environmental justice’ into regulatory analysis

Welcome back all! Hopefully, everyone had a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy the just-concluded Thanksgiving holiday period. This edition of the DG Digest is a “two-weeker,” given that there was no publication last Monday, the 19th. As one may therefore guess, any number of things popped up over the last fourteen days, so let’s

Why lithium battery shippers must examine insurance costs and coverage

Shipping lithium batteries or battery-powered devices is an ongoing challenge. From the everyday batteries that power laptops and games to the larger batteries that power eBikes to the massive ones that power electric vehicles, complying with evolving regulations takes expertise and dedication. But regulatory compliance isn’t the only challenge. What about insurance? In recent years,

DG Digest: PHMSA announces virtual “Research & Technology Forum” that explores new ways of dealing with hazardous materials.

This edition of the DG Digest appears just as the nation wraps up the Veteran’s Day holiday. The Labelmaster family joins all Americans in saluting those who have served. Thank you! Here’s the regulatory news from the week just concluded: PHMSA The agency’s Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS) will hold a public Research, Development

A Simple Guide to 2023/24 Dangerous Goods Regulatory Books

The simple guide to 2023/24 Dangerous Goods regulatory books Don’t look now, but it’s almost winter, and it will be 2024 before you know it. That means new Dangerous Goods regulations will soon be coming into force—and you’ll need new regulatory publications to keep track of them. Of course, sometimes it’s hard just keeping track

DG Digest: EPA is working on adjustments within the universal waste regulations to improve safety standards and reduce fires from mismanaged end-of-life lithium batteries.

If you’re like many readers of this blog, you’re seeing this on Tuesday morning, after it appeared in your email overnight. If that’s you—Happy Halloween! Let’s all remember that the kids are going to be out in force for their treats in the evening, and they may not pay as much attention as they should

Supply Chain Moves: Week of October 16th, 2023

  Week of October 16th, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance As companies look to expand – whether domestically or internationally – there is a wide range of factors to consider, including the supply chain challenges.  Let’s examine some recent industry news.  SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS OUR PERSPECTIVE Have questions about dangerous goods

8 Dangerous Goods myths and misconceptions—busted!

Remember Mythbusters? A couple of former Hollywood effects pros created one of the top shows on cable TV by debunking popular myths and misconceptions. They proved—over and over—that just because “everyone knows” something doesn’t make it true. If there were a supply chain TV network, Dangerous Goods professionals could probably run their own version of

Supply Chain Moves: Week of October 2nd, 2023

  Week of October 2nd, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance The push toward greater sustainability, automation and speed within the supply chain has led to further innovation in packaging. Let’s examine some recent industry news.  SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS OUR PERSPECTIVE Have questions about dangerous goods transport? Call the Labelmaster Regulatory Hotline

Supply Chain Moves: Week of September 18th, 2023

  Week of September 18th, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance It is only September, but supply chain professionals are already thinking about 2024 and beyond. Monitoring emerging trends and challenges is important in order to proactively plan for the future. Let’s examine some recent industry news on how to navigate supply

Supply Chain Moves: Week of September 5th, 2023

  Week of September 5th, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Disruptions are just a fact of life in the supply chain, and they continue to emerge – whether due to droughts, hurricanes, supplier issues or outdated systems. That’s why it’s important for organizations to be prepared for when they arise.  Let’s

DG Digest: PHMSA and FRA reverse 2020 rule, suspend authorization of liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport in rail tank cars.

Labor Day has come and gone. Hopefully, you had a great summer, topped out by a relaxing long holiday! Today (if you’re reading this on Tuesday) is the traditional day when most schoolchildren return to classes. That means busier roads, crosswalks, and lots of excited little ones out much earlier than has been the case

Supply Chain Moves: Week of August 21st, 2023

  Week of August 21st, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Market growth across different industries presents tremendous opportunities for businesses. But it can also bring a wide range of supply chain challenges that must be addressed to capitalize on that potential.   Let’s examine some recent industry news.  SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS OUR

Supply Chain Moves: Week of August 7th, 2023

  Week of August 7th, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance The supply chain has evolved from being a cost center to being a differentiator that can be a real competitive advantage for businesses.   Let’s examine some recent industry news.  SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS OUR PERSPECTIVE To learn more about dangerous goods software

Supply Chain Moves: Week of July 17th, 2023

  Week of July 17th, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance With 2023 halfway over, businesses are paying close attention to what is to come in the second half of the year and into 2024.   Let’s examine some recent industry news.  SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS OUR PERSPECTIVE To learn more about dangerous goods

How our new packaging partnership makes large format lithium battery transport easier.

With electric vehicles now making up 7% of new car sales in the U.S.—and registrations 63% higher than one year ago—it’s clear that EV technology is changing how Americans drive. It’s also changing how car companies and dealers handle breakdowns, accidents and other routine automotive incidents. After more than a century of working with petroleum-powered

DG Digest: PHMSA publishes rule which requires rail carriers to provide greater levels of information about hazardous materials.

PHMSA published the proposed rule discussed here last week which will require rail carriers to provide greater levels of information about hazardous materials in train consists to first responders when potentially dangerous incidents occur. A BNSF train rolls through a curve near Rock Island, Washington in July of 2017. Image © 7/2017 by Nikki Burgess;

Supply Chain Moves: Week of June 26th, 2023

  Week of June 26th, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Artificial intelligence (AI) is already revolutionizing the supply chain but has the potential to be even more disruptive in the future as technology advances and adoption increases.   Let’s examine some recent industry news.  SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS OUR PERSPECTIVE To learn more

DG Digest: PHMSA to formally announce HM-263, a sharp change in the way rail carriers track and report hazmat in transport.

Heading towards the Independence Day holiday, the regulatory news is mostly about reporting requirements. The recent large train derailment in Ohio has definitely energized Congress and regulators to take a harder look at what kind of information should be available to emergency response personnel from subject carriers. Here’s the latest: PHMSA In an early notice

PHMSA terminates Explosive (EX) classification approvals for holders who can’t prove successful tests.

Here’s the latest news from what was a quiet regulatory week: PHMSA The agency announced that it has terminated the Explosive (EX) classification approvals listed in the linked-to notice. PHMSA published a Federal Register Notice on May 4, 2021, notifying the approval holders listed that PHMSA intended to terminate their approvals for failure to provide

Supply Chain Moves: Week of June 12th, 2023

  Week of June 12th, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Automation is not new, but it continues to become a greater area of focus across all supply chain functions in nearly every industry.   Let’s examine some recent industry news.  SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS OUR PERSPECTIVE To learn more about dangerous goods software

New DOT Special Permit makes Capsuloc™ secondary hazmat containers even more essential.

Last year, we introduced Capsuloc™—an innovative new secondary hazmat container that was superior to paint can-style secondary containers in almost every way. Now, there’s no “almost” about it. On May 10, 2023, PHMSA issued Special Permit DOT-SP 21488, which gives Capsuloc relief from regulatory burdens similar to the relief received by other Special Permit packaging

Supply Chain Moves: Week of May 29th, 2023

  Week of May 29th, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Labor shortages continue to be a challenge across the supply chain. This has businesses looking to further automate their processes and optimize their existing workforce.   Let’s examine some recent industry news.  SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS OUR PERSPECTIVE To learn more about dangerous

Supply Chain Moves: Week of May 15th, 2023

  Week of May 15th, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance In today’s challenging supply chain environment, some companies are finding it difficult to navigate disruptions while others are more equipped to navigate those challenges. Likewise, some are increasing investment in key areas of their operations and lacking in others.   Let’s examine

DG Digest: USPS updates Pub 52, will start collecting electronic data to ensure safe DG handling on July 9, 2023

The weekend just concluded featured the annual Earth Day commemoration. While opinions may differ on the direction of environmental policies, every company can usually benefit from ideas that help to reduce waste streams and that allow for the more effective use of consumable resources like energy and water. Both these things can help to reduce

Top 5 reasons to attend the 2023 Dangerous Goods Symposium

The Dangerous Goods Symposium is going to be live and in person once again – Wednesday and Thursday, September 6-7 in Chicago.   The DG Symposium is where the hazmat transport industry and the business community connect. This year’s event will feature two full days of domestic and international regulatory updates, a master class panel

Ready to start calling hazmat training “Dangerous Goods gaming”?

General awareness training is the foundation of all Dangerous Goods training. Virtually everyone whose job involves handling, managing or transporting hazardous materials in any way is required to take general awareness training—and renew their training every three years. Since everyone has to take it, shouldn’t it appeal to the most people? That was the idea

Supply Chain Moves: Week of April 17th, 2023

  Week of April 17th, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Businesses are placing greater focus on supply chain transparency to support environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts and create better end-to-end operations.   Let’s examine some recent industry news.   SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS OUR PERSPECTIVE To learn more about dangerous goods software or

DG Digest: PHMSA Lithium Battery Air Safety Committee to meet April 20th; OSHA submitted an ICR for its Highly Hazardous Chemical Safety Program

The first full week of April featured several significant religious holidays that many people observe, and as such, things were just a little quieter on the regulatory news scene. Here’s the latest: PHMSA The agency announced a meeting of the Lithium Battery Air Safety Advisory Committee for April 20th. This group is a stakeholder committee

Adding expertise to your ERP transforms your dangerous goods shipping operation

Most manufacturing businesses have adopted software to integrate core production and finance to accelerate performance and maintain regulatory compliance. Over the past few decades, this has resulted in significant overall efficiency gains and better regulatory compliance. However, there are still areas for improvement. For example, manufacturers can often run simple shipping requests through their core

DG Digest: PHMSA Publishes a Renewal of Its ICR Package Covering Hazardous Materials Incident Reporting Requirements.

Welcome to the first full week of spring! As we put winter behind us, let’s all start turning our focus to the safety concerns of warmer weather – things like severe storm readiness planning, keeping gutters and drains clear for heavy rain run-off, and planning for the coming summer and safeguarding our fellow employees from

Supply Chain Moves: Week of March 20, 2023

  Week of March 20th, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Organizations looking to boost supply chain performance are investing in their warehousing systems and processes in order to automate and streamline operations.   Let’s examine some recent industry news.   SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS OUR PERSPECTIVE Learn how you can simplify dangerous goods shipping.

DG Digest: New Information Collection Request (ICR) Proposal From OSHA Regarding the Lead Standard

This coming week will bring the official start of spring—no doubt we’re all happy about that! Meanwhile, we need to start preparing our facilities for the spring storm season in much of the country. Be sure that your emergency shelter plans and areas are ready and your employees are trained to respond to warnings correctly.

Quiz: Are you a large format lithium battery transport expert?

Compliantly shipping lithium batteries is complex. When those batteries are large enough for electric vehicles, data centers or solar power storage, compliant transport becomes even more challenging.  Think you’ve mastered the regulations for transporting large format lithium batteries? This quiz is for you!  It’s not easy, so if you don’t know all the answers, remember

DG Digest: FRA calls special meeting of its Rail Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC) to examine the train derailment in Ohio

Welcome to Daylight Savings Time! It’s “that” week again, so as HSE professionals, it’s our job to be alert for employees that may be suffering from the disjointed reaction to the change “Spring Forward” in particular can engender for some people. Let’s make sure that no one suffers and injury because they feel a little

Supply Chain Moves: Week of March 6, 2023

  Week of March 6th, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Technology innovation can be found across the supply chain. From new and emerging technologies to enhanced capabilities within traditional systems, these innovations are already making an impact.  Let’s examine some recent developments. SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS OUR PERSPECTIVE To learn more about

DG Digest: PHMSA publishes public meeting schedule in advance of ICAO and UNSCOE TDG sessions; and U.S. agencies publish semi-annual regulatory agendas.

The end of February is here, but the grind of winter weather hangs on for a while et. Much of the country is battling snow and cold. Grit your teeth and hang in there—warmer days are coming. Meanwhile, be sure that your workplace keeps on top of snow removal, ice treatments, and keeping employees that

Supply Chain Moves: Week of February 20th, 2023

  Week of February 20th, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Attention to safe and responsible supply chain practices has increased in recent years. Whether shipping lithium batteries, chemicals or some other dangerous good, it’s important to understand the risk and take steps to ensure compliance.   Let’s examine some recent developments in

DG Digest: Transport Canada has published an advisory regarding the upcoming phase-out deadlines for Class 111 tank cars used in flammable liquids service.

A short but “sweet” DG digest this week, with only one item—but this week also includes St. Valentine’s Day: a chance for a little “sweet” in one’s own life, perhaps. Be sure and do something fun to enjoy the day!  Here’s our rather abbreviated digest: Transport Canada The ministry published an advisory spelling out the

Supply Chain Moves: Week of February 6, 2023

  Week of February 6, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance The global electric vehicle (EV) market continues to grow, bringing with it supply chain challenges, especially when it comes to shipping the large format lithium batteries that power EVs. Let’s examine some recent developments in the EV battery market. SUPPLY CHAIN

Supply Chain Moves: Week of January 23rd, 2023

  Week of January 23rd, 2023 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Data has become one of the most important assets in the supply chain. An organization’s ability to access, analyze and use this information will be key in determining its success moving forward.  Let’s examine some recent ways the industry is leveraging

2022’s most important hazmat regulations—and a 2023 preview

Was 2022 a return to normal in the Dangerous Goods galaxy? By one measure, the answer is yes. For the first time since the global pandemic started in March 2020, a full year passed without any significant hazmat regulations relating to COVID-19. The world’s regulatory bodies have largely returned to their standard order of business—setting

Supply Chain Moves: Week of December 12, 2022

  Week of December 12th, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance As 2022 comes to an end, businesses in all industries are looking to the trends and challenges that will shape the new year – especially when it comes to the supply chain.  Let’s examine some recent industry news. SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS

DG Digest: New rules will have a significant impact on shippers using the USPS to ship dangerous goods.

Here we go right into December—the beginning of meteorological (vice astronomical) winter. Brrrrr! Cold and snow are now impacting much of the nation, so let’s all make sure we help our employees cope safely, with prompt snow and ice removal at our workplaces, careful attention to employees that have to work outside, and keeping an

Supply Chain Moves: Week of November 28th, 2022

  Week of November 28th, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Uncertainty around the supply chain remains a stressor for companies in almost every industry. From retail and pharma to commercial printers and tech companies, everyone is looking for ways to keep the supply chain moving.       Let’s examine some recent industry news.

DG Digest: The FRA announced a meeting of the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee regarding safety issues including the transport of hazardous materials

It’s Thanksgiving week. The Labelmaster family takes this time to wish you and your families a safe, happy, and enriching holiday. Watch out for all that holiday shopping traffic! Here’s this week’s rather limited regulatory news: EPA The agency published a supplemental proposed rulemaking that modifies and clarifies its initial NPRM regarding the implementation of

Labelmaster Traiing Decision Tree

Competency-based hazmat training: What you need to know for 2023

On January 1, 2023, new IATA provisions will come into effect that mandate a competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) approach for Dangerous Goods training. What is CBTA, and what does it mean for your operation? That’s why we’re here! Competency-based training has been a hot topic of conversation for several years in the hazmat shipping

Supply Chain Moves: Week of November 14th, 2022

  Week of November 14th, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Keeping goods moving safely, compliantly and on time — even when disruptions arise and demand surges — is imperative for businesses. That’s why so many are placing greater emphasis on supply chain resilience.       Let’s examine some recent industry news. SUPPLY CHAIN

DG Digest: PHMSA International Division holding meetings this week to discuss ICAO papers in advance of UN Subcommittee of Experts later this month

November is here and with it comes the acceleration of the approaching holiday season. Many employees will be starting to think about holiday gatherings, shopping, time away from work, and other things that may take their minds off safety. As HSE professionals, let’s all make sure we help our fellow employees enjoy a safe and

Supply Chain Moves: Week of October 31st, 2022

  Week of October 31st, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance The holidays are just around the corner and shippers, carriers and consumers all have their eyes on the supply chain and getting goods to shoppers.     Let’s examine some recent industry news. SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS This Black Friday Promises the Gift of

6 ways Capsuloc™ secondary hazmat containers can make your operation more efficient

No one really likes paint can-style secondary hazmat containers, but we’ve been putting up with them (and all their related headaches) for decades. Why? Because there hasn’t been a better alternative. Now there is. New Capsuloc™ finally gives Dangerous Goods shippers an alternative to the paint can, and lots of shippers are already kicking the

DG Digest: CVSA and Federal Inspectors cite 1,700 truckers for hazmat violations in June ‘blitz’.

Mid-October already—where does the time go? Hopefully, everyone is enjoying a pleasant fall season. As the cold weather begins, be sure your workplace is ready. Many businesses use this “not quite there yet” time to do things like make sure their snow removal vendors are contracted for the season, so if this impacts your operation,

Supply Chain Moves: Week of October 17th, 2022

  Week of October 17th, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a lot of talk about the “new normal.” As we head into 2023, there is greater discussion about what the global supply chain will look like moving forward.    Let’s examine some recent

DG Digest: FMCSA makes changes to agency rules, also corrects errors and removes obsolete references from its regulations.

Welcome to October! Not only is the fall season now rolling in; October is National Fire Prevention Month. Does your workplace have good suppression equipment, a solid emergency plan, and a well-trained employee team ready to deal with fire and fire prevention? This is the month to especially focus on and address these issues.  As

Supply Chain Moves: Week of October 3rd, 2022

  Week of October 3rd, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Ongoing global supply chain disruptions continue to put pressure on organizations, and executives have been vocal regarding the key challenges they face and their top priorities moving forward.   Let’s examine some recent industry news. SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS Dangerous Goods Transport Survey

DG Digest: PHMSA seeks fee increases to fund grant programs; FMCSA wants to require interstate CMVs to be equipped with electronic IDs.

The third week of September brought in the formal beginning of Autumn and was another busy one in the regulatory world. The FMCSA released a consequential new proposal for CMV identification technology, and PHMSA proposed a new fee revision. Let’s dig right in to all the action below: PHMSA The agency published an ANPRM to

Supply Chain Moves: Week of September 19th, 2022

  Week of September 19th, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Capacity constraints, potential labor strikes, port congestion and other supply chain disruptions have companies looking at alternative ways to ship their goods. But shifting transportation modes can be especially challenging for companies shipping hazmat. Let’s examine some recent industry news. SUPPLY

DG Digest: With federal mediation efforts underway, Class 1 Norfolk Southern (and other operators) face looming strike

Here we go, rolling into the last full official week of summer. Despite the advance of the calendar, however, much of the country, especially in the West, is still coping with high temperatures and fire danger. Be sure your workplace continues to monitor conditions and has the needed protocols in place to keep employees working

Supply Chain Moves: Week of September 5th, 2022

  Week of September 5th, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Even as organizations struggle to address current supply chain challenges, many are looking ahead at the technologies and strategies they need to implement now to be successful in the future.   Let’s examine some recent industry news. SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS Future-Proof Your

DG Digest: PHMSA publishes 49 CFR correction, FMCSA releases draft Medical Examiner’s Handbook, and OSHA extends comment period on lead exposures

Summer continues its ebb as we enter the last full week of August.  Many colleges and universities are going back into session or have students reporting back this week, so if you live in a “college town,” be sure you keep an eye open for the increased activity and traffic that comes with it. Here’s

Supply Chain Moves: Week of August 22nd, 2022

  Week of August 22nd, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) activity continues to be hot throughout retail, manufacturing, logistics and other industries. This can have a tremendous impact on how businesses manage their supply chains.  Let’s examine some recent industry news. SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS ABB Set to

DG Digest: As the EPA charts its progress towards ‘100% electronic manifests,’ the advisory board will meet virtually this fall

Mid-August already—where does summer go? Nevertheless, we still have several weeks of hot weather and staffing absences to deal with as vacations continue and some of summer’s hottest weather still is on the calendar.  Let’s keep those safety plans rolling and make sure our employees finish the summer in proper form. It wasn’t a super busy

Supply Chain Moves: Week of August 8th, 2022

  Week of August 8th, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance As supply chains, along with the goods being shipped, continue to evolve, companies are placing even greater focus on using more innovative packaging solutions.   Let’s examine some recent industry news. SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS Three Ways Smart Packaging is Solving Pharma’s Distribution Challenges:

Supply Chain Moves: Week of July 25th, 2022

  Week of July 25th, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Ongoing issues have made the supply chain top of mind for organizations in nearly every industry as CEOs and other senior leaders now recognize the impact it has on their overall business. Let’s examine some recent industry news. SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS

Supply Chain Moves: Week of July 11th, 2022

  Week of July 11th, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance The future of the supply chain is intertwined with the evolution of technology. And technology innovations and continue to emerge across all areas of the supply chain. Let’s examine some recent industry news. SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS How Technology has Evolved in

How to solve large format lithium battery transport problems before they become problems

Organizations that are successful over the long term generally have one thing in common—they solve problems before they become problems. We see this in the supply chain every day. Disruptions happen. Companies that are prepared to handle those disruptions come out ahead of those that aren’t prepared—and the difference usually comes down to planning for

Supply Chain Moves: Week of June 13th, 2022

  Week of June 13th, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Achieving greater supply chain visibility has been a focus across the industry for years. In the face of growing disruptions, material shortages, shipping costs and customer demands, businesses must take an even closer look into the specific areas of the supply

DG Digest: PHMSA extends comment period on converting historic letters of interpretation into FAQs on its website

Mid-June rolls in with Hurricane season beginning to ramp up. This can produce severe storms in affected regions, and flooding rains even in areas far from the storm zone itself. Be sure your business has severe weather plans to prepare the response needed!  Meanwhile, it was a usual week in the regulatory world, with several

Shipping lithium battery devices or other hazmat via USPS? These new rules are effective immediately.

The U.S. Postal Service has announced new final rules, effective immediately, that significantly impact the shipping of lithium batteries and other hazardous materials by mail. USPS cites “a consistent and alarming rise in incidents involving mailed packages of both lithium batteries and other hazmat, including … unlabeled or improperly labeled air-ineligible hazmat being accepted for

DG Digest: USPS final rule revises ‘Pub 52,’ requiring mailers separate ‘hazmat’ into identifiable containers

June kicks off the summer vacation season for many people.  As HSE professionals it’s important for us to help our fellow employees deal with the “short staffing” that sometimes occurs as vacation times impact workplace operations. Let’s make sure that we remind our colleagues not to cut corners on safety and normal precautions to keep

Supply Chain Moves: Week of May 30, 2022

  Week of May 30, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Inflation, surging diesel prices, high shipping costs and more are impacting businesses around the world, including those shipping dangerous goods. Let’s examine some recent industry news. SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS Five Strategies for Dealing with Rising Supply Chain Costs: In an inflationary

Supply Chain Moves: Week of May 16, 2022

  Week of May 16, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Navigating compounding supply chain risks has become the new normal. Even so, there are several new potential disruptors on the horizon with the potential to shake up operations for many companies. Let’s examine some recent industry news. SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS Port

DG Digest: PHMSA published final rule that its employees can refer relevant potential criminal acts to DOT Inspector General

Here we are in Mid-May already!  Where does the time go? Hopefully everyone is enjoying the warming spring weather and looking forward to the coming summer season. As HSE professionals, remember that it’s our job to have a solid heat plan in effect to help protect our fellow employees from any heat-related illnesses.  It will

Key regulations to know for shipping large format lithium batteries

Compliantly shipping lithium-ion batteries of any size means navigating a complex set of regulations. And, generally speaking, the bigger the batteries get, the more challenging they are to transport compliantly. When you’re moving large format lithium-ion batteries—like the ones for electric vehicles, solar power storage, data centers and other heavy-duty purposes—you have to consider a

Supply Chain Moves: Week of May 2, 2022

  Week of May 2, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Demand for pharmaceutical goods continues to increase, even as businesses are forced to navigate ongoing supply chain challenges.  Let’s examine some recent industry news. SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS Automation to Drive the Innovative Pharmaceutical Industry Forward: With the growing challenges facing the

4 Secrets of Compliant Dangerous Goods Shippers

By Katy Schroedl, ProShip, Inc.: With hazardous material shipments accounting for roughly 20% of the total volume of all shipments, Dangerous Goods (DG) shippers recognize the value in these shipments. While DG shipments can seem to be a complex and restrictive subset of the supply chain, they are a necessary challenge for so many brands

Supply Chain Moves: Week of April 18, 2022

  Week of April 18, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance Supply chain issues continue to be a major challenge for businesses across most industries. Along with those problems comes an increased focus on solutions – from automation and collaboration to inventory management and transportation mode shifts.  Let’s examine some recent industry

DG Digest: FMCSA seeks to add ‘Safe Driver Apprentice Program’ training for CDL drivers

It’s mid-April already!  Hopefully, everyone had an opportunity to enjoy the holiday weekend.  Let’s hope that April showers are busy bring spring flowers to us in May. Meanwhile, it was a pretty quiet regulatory week. Here’s the latest news: PHMSA The agency published its latest set of special permit actions, covering what one might call the “usual

Don’t design your large format lithium battery crate until you answer these 5 questions 

If you’re transporting large format lithium batteries—like the ones for electric vehicles, solar power storage, data centers and other heavy-duty purposes—you’re going to need a large packaging solution.  But if you start focusing on your packaging solution without doing the necessary intelligence work first, you could set yourself back weeks, or even months. Not to

Supply Chain Moves: Week of April 4, 2022

  Week of April 4, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance It’s both an exciting and challenging time in the automotive industry as businesses are driving innovation forward while dealing with parts shortages and supply chain challenges.   Let’s examine some recent industry news. SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS Auto Suppliers Call for Dialogue

DG Digest: OSHA proposal would require some employers electronically submit injury and illness information to the agency

Regulatorily speaking, March goes out a bit like the proverbial lamb, with a quiet week featuring little in the way of fresh news. Sometimes it’s good to have a break! Meanwhile, April is here with improving Spring weather, so hopefully our readers will all have a chance to enjoy a little more time outside with warming days

Supply Chain Moves: Week of March 21, 2022

  Week of March 21, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance In recent years, many conversations and headlines around the supply chain have also included the term “shortage.” From drivers to shipping containers and truck drivers to cardboard boxes and labels, supply chain-related shortages continue to impact businesses across a wide range

For Women’s History Month: Women in the supply chain—past, present and future

Would today’s supply chain run more smoothly if we had more women in charge? The last couple of years may have been the most stressful period the modern supply chain has ever seen. Between the ongoing pandemic, the explosion of eCommerce, maritime misadventures, raw material shortages, labor shortages and other disruptions, it’s never been more

DG Digest: FMCSA amends rule that CMV drivers submit list of traffic convictions annually to their employers

The coming week features St. Patrick’s Day!  For most people it’s a chance for fun and a commemoration of our nation’s rich Irish cultural heritage. Be sure to celebrate safely! Here’s last week’s regulatory news: PHMSA The agency issued a new set of Special Permit actions last week. See the actions here: 2022-04944.pdf (govinfo.gov) 2022-04947.pdf (govinfo.gov) 2022-04948.pdf (govinfo.gov)

Supply Chain Moves: Week of March 7, 2022

  Week of March 7, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance The push towards greater automation and transparency within the supply chain has brought with it an increased focus on integration – between systems and partners. Let’s examine some recent industry news. SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS Supply Chain Integration Issues Costing 38% of

DG Digest: U.S. EPA proposes revised emission limits for facilities involved with lead acid battery manufacturing

It’s the last day of February—March rolls in tomorrow with its promise of the coming Spring.  I’m sure all of us are ready after another winter battling the pandemic and now with the very troubled international situation taking shape in Europe.  Let us all hope for better times soon. It was a quiet regulatory week; here’s

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Supply Chain Moves: Week of February 21, 2022

  Week of February 21, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance The supply chain has become increasingly data-driven. Whether it’s improving visibility, identifying trends, driving automation or another business benefit, data is at the core of today’s supply chain strategies and technologies. Let’s examine some recent industry news. SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS Operationalizing

DG Digest: IAEA Considering Radioactive Materials Transport Revisions, Could Impact 49 CFR and Other Modal Regulations

Winter rolls on.  It’s the third week of February and if you’re like most folks, you’re pretty probably tired of the damp, dark, and cold.  Hang in there!  This too shall pass.  Meanwhile, bear down and keep focusing on those winter safety plans.  It’s easy for many employees to start paying less attention to things

DG Digest: PHMSA publishes latest round of Special Permits

It’s Valentine’s Day!  Hopefully there is something sweet in store for you and your family for it. Enjoy it! In a regulatory sense, mid-February finds things relatively “business-as-usual,” with some of the typical items promulgated over the last week. Here’s the latest: PHMSA The agency published it’s latest raft of Special Permit actions, with some of the typical

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Supply Chain Moves: Week of February 7, 2022

  Week of February 7, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance The global electric vehicle (EV) market presents tremendous growth opportunities for automakers, distributors and the companies that supply and serve the auto industry. It also brings a supply chain challenges for everyone involved. Let’s examine some recent industry news. SUPPLY CHAIN

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Supply Chain Moves: Week of January 24, 2022

  Week of January 24, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance 2021 may be in the rearview but supply chain challenges most organizations faced last year remain. With industry experts predicting continued disruption throughout 2022, organizations will continue to adopt new processes and solutions to navigate short-term challenges and position themselves for

How to Ship Lithium Batteries by Air

How to ship lithium batteries by air—in 2022 and beyond

Since 2016, when the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) implemented drastically more restrictive global regulations on shipping lithium batteries by air, shippers have adapted and done their best to comply. Meanwhile, regulatory agencies continue to update regulation in an effort to keep lithium battery transport by air as safe as possible. The most recent change

DG Digest: US Agencies Adjust Civil Penalties for 2022

As the week begins the nation honors the memory of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Labelmaster family joins all Americans in recognizing the gigantic importance of Dr. King’s work and his lasting legacy. Mid-January finds the nation finished with the winter holidays and struggling with the inevitable resulting surge in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many

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Supply Chain Moves: Week of January 10, 2022

  Week of January 10, 2022 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance 2022 is in full swing, and so is the post-holiday return season. The influx of return shipments adds yet another supply chain challenge as businesses are trying to navigate the effects of winter storms, labor shortages, rising COVID cases and more.

Could Santa pass a PHMSA inspection? A Dangerous Goods Christmas story.

TIME: December 24, 2021, 21:33 AKST PLACE: PHMSA Inspection Station, Utqiagvik, Alaska The following conversation was recorded between a junior PHMSA inspector (INSP) and an unidentified aircraft operator (OPER). INSP:     Good evening! OPER:    Good evening! INSP:     I don’t see any identification on the exterior of your, um, aircraft here. What’s your port of origin?

DG Digest: Transport Canada aligns new infectious substances and medical waste standards with latest UN Model Regulations

Here it is mid-December already. As the nation prepares to celebrate the end-of-year winter holidays, be sure that you help employees stay on task with safety. It’s easy to become distracted with everything going on. It was a fairly quiet week in the regulatory world; here’s the latest: Transport Canada The ministry published a new

New opportunities for hazmat shippers in India: Pando integrates DGIS

If you work in the Dangerous Goods supply chain, you’ve probably heard something like this before: “The challenge our customer faced was one where the packing and transportation systems were siloed. The systems didn’t really talk to any of their upstream or downstream systems. They managed Dangerous Goods on Excel sheets. The problem in front

How Your Systems Can Simplify Hazmat and Multi-Carrier Shipping Compliance to Fuel Growth

Businesses today are in a constant struggle to grow revenues, control costs, and (for shippers of dangerous goods) reduce business risks. Thanks to advancing technology, managing your hazmat shipping processes is easier than ever, but it takes proactive planning and thought to apply the right technology to the right points in your enterprise, especially in

DG Digest: Federal Highway Administration to Invest in EV Charging Accessibility, Per Recent Infrastructure Law

Hopefully everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday!  That holiday takes us into the busy end of year season with multiple other holidays and lots of people shopping, entertaining, and traveling. Be sure your employees have a chance to stay on task while in the workplace. As HSE professionals, let’s help our company keep work time safety time. No

DG Digest: OSHA emergency temporary standard ratified to protect unvaccinated workers of large employers

It was a quiet week in the regulatory world last week, perhaps a fitting entry into the holiday period.  The Labelmaster family would like to take this opportunity to wish each of our readers a healthy, safe, and happy Thanksgiving.  There were some technical legal developments in the ongoing actions surrounding the federal OSHA directed

DG Digest: PHMSA to suspend LNG transport in rail tank cars; OSHA to require proof of vaccination (or weekly testing) in January

The first full week of November is wrapping up with the release of OSHA’s long awaited Interim Final Rule in reference to COVID vaccine and/or testing mandates in the workplace. The measure is not without controversy. However, here we’ll only cover the rule’s contents. People doubtless have their own opinions in reference to the rule.

Webinar: Can technology help you survive today’s supply chain?

In times like these, your shipping operation really can’t afford any stubborn inefficiencies. The capacity of the global supply chain is strained to its limits. Unpredictable disruptions happen every day. It’s never been harder to find qualified workers. And peak holiday shipping season is here, which makes all of the above even scarier. If your

DG Digest: Transport Canada issues proposal to revise standards for aerosol production and disposal

Mid-October is here, and with it, lovely fall colors are on display across the nation. Although the country continues to battle the pandemic and deal with sundry other issues, it’s always important to remember that nature continues its yearly journey through the seasons, and we should all remember to stop and take time to appreciate the

Which sites have the best hazmat information for eCommerce shippers?

During the recent Dangerous Goods Symposium, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Hazardous Materials Program Specialist Vinny Desiderio described the ongoing challenges USPS has with eCommerce shippers who don’t know (or act as if they don’t know) they’re shipping hazmat. Some of them—purveyors of ammunition, smoke grenades and chemicals such as calcium carbide—almost certainly know better. The

What if Dangerous Goods regulatory publications were made into movies?

Why aren’t people more excited about the release of new Dangerous Goods regulatory publications? Sure, they’re long and intimidating, but that didn’t stop the Game of Thrones series from becoming best-sellers. And no, they’re not very entertaining, but they are completely essential for their role in keeping hazmat shipments safe and compliant. Every organization in

2021 DG Symposium recap, part 3: Final thoughts and a secret message

The 2021 Dangerous Goods Symposium delivered everything a supply chain professional could want. 18 virtual sessions over two weeks addressed every significant Dangerous Goods regulatory update—domestic and international, via land, sea and air—along with deeper dives on training, e-commerce, anti-terrorism measures, C-suite priorities and, naturally, lithium battery transport. (Want to go back and watch a

DG Digest: PHMSA announces virtual Research, Development & Technology Forum – starting October 12, 2021

Amazingly enough, we’ve just finished the last weekend in September.  Where does the time go?  Cooler fall weather is beginning to settle in across the country; now is a great time to start thinking about your company’s cold weather plans for things like snow clearance, keeping walkways safe, and making sure heaters, boilers, and furnaces

DG Digest: PHMSA reinstates pandemic relief of test & recertification of pressure cylinders; IMO releases chart outlining current and future IMDG Code amendments

Hopefully, everyone has had a chance to enjoy all or part of the ongoing Labelmaster Dangerous Goods Symposium. As usual, the employees creating and coordinating the event are doing their amazing best. Many thanks to them, to all of the speakers, and to everyone participating. (You can register for this week’s sessions here.) Hopefully, next year’s event can

2021 DG Symposium recap, part 1: From the C-suite to the loading dock

The 2021 Dangerous Goods Symposium got off to a rousing start this week, with four sessions covering everything from nuts-and-bolts regulatory updates to high-level ideas from leading executives on prioritizing DG compliance in a rapidly evolving supply chain. Here’s a quick recap of those sessions, with links to watch the recordings on demand. Further down,

DG Digest: Biden directs OSHA to develop vaccine mandate – or weekly testing – for employees in organizations with more than 100 employees

Here we are rolling around into mid-September already. The fall season brings its own joys and challenges, one of which is the earlier coming of nightfall—before too long, many workers may be heading home at day’s end in darkness. Make sure your workplace has a plan in place to keep doorways, parking lots, and walkways free of

How to grow your hazmat shipping operation during a labor shortage

The labor shortage that began during the pandemic shows few signs of easing. Some experts say hiring challenges will persist for years, and the global supply chain will continue to struggle to find and retain workers. For supply chain organizations, worker shortages hurt two ways—delays from your shorthanded supply chain partners, and the difficulty of

Will PHMSA receive Dangerous Goods research ideas that actually make DG simpler?

PHMSA wants you to get creative. As Labelmaster Senior Regulatory Specialist Nikki Burgess, CDGP, DGSA, reported in the July 12 DG Digest, “The agency has posted a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to solicit concepts and innovative ideas for leading-edge research and techniques to advance the safe transportation of hazardous materials.” The request specifically covered these

2021 DG Symposium speaker Richard Masters: What DG pros can learn from maritime incidents

Two maritime incidents in 2021 highlight a fact well-known to most Dangerous Goods professionals—that one relatively small lapse can trigger large scale negative consequences. At the 2021 Dangerous Goods Symposium, maritime Dangerous Goods veteran Richard Masters will discuss the Ever Given Suez Canal crash and the catastrophic fire aboard the X-Press Pearl. Other than these

A quick preview of Laura Denk’s DG Symposium session: “Convince and Convert.”

2021 DG Symposium speaker Laura Denk: How trainers can be more convincing

One of the most popular presentations at the 2021 Dangerous Goods Symposium might be delivered by someone with no Dangerous Goods experience. Meet Laura Denk, of eChoice Innovations—a Chicago-based firm that solves business challenges with innovative marketing programs. “When you’re talking to someone about what training they or their organization might need, you want them

This July 4th, what is the most patriotic hazardous material?

Here’s a question that should have American Dangerous Goods pros debating hotly as July 4th approaches: What is the most patriotic hazardous material? Okay, it’s actually kind of a silly question, but it’s worth considering—especially since so many Dangerous Goods are normal, household items that American shippers often don’t realize are regulated hazmat. So, let’s

DG Digest: FMCSA to extend compliance date for some provisions of Medical Examiner’s Certification for three years.

Believe it or not, it’s already the lead up week to the Independence Day holiday. We all know what that means—increased use of both legal and, unfortunately, some illegal fireworks by the general public. Be sure to remind your employees that they should behave extra safely around fireworks—after all, as DG professionals, we know what these explosive

Time to get excited about the 2021 Dangerous Goods Symposium!

Does DG stand for “Delirious Groupies”? Based on this new video, the answer is “yes.” Okay, maybe you’ve never been that excited about an upcoming Dangerous Good Symposium. But there are lots of good reasons to be excited about the 16th annual Symposium this year. What do you most want to see on this year’s

DG Digest: FMCSA Posts Revisions to NHMRR and OSHA Issues Emergency Protections for Health Workers from Exposure to COVID-19

It’s now meteorological summer; time to dust off those hot weather work plans and make sure our fellow employees are acting safely under them—plenty of water, breaks when needed, limit time in closed and stuffy spaces, and most importantly, everyone looks out for each other.  Let’s have a safe working summer!  The regulatory news for

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of June 21st, 2021

  Week of June 21st, 2021 Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance As businesses around the world continue to navigate compounding supply chain challenges, some are beginning to take even more drastic steps. Let’s examine some recent industry news. SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS Brands Turn to Air Cargo as Inventory Delays Continue: Inventory delays

The new father’s guide to Dangerous Goods shipping

“Shipping Dangerous Goods as a rookie is a lot like your first year of fatherhood,” said the old DG trainer. “There are a lot more details to worry about, and if you screw up, you’re gonna have a mess on your hands.” With apologies to all the mothers out there—whose parental sacrifices and Dangerous Goods

How Labelmaster e-procurement can lower your costs of hazmat compliance

How you buy your Dangerous Goods transport resources isn’t as important as how you use them. But it can still make a difference in your operation’s compliance. For example: e-procurement. Many Labelmaster customers already take advantage of our support for e-procurement platforms including Ariba, Coupa, Hubwoo (Perfect Commerce), Smart by GEP, SAP S/4 and many

DG Digest: Transport Canada to impose new fees for dangerous goods packaging producers

Transport Canada In action impacting Canadian producers of dangerous goods packaging, the Ministry is holding a webinar on the proposed regulations that introduce new fees for companies required to be registered under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Directorate’s Means of Containment Facilities Registration Program. The Ministry is proposing to introduce new fees and service

How a Dangerous Goods pro enjoys the Indy 500

The 135,000 race fans attending this Sunday’s Indianapolis 500 will be the largest crowd at a U.S. sporting event since the COVID-19 pandemic started last March. Even though that’s just 40% of the capacity of the mammoth Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it’ll be exciting to see so many people in the same place celebrating the same

Poll results: How would you rate your Dangerous Goods expertise?

With the pandemic accelerating seismic shifts in the global supply chain, operations that manufacture, handle or ship Dangerous Goods have leaned on their experts like never before. In recent weeks, we at Labelmaster have been examining the topic of DG expertise pretty closely ourselves. We’ve written about finding and training internal subject matter experts, and

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Supply Chain Moves: Week of May 10th, 2021

  Week of May 10th, 2021 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Automation continues to drive the supply chain forward…and will become an increasingly important focus moving forward. What does this mean for dangerous goods companies? Let’s examine the recent supply chain technology and industry news. SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS Shifting Your Business From Manual

9 essential Dangerous Goods pointers for returning to your workplace

Like millions of organizations worldwide, we at Labelmaster are starting to return to our offices. While our warehouse and shipping teams have been working onsite since the earliest days of the pandemic—for which we cannot even begin to thank them enough—we office types have been working from home since last March. And let’s be honest.

DG Digest: Transport Canada updates guidance on COVID-19 related infectious substances, will conduct remote oversight for now

The third week of April found the nation still focused on vaccination efforts. Some companies are hosting vaccination events on their premises, some for employees only, and others for both employees and members of the surrounding community. If your company is holding such an event, make sure that all appropriate safety and security processes are in place

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Supply Chain Moves: Week of April 26th, 2021

  Week of April 26th, 2021 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance As more goods are being purchased online, shippers are being forced to adapt to new challenges, or finally address previously ignored gaps within their supply chains. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and the movement of dangerous

Guest post: 5 ways 3PLs can capitalize on the e-commerce boom

Our guest blogger is Robert Liva, Senior Account Executive at Pierbridge. Have you noticed that there’s a different delivery van pulling up on your block five or six times every day? Those vans are evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated several shipping trends that were already developing pretty quickly. Online spending accounted for 21.3% of

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Supply Chain Moves: Week of April 12th, 2021

  Week of April 12th, 2021 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance More than ever businesses are looking to innovative strategies and technology solutions to increase supply chain efficiency and keep operations running smoothly when disruptions arise. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and the movement of dangerous goods

Hazmat shippers need internal SMEs. Who are they, and how do you train them?

If your organization ships Dangerous Goods with any frequency, you probably have one person whom everyone else goes to with hazmat questions. They’re the go-to guy, the resident wise woman, the walking DG shipping manual—in other words, the internal subject matter expert. And they’re indispensable to your operation. Where did your internal hazmat transport SME

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Supply Chain Moves: Week of March 29th, 2021

  Week of March 29th, 2021 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance As organizations continue to adapt to changes in the supply chain due to the global pandemic and plan for the “new normal,” technology will no doubt be a big part of it. This is especially true when it comes to managing dangerous

The 6th Annual DG Confidence Outlook gives your opinion real power.

How often do you get to influence the direction of your entire industry? If you’re a Dangerous Goods professional, now’s your chance. Participate in the 6th annual DG Confidence Outlook, and your voice can resonate throughout the hazmat supply chain. “By participating in this survey, you get a voice to possibly make changes in the

DG Digest: UN ADR Wraps Up 15th Meeting of the Working Party on the Transport of Dangerous Goods

Spring arrived Saturday.  With it comes not only flowers but the hope of a looming end to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Many workplaces are assisting interested, eligible employees with finding vaccination availability.  Eligibility criteria varies across the country on a state-by-state basis; if your workplace has an assistance program, be sure you’re ready to answer questions

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Supply Chain Moves: Week of March 15th, 2021

  Week of March 15th, 2021 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Technology innovation can also bring with additional risk, especially when shipping goods classified as hazardous around the world. That’s why it’s critical for organizations to understand how regulations impact their supply chains, and ensure their teams are properly trained to safely and

DG Digest: IATA issues second addendum to the 62nd DGR, PHMSA to hold Lithium Battery Air Safety meeting this week

Today’s digest covers the two weeks just past. The first week of the period was quiet; the second week, quite busy. IATA published a new addendum and PHMSA was quite active. All in all, a busy period. Meanwhile, the vaccination effort against the ongoing pandemic continues. Let’s all keep working and living safe and do our part to battle this

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Supply Chain Moves: Week of March 1st, 2021

  Week of March 1st, 2021 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance As global commerce continues to evolve, traditional supply chain processes – from shipping documentation and training to capacity pricing and order fulfillment – must also change in order to keep pace. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business

Next-level hazmat training: An immersive, game-inspired experience

Regulations require training for anyone involved in the transport of Dangerous Goods, but forward-thinking organizations know training can also boost efficiency, reduce errors and improve overall performance. One thing hazmat training has never really been? Fun. But now we’re changing that. Several of our most popular industry-leading online training courses (see below for a complete

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Supply Chain Moves: Week of February 15th, 2021

  Week of February 15th, 2021 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Although 2021 is already in full swing, organizations still continue to examine the supply chain and logistics trends that will impact their business moving forward. And for many, the focus revolves around the increasingly important role of technology. To help companies keep

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Supply Chain Moves: Week of February 1st, 2021

  Week of February 1st, 2021 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance As companies continue to adapt to the changing supply chain landscape, many are turning to innovative technologies, new processes and other value-added services to help keep pace. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and the movement of

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Supply Chain Moves: Week of January 18th, 2021

  Week of January 18th, 2021 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance As organizations look to address gaps within their supply chains over the next year (and beyond), they must recognize how the global landscape is changing and the role technology will play in any new strategies they want to implement. To help companies

DG Newbie Quiz

Hazmat Quizmaster: An unforgettable year in Dangerous Goods

STAY SAFE, STAY SANE AND STAY COMPLIANT! Labelmaster has the resources you need to keep your operation efficient and compliant. Questions? Get the answers you need from the Labelmaster Regulatory Hotline. Make sure your shipments are safe and in complete compliance with a full line of solutions from Labelmaster—a full-service provider of goods and services

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Supply Chain Moves: Week of January 4th, 2021

  Week of January 4th, 2021 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance As we enter 2021, it’s important for organizations to apply the lessons learned in 2020 and invest in the necessary technology, processes and training to create the supply chain of today and tomorrow. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends

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Supply Chain Moves: Week of December 21st, 2020

  Week of December 21st, 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance As supply chain challenges continue to mount, companies are looking to technology solutions to help them navigate these uncertain times – whether it’s responding to rapid e-commerce growth or preparing to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine around the world. To help companies keep

Dangerous Goods in 2020: Remarkable responses to an unprecedented year

January may seem like seven years ago, but 2020 actually began like any other year in the Dangerous Goods galaxy. We all know what’s happened since then. The COVID-19 pandemic has, of course, impacted every sector of the global economy. From a hazmat transport perspective, three major trends emerged: Regulatory bodies overseeing Dangerous Goods transport

DG Digest: PHMSA extends relief for rules on some hand sanitizer, FRA will require 40 states to develop plans that mitigate crossing risks

Mid-Month December saw PHMSA act to bring back part of the hand sanitizer exemptions that had expired on Halloween; details are below, but it’s important to note that the “new” (reinstated) exemption applies only to subject sanitizers manufactured PRIOR to the original expiration date.  Many shippers have moved on from there and are simply shipping

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of December 7th, 2020

  Week of December 7th, 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance As supply chain challenges continue to mount, companies are looking to technology solutions to help them navigate these uncertain times – whether it’s responding to rapid e-commerce growth or preparing to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine around the world. To help companies keep

DG Digest: Transport Canada extends temporary COVID-related certifications through January 2021.

As may have been expected with the nation focused so heavily on the national election last week, regulatory activity was at a minimum. Sadly however, the pandemic took no break, with infections rising sharply across our nation. As HS&E professionals, let’s all do what we can to help protect our workplaces and model effective mitigation measures. Only

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of November 9th, 2020

  Week of November 9th, 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance With the surge of e-commerce orders expected to continue through the holiday season and into 2021, manufacturers, retailers, carriers and logistics providers are all looking to technology to help keep pace. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business

DG Digest: PHMSA relief exemptions for hand sanitizer expire & the EPA published the thirty-eighth update of Federal Hazardous Waste Compliance Docket.

The nation moves into November facing both a national election as well as, unfortunately, a resurgent pandemic. Let’s all stay calm, act responsibly, and do what we can to contribute to the safety and well being of our country. No matter how things go this Tuesday, in the end, we’re all in this together.  The week just

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of October 26th, 2020

  Week of October 26th, 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance The supply chain continues to evolve to keep pace with changing business and commerce landscapes. For many organizations, this requires further investment in technology and innovation. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and the movement of dangerous

DG Digest: DoD publishes AFMAN regulations on military transport of dangerous goods

Mid-October finds the nation confronting a renewed surge in the coronavirus pandemic.  As people move indoors from their summertime activities, more frequent chances to pass along infection become a greater possibility.  As HSE professionals, let’s do our part to help our workplace limit spread. The week was a relatively quiet one in regulatory terms; here’s the

DG Digest: IATA releases download of Appendix H on competency-based training in advance of 2023 mandate

It’s the second full week of October—time flies!  Now’s a great time to review and if need be update your workplace’s cold weather plans.  It won’t be too long in many places before snow and ice make a potential early season comeback, so a safety plan for your employees always makes sense.  Meanwhile, it’s Thanksgiving

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of October 12th, 2020

  Week of October 12th, 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Technology is already a key part of having a smooth, efficient and resilient supply chain, and this will become even more true as supply chains continue to evolve and organizations become more forward-thinking. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends

Chinese hazmat regulations explained! More notes from the 2020 DG Symposium.

Two recent sessions at the all-virtual 2020 Dangerous Goods Symposium explored two of the more complex issues faced by global hazmat transport operations: Chinese regulations and effective training. Not only are Chinese Dangerous Goods regulations often more restrictive than those in Europe or the U.S.—their regulatory structure can be baffling, too. Yet the continued growth

What we can learn from regulatory updates at the DG Symposium

On one level, regulatory update sessions at the 2020 Dangerous Goods Symposium are for true DG diehards—the trainers and shipping managers who have to know hazmat regulations in detail to keep their clients and operations compliant. But even if your job only occasionally touches the Dangerous Goods supply chain, you can still gain valuable insight.

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of September 28th, 2020

  Week of September 28th, 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Technology innovation continues to impact the hazmat supply chain in a wide range of ways. Whether it’s leveraging new solutions to improve operations or having to adopt new processes to keep pace with emerging shipping challenges that come as a result of

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of September 14th, 2020

  Week of September 14th, 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Advancements in technology continue to change the way supply chains operate. But when it comes to  transporting dangerous goods, there’s a greater number of risks and compliance factors that must be considered. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting

DG Digest: FMCSA proposes pilot program on Hours Of Service for drivers

PHMSA The agency issued its latest group of Special Permit Actions.  The actions cover subjects as diverse as cylinder qualifications to the securement of fireworks within transport vehicles.  See the actions here: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-09-04/pdf/2020-19646.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-09-04/pdf/2020-19641.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-09-04/pdf/2020-19643.pdf FMCSA The agency proposed a pilot program to allow temporary regulatory relief from the Agency’s hours-of-service (HOS) requirement that all

Lithium Battery Week is coming! Dangerous Goods Symposium preview, part 2

Finally, Dangerous Goods professionals get their own Shark Week. September 14–18 is Lithium Battery Week at the Dangerous Goods Symposium. Unlike previous years when most of the lithium battery sessions were crammed into a single day, this year’s virtual format gives you a full week of updates, insights and controversial opinions about everyone’s favorite Class

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of August 31 2020

  Week of August 31th 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Supply chain risk and challenges continue to increase, especially in the dangerous goods industry. This makes understanding how recent regulatory changes, supply chain trends and technology innovations impact your business and what steps are needed moving forward. To help companies keep a

Dangerous Goods Symposium preview: Competence, compliance and explosives

This year’s Dangerous Goods Symposium, for obvious reasons, won’t assemble the world’s leading trainers, shippers and regulators together for three days in the same physical space. But it will still bring the world’s hazmat shipping community together. This year, you can experience the Symposium at the new DG Exchange—the Dangerous Goods industry’s first digital community.

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of August 17 2020

  Week of August 17th 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance The dangerous goods supply chain complex, high risk and constantly evolving. That’s driving more companies to leverage innovative technologies throughout their operations. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and the movement of dangerous goods throughout the supply

What are operator variations, and how do they impact your hazmat shipments?

The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations manual—known throughout the supply chain as the “IATA DGR”—is universally acknowledged as the world’s single authority on the compliant transport of hazardous materials by air. It’s more than 1,000 pages thick. Surely IATA has issued every rule any shipper would need to know, right? Not quite. There’s a whole chapter

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of August 03 2020

  Week of August 3rd, 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the critical role technology plays within the supply chain. And for some, it has placed a spotlight on the need for greater investment in technology moving forward. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting

Results of the 5th Annual DG Confidence Outlook: strengths, weaknesses and tremendous resilience

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the global dangerous goods supply chain. Yet even as the industry has shown tremendous resilience, this crisis has shed light on weaknesses related to DG organizations’ ability to keep shipments safe and compliant, and the need for further investment in DG training, technology and infrastructure. The 5th annual DG

How to evaluate and evolve your Dangerous Goods training program—part 2

Last week, we shared strategies from leading Dangerous Goods trainers for evaluating hazmat training programs to determine when they need updating. Here are some powerful tips for evolving your training program to match your current operation—and preparing it for future growth. If 2020 has proved anything, it’s that businesses must always be ready to adapt

DG Digest: Transport Canada provides regulatory relief for heath care workers and ICAO offers guidance for “iPACKS” amid pandemic.

Mid-July is here and the U.S. continues to struggle against a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s important for everyone to take all the actions they can to help protect themselves, their families, and their fellow employees as we all continue to work towards a resolution of this extraordinary circumstance. It was a moderately active week on

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of July 20 2020

  Week of July 20th, 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Technology can impact every part of the supply chain. But in order to achieve real business value from it, organizations must select the right solutions and have the right processes in place. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting

How to evaluate and evolve your Dangerous Goods training program—part 1

There are two reasons every organization that handles Dangerous Goods must conduct DG training: Regulations require that hazmat employees receive function-specific hazmat training. Training helps employees do their jobs better, which makes hazmat shipping safer and more efficient. Most businesses in the hazmat supply chain recognize that #2 is even more important than #1, and

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of July 6 2020

  Week of July 6th, 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance The right technology can drive improvements throughout every part of the supply chain – both in the short-term (as companies continue to navigate the effects of the pandemic) and the long-term. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business

The hazmat pro’s guide to the American Revolution

It’s been a challenging year, but the 4th of July is right around the corner, and we intend to celebrate! How? By sharing the true story of American independence as only fellow Dangerous Goods professionals can understand it. Every American schoolchild learns the classic version of the American Revolution, from the Boston Tea Party to

DG Digest Special Notice: PHMSA extends emergency exemptions for hand sanitizer shipping and recertification training

In breaking news, today PHMSA published deadline extensions to its currently in force emergency exemptions allowing for both non-standard domestic ground shipment of some alcohol based hand sanitizers as well as a continuation of the extension of training recertification requirements under the 49 CFR 172.704(c)(2) past their normal expiration dates.  The extensions will now run

DG Digest: OSHA renews ICR on safety of scissor lifts

The last full week of June and the official beginning of the summer season find regulatory activity at a quiet minimum. One big question as we begin to approach July: the status of PHMSA’s emergency exemptions surrounding both training re-certifications and the domestic ground shipment of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. These exemptions have allowed for the non-standard treatment

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of June 22 2020

  Week of June 22nd, 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance The need to create an agile and resilient supply chain has become evident over the past few months. Now, organizations are looking to implement the technology and processes that will enable them to succeed in today’s marketplace while also preparing for the

New hazmat shippers: This webinar is your ideal introduction to DG.

On June 24, 2020, Labelmaster Vice President–Software & Customer Success Mario Sagastume and ProShip Senior Sales Engineer Clint Boaz presented “Living Dangerously: Demystifying Hazmat Shipping.” Watch the complete recorded webinar here. When you’re a shipper who is new to Dangerous Goods, where do you start? That’s a question Mario Sagastume deals with all the time—and

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of June 8th 2020

  Week of June 8th, 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance The last few months have put tremendous pressure on many supply chains. It has also put a spotlight on the importance of having the right technology, processes and human capital in place to create (and maintain) a resilient and flexible supply chain.

DG Digest: FMCSA revised HOS rules and OSHA to hold virtual public meetings in advance of International sessions on GHS

The nation completed another very difficult of week coping with the coronavirus pandemic as well as emerging civic strife engendered by very unfortunate current events. Here’s hoping that along with health, that peace and justice make a quick return for all the people of our nation.  There were several items of interest in the regulatory world,

DG Digest: PHMSA withdraws proposed vapor limits for unrefined petroleum and class 3 materials on the nation’s railways

The nation paused over the weekend just concluded to honor its fallen military veterans and also, this year, to mark the unimaginable toll taken of our fellow citizens by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Surely it was a Memorial Day unlike any of us now living has experienced.  The Labelmaster family joins our country in honoring those

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of May 25th 2020

  Week of May 25th, 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance The supply chain has become increasingly reliant on technology – both to gather the data and insights needed to develop an optimal strategy and then to be able to effectively execute that strategy. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends

DG Digest: ICAO publishes COVID-19 safety handbook for the aviation industry and PHMSA issues HM-215O final rule

May continues under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, in what we may all perhaps hope represents a step towards recovery, the big news this week is far more focused towards what we all might call “normal” regulatory activity, rather than the specific, focused actions related to the outbreak which have had primacy over

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of May 11th 2020

  Week of May 11th, 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Business has become increasingly decentralized and organizations are having to adjust processes and supply chain operations to keep pace with this new normal. At times like these, your technical infrastructure can make all the difference. To help companies keep a pulse on

DG industry data: PHMSA’s incident report highlights greatest supply chain safety risks in Q1

Hazmat incidents may be more common than you realize. Despite the great work by Hazmat/DG Professionals — those making sure that compliance to transport regulations are strictly followed for each shipment — incidents of all manner happen regularly. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) gathers all U.S. DG/Hazmat incident

DG Digest: PHMSA eases enforcement of pandemic-related transport, and FMCSA offers hours-of-service relief for those transporting needed supplies

The week just concluded retained COVID-19 related regulatory activity as its primary focus as the nation began, at least in a few geographic areas, to show slight signs of improvement with decreases in the rate of rise of transmission being tentatively reported.  However, all of us have a long way to go together to get

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of April 27th 2020

Week of April 27th, 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Technology helps organizations create flexible and agile operations that supports growth and enables them to adapt when disruptions arise. That’s why it’s important for companies to be forward-thinking in their technology investment. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business

DG Digest: HHS updates requirements for new class of respirators, PHMSA provides guidance for handling shipping papers

The week just concluded finds the COVID-19 outbreak continuing to dominate regulatory activity, though there is a strong leavening of other news.  Meanwhile, all of us continue to work towards moving the nation into a recovery phase, whenever that may become safe.  For now, stay the course!  Continue social distancing, wash those hands, protect your

PHMSA Issues Hazmat Shipping Paper Guidance During COVID-19 Social Distancing

On April 10, 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a guidance document addressing the transfer of hazardous material shipping papers during the current COVID-19 pandemic. PHMSA has received many questions related to the transfer of shipping papers between shippers and carriers, and the difficulties with maintaining

DG Digest: PHMSA releases interpretive guide and USPS issues special exemption for hand sanitizer transport

The holiday weekend just concluded finds the nation still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic as the overriding priority in virtually every aspect of our daily lives. This applies to the logistics sector as well, with several new items of interest related to the subject. Life does go on in the meantime too of course, and this is

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of April 13 2020

Week of April 13th, 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance The supply chain is becoming faster and increasingly more complex. As a result, dangerous goods companies must have the necessary technologies and processes in place in order to make strategic, data-driven decisions, and then effectively execute those strategies. To help companies keep a

Distilleries making hand sanitizer? Hooray! Here’s how to ship it safely.

Among all the dire news surrounding the COVID-19 crisis, there’s one story that’s lightened a lot of people’s moods: distillers of alcoholic beverages (including several in the Chicago area) switching over some of their production to make desperately needed hand sanitizer. We love this story because: Supplies of hand sanitizer have been running low at

DG Digest: PHMSA temporarily relaxing recurrent training certificate requirement, HHS announces list of scarce materials threatened by hoarding

The COVID-19 crisis commands most of the week’s regulatory news.  As the world continues to work through its response, the weekly DG Digest will continue in its present format during the crisis: one section devoted specifically to news related to the pandemic, with other news in a separate section.  Labelmaster remains fully operational and serving

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of March 30 2020

Week of March 30th, 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance The impact of COVID-19 on the supply chain has put a spotlight on the importance of having adequate technology, infrastructure and processes to adapt to unexpected changes, ensure safety and comply with the latest regulations – a reality dangerous goods shippers face every

DG Digest: vital transport, extra hand sanitizer, critical infrastructure workforce — agencies respond to the global pandemic

As readers have no doubt already guessed, the global response to the COVID-19 outbreak dominates this week’s regulatory news, with a widening variety of actions now being promulgated to assist the transport industry in coping with the unprecedented situation.  Labelmaster has been designated as an essential business in this circumstance and will continue to operate. 

DG Digest: ICAO/IATA and ADR react to the pandemic, FRA seeks comments on quarterly PTC form

As all of our readers know, the COVID-19 pandemic is now dominating the news and is affecting transport worldwide and well beyond impacts to private travelers. Its overall impact to industry and trade remains to be seen, but as dangerous goods professionals it’s our responsibility to keep things moving safely during this unsettled time. Let’s

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of March 16 2020

Week of March 16th, 2020 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Growing customer demands, increasing order volumes, stricter regulations and a host of other factors continue to put pressure on the supply chain – especially for companies shipping dangerous goods. This makes having the right technology solutions in place more important than ever. To

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of March 2, 2020

Week of March 2nd, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Technology is helping improve supply chain performance and deliver greater business value. But not every aspect of the supply chain is getting the attention (and investment) it deserves. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and the movement of

7 misconceptions about attending the Dangerous Goods Symposium

Have you ever attended Labelmaster’s Dangerous Goods Symposium? If so, here’s what you need to know right now: The 2020 Dangerous Goods Symposium will be held September 9-11 in Chicago You’ll save $50 by registering by April 30, 2020. Now, if you’ve never attended the DG Symposium, you might have a reason or two why

DG Digest: FRA publishes regulation on risk reduction programs and FMCSA announces reduced fees for states

The week just ended found regulatory activity about normal—several actions of interest including several Special Permit actions from PHMSA and a big new final rule from the FRA. In another story that is not currently receiving heavy US media coverage, our Canadian neighbors are experiencing an environmental and political dispute that has had a significant impact

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of February 17, 2020

Week of February 17, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance The supply chain greatly impacts an organization’s overall performance, and managing dangerous goods safely and compliantly as part of its operations adds a greater level of complexity. That’s why it’s more important than ever for companies to have the right technology and processes

DG Digest: In response to derailments, Transport Canada orders ‘Key Trains’ to limit speed to 25 mph

We begin the second week of February with Transport Canada taking center stage on the regulatory scene in a major action directed at addressing train operating safety following a pair of recent oil train derailments.  Find the details on that below.  A variety of other and somewhat less minor—but still interesting–actions rounded out the week’s

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of February 03, 2020

Week of February 03, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Technology helps drive business forward – that’s why companies continue to invest in the cutting-edge tech innovations that will shape the supply chain of the future. But dangerous goods shippers cannot afford to overlook the solutions that impact their operation today. To help

DG Digest: FMCSA extends IRC on highway routing of hazmat, FRA sets drug & alcohol test rates for 2020

Last Saturday marked the Chinese New Year; the year 4718 in the Chinese calendar and the Year of the Rat, which renews the twelve year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac.  In Chinese culture, rats represent the positive traits of quickness, cleverness, and the ability to thrive even under difficult circumstances.  The Labelmaster family wishes all

DG Digest: PHMSA issues IRC on portable tanks and IBCs; FRA is proposing changes to train brake inspections

Mid-January finds the regulatory world getting busy again as the nation weathers fierce winter weather. The UNECE has a pair of very interesting published revisions to important documents; we cover that below, along with a variety of other actions. Meanwhile it’s the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday; the Labelmaster family wishes

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of January 20, 2020

Week of January 20, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Collaboration is becoming an increasingly integral part of the supply chain as companies look to further improve operational efficiency, increase transparency and gain a competitive advantage. Fortunately, the ability for companies to better collaborate with their supply chain partners have been enabled by

Why it’s absolutely essential to choose the right hazmat placard

True fact: No one ever got promoted for choosing the right hazmat placard. Choosing the wrong placard, however, could have negative consequences for anyone’s job prospects. Think about it. Every Dangerous Goods shipment represents a significant investment in time and materials, and it could be part of a supply chain impacting several organizations. Yet one

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of January 6, 2020

Week of January 6, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance 2020 is here and technology is poised to continue transforming the supply chain. This is especially true for dangerous goods shippers as they much adapt to the continued growth of e-commerce, evolving consumer demands, increasing regulations and much more. To help companies keep

8 minor miracles in honor of the first-ever hazmat Hanukkah

It’s the holiday season, so naturally it’s time for a holiday post. And this time we’re doing something different. We’ve done holiday gift guides. We’ve also done Valentine’s Day, Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day, Independence Day and, of course, Halloween. But as far as we know, no one’s ever done a Hanukkah-themed post about Dangerous Goods

Revisiting the most important 2019 hazmat regulations—and previewing 2020

The biggest regulatory news in 2019 may have been something that didn’t happen—PHMSA’s HM-215O International Harmonization rule, which would have aligned U.S. regulations with the most recent UN Model Regulations, ICAO Technical Instructions and IMDG Code. HM-215O will almost certainly be formalized in 2020. Meanwhile, here’s a look back at the significant regulatory developments that

Why the new lithium battery test summary rules are nothing to stress out about

On January 1, 2020, a new regulation goes into effect that will impact every organization that manufactures or distributes lithium batteries and/or the equipment they power. These companies will be required to share information, known as a “test summary,” that proves their batteries meet the testing standards as defined in sub-section 38.3 of the UN

DG Digest: EPA announces public meeting on implementation of the TSCA New Chemicals program

The nation enters the Thanksgiving holiday period this week with regulatory activity remaining relatively minor. The Labelmaster family wishes you and yours a safe and happy Thanksgiving Day! Here’s the latest news: EPA On December 10, 2019, EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) will hold a public meeting to engage with interested

Hazmat Quizmaster: How well do you know today’s Dangerous Goods industry?

MAKE COMPLIANCE A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE Competitively Compliant companies use superior compliance processes to grow revenues and improve profitability. Want to know where you stand? Take the free Total Value of Compliance assessment. Make sure your shipments are safe and in complete compliance with a full line of solutions from Labelmaster—a full-service provider of goods and services

DG Digest: OSHA to meet on policies to help improve worker safety in December

Mid-November found regulatory activity at minimal levels.  Meanwhile, as the nation begins its transition into the holiday season, be sure that safety remains an important part of your employee population’s schedule.  Here’s the latest news: OSHA The agency announced a meeting of its National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health, which, as its name

CHEMTREC Hazmat Summit: Safety all the way to the end of the supply chain

Last week, three Labelmaster team members attended the first-ever CHEMTREC® International Hazmat Summit in Houston—a “one-of-a-kind forum for all interested parties involved in the safe transportation, handling, and use of hazardous materials, including shippers, carriers, and emergency and spill clean-up responders.” We partner with CHEMTREC as their exclusive supplier for hazmat shipping labels, markings and

Labelmaster remembers Abe Samuels

The entire Dangerous Goods community lost a dear friend last week when former Labelmaster National Sales Manager Abe Samuels passed away at age 98. “Abe touched everyone who met him in a remarkable way. From the devotion he had to his family, to the collegial relationships to which he dedicated himself — and the industry

Ship West Quiz

Hazmat Quizmaster: How well do you know the Western U.S. states?

Call 800.621.5808 or visit labelmaster.com/ship-west to learn more about our great prices and lower shipping charges for shipping out West. Make sure your shipments are safe and in complete compliance with a full line of solutions from Labelmaster—a full-service provider of goods and services for hazardous materials and Dangerous Goods professionals, shippers, transport operators and EH&S

DG Digest: PHMSA special permits announced and U.N. GHS 8th Revision now available for download

Mid-October finds the regulatory scene continuing to be fairly active as the season advances.  The leaves are falling; be sure to keep your workplace’s sidewalks and other walkways clear to avoid leaves hiding cracks, bumps, or other imperfections that could pose a trip hazard for employees and visitors.  Here’s all the latest news: PHMSA The

At Parcel Forum 2019, Labelmaster will share a Dangerous Goods primer

If you’re in the business of delivering parcels, you might be thrilled and terrified at the same time these days. Thrilled because the rise of e-commerce has created more parcels to deliver, so business is good. Terrified because consumer demands—Tomorrow? Heck, I want it today!—make business more challenging than ever. Oh, and don’t look now,

DG Report Vol. 11

Dangerous Goods Report | Vol. 11

Summary: Volume 11 of the Dangerous Goods Report focuses on how today’s “I want it now” e-commerce consumer has forced every supply chain organization to rethink and re-engineer how they do business. How do Dangerous Goods professionals ensure compliance in the new decentralized, omnichannel e-commerce environment? Hazmat transport in today’s “get it tomorrow” world. How top

Postal rates may increase if U.S. departs Universal Postal Union

Although it does not have the current traction in the news that many other topics do, a technical arrangement that governs the US Postal Service’s relations to other international postal bodies may leave US-based shippers facing higher fees.  A meeting in Geneva, Switzerland on September 25-26th is more or less the last chance for the

DG Symposium Day 3: learning from Lithium Battery Friday

You know you’re in a conference full of Dangerous Goods pros when a panelist says, “Hey, how about that electric violin at Labelmaster Fest last night? What do you suppose the watt-hour rating on those rechargeable batteries is?” Yes, it was Lithium Battery Friday at the Dangerous Goods Symposium—a annual tradition where a panel of

DG Digest: PHMSA releases pair of useful guides, FMCSA may reduce State fees collected from motor carriers

Although the calendar says that summer doesn’t end until September 22nd, for all practical purposes summer ended yesterday with the Labor Day holiday.  Hopefully everyone had a safe and happy long weekend!  The last week of the traditional summer season was unusually busy from a regulatory standpoint, with a number of actions rolling in to

The simple guide to 2019/2020 Dangerous Goods regulatory books

Don’t look now, but it’s almost fall, and it will be 2020 before you know it. That means new Dangerous Goods regulations will soon be coming into force—and you’ll need new regulatory publications to keep track of them. Of course, sometimes it’s hard just keeping track of the latest Dangerous Goods regulatory publications themselves. That’s

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

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of August 26, 2019

Week of August 26, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance When selecting logistics solutions, companies must consider how they will impact every part of the supply chain. This is especially true for dangerous goods shippers. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and the movement of dangerous goods throughout

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. Update! On October 29, 2019, penalties at many agencies were increased an

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of August 19, 2019

Week of August 19, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Technology continues to impact supply chain planning and execution. But achieving meaningful organizational change requires companies to share data and align processes with stakeholders, customers and suppliers. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and the movement of dangerous

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

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of August 12, 2019

Week of August 12, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Technology is transforming the way goods are moved around the world. As a result, companies are constantly introducing new innovations into their supply chains in order to stay competitive and meet growing customer demands. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of August 5, 2019

Week of August 5, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Technology innovation has led to the emergence of new delivery methods – from autonomous vehicles to aircraft systems. And these emerging technologies promise to impact the supply chain of the future, including the transport of dangerous goods. To help companies keep a pulse

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

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

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of July 29, 2019

Week of July 29, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance The push towards digital transformation can be seen in almost every industry, especially in the supply chain. But the pursuit of the supply chain of tomorrow means all critical functions – including hazmat compliance – need to be digital and connected. To help

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

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

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

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

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of July 15, 2019

Week of July 15, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance In today’s omnichannel shipping world, companies are faced with the challenge of meeting customer demands fast, free shipping while keeping costs down. This is especially challenging for those shipping dangerous goods. That’s why more shippers are looking to technologies to further enable this

Omnichannel, decentralized and hazmat-compliant: A brave new world

How much more complex and challenging can shipping get? You’re doing everything you can to satisfy customers’ demands for fast, free delivery. You aim to be omnichannel, decentralized, parcel-optimized and cost-conscious. You keep inventories as tight and fluid as possible without ever having to say, “Sorry, we’re out.” Oh, and every shipment is fully compliant

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of July 8, 2019

Week of July 8, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Technology is changing the way we do business. And soon, the old way of doing things will be replaced– whether it’s how we prepare documents, train employees or interact with customers and devices. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting

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

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of June 24, 2019

Week of June 24, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Purchasing solutions primarily (or solely) based on price puts your organization at risk, especially dangerous good companies. After all, not all solutions – from software to batteries and packaging – are created equality. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

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

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of June 10, 2019

Week of June 10, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance The growth of e-commerce has led to more dangerous goods being shipped – both by large enterprises and individuals – making compliance more challenging and important than ever. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and the movement of

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of June 3, 2019

Week of June 3, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Advancements in technology are enabling a more digital supply chain – helping dangerous goods companies improve performance, enhance customer service, lower operating costs and mitigate risk. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and the movement of dangerous goods

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of May 27, 2019

Week of May 27, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Selecting the right supply chain technology for your organization is critical and can have a significant impact on your operational and financial performance – both today and in the future. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and the

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of May 20, 2019

Week of May 20, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance The supply chain can have a significant impact on an organization’s operational and financial performance. That’s why forward-thinking companies continue to invest in their infrastructure in order to increase efficiencies, reduce costs and mitigate risk. To help companies keep a pulse on technology

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of May 13, 2019

Week of May 13, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Enterprise systems continue to evolve to further drive automation and optimization for businesses. But maximizing the value of these systems requires dangerous goods companies to take a strategic approach to how they are used within the organization. To help companies keep a pulse

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of May 06, 2019

Week of May 06, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance As the supply chain becomes faster and more complex, companies, especially those shipping dangerous goods, must rely on technology to keep pace. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and the movement of dangerous goods throughout the supply chain,

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of April 29, 2019

Week of April 29, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Advancements in technology leads to more complex supply chains, especially for companies shipping dangerous goods. It’s important for organizations to understand the impact new technologies have on their operations, and then leverage other technology solutions to effectively manage the process. To help companies

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

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of April 22, 2019

Week of April 22, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Supply chain compliance is challenging, especially as increasingly strict rules and requirements are being played on organizations by their customers, including the adoption of technology. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and the movement of dangerous goods throughout

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

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of April 15, 2019

Week of April 15, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Moving goods across the supply chain can be complex, especially when transporting dangerous goods. Technology is key to helping companies more effectively manage their shipping processes. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and the movement of dangerous goods

The hazmat pro’s guide to Game of Thrones, Season 8

At last, the moment for which hazmat pros have waited untold winters! The final season of Game of Thrones starts Sunday. Everyone in the Dangerous Goods galaxy knows Game of Thrones is really about hazmat transport. For all its swordplay, palace intrigue and dragons, the show addresses the same issues hazmat pros deal with every

DG Digest: EPA eliminating requirement for mercury-based sensing devices for ignitability tests

The first week of April has ended—is your site experiencing “April showers that bring May flowers?”  If so, make sure that your storm drains and other runoff devices aren’t clogged and that any regulated discharge doesn’t get into those storm drains.  That tends to be a serious non-compliance issue for local municipal authorities who have

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of April 8, 2019

Week of April 8, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Today’s businesses want to make decisions based on facts, not guesses. That’s why more and more companies (including those shipping dangerous goods) are leveraging technology to access and analyze key operational data and apply predictive analytics. To help companies keep a pulse on

Obexion’s “Excellence in Transit Packaging” award: our acceptance speech

Creating resources for safe and compliant Dangerous Goods transport isn’t generally considered a creative business. Unlike practitioners of film, music, television and literature, we don’t dream about winning awards. And yet, we have. Last week, at Industrial Pack 2019, our Obexion lithium battery packaging won the Industrial Packaging Award for Excellence in Transit Packaging. There

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of April 1, 2019

Week of April 1, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Technology continues to transform every industry sector. To successfully navigate the changing landscape, companies – especially those shipping dangerous goods – must understand how these shifts impact their supply chain operations. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and

New survey will get pilots’ thoughts on Dangerous Goods training

We’ve written plenty about the importance of training for people who prepare Dangerous Goods shipments for air transport. But what about the people who actually fly the planes? James Wyatt, Senior Vice President Aviation Solutions at Avialytics GmbH, believes the training needs of pilots and flight crews aren’t adequately addressed by currently available resources. And

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of March 25, 2019

Week of March 25, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance The adoption of new and innovative technologies are helping enable a digital supply chain and improve operations for global companies, especially those shipping dangerous goods. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and the movement of dangerous goods throughout

19 reasons to sign up for the 2019 Dangerous Goods Symposium now

It’s barely spring. Too soon to think about September? Not when we’re talking about the 2019 Dangerous Goods Symposium—slated for September 4–6 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago. The Symposium is the world’s premier event for hazmat professionals from all over the world—and anyone else who works hard every day to keep our supply chain safe.

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of March 18, 2019

Week of March 18, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance New technologies have a ripple effect across the supply chain, especially when these technologies are classified as “dangerous.” To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and the movement of dangerous goods throughout the supply chain, Labelmaster has launched “Supply

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of March 11, 2019

Week of March 11, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Technology innovation has crept into every part of our personal and professional lives. For companies shipping and handling dangerous goods (DG), these new technologies have a significant impact on the supply chains – including how they must approach compliance. To help companies keep

Hazmat pros—with HM-215O coming, how do you spell “harmonization?”

Last week we shared transatlantic viewpoints on confidence in Dangerous Goods compliance. This week, our experts talk about harmonization between Europe and North America. The supply chain is more global than it’s ever been. Yet Dangerous Goods regulations still vary from country to country. The differences in hazmat regulations between Europe and North America are—thankfully—nowhere

DG Digest: PHMSA releases draft rule: lithium battery harmonization may be upon us

PHMSA The agency, in consultation with the Federal Railroad Administration and pursuant to the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) of 2015, issued a final rule to revise and clarify requirements for comprehensive oil spill response plans (COSRPs) and to expand their applicability based on petroleum oil thresholds that apply to an entire train

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of March 4, 2019

Week of March 4, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Technology is helping create a digital supply chain that enables more intelligent and forward-thinking operations. For companies shipping and handling dangerous goods (DG), this modern approach must include compliance. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and the movement

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of February 25, 2019

Week of February 25, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Technology is a necessity in today’s complex, fast-paced supply chain. This is especially true for companies shipping and handling dangerous goods (DG) – as they look for ways to effectively and efficiently comply with ever-changing regulations while meeting increasing customer demands. To help

DG Digest: OSHA issues guidance aiming to protect workers from lithium batteries worn as personal equipment

Mid-February finds a variety of action taking place on the regulatory front as everyone waits for winter to run its course.  With the shutdown now receding, agencies have ramped back up to normal operations, and are busy with their schedules.  Here’s all the latest: FAA The agency published the renewal of an ICR affecting Part

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of February 18, 2019

Week of February 18, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Technology innovation continues to change how we do business. For companies that handle dangerous goods, technology adoption and integration is critical in order to effectively and efficiently comply with complex regulations and maintain a smooth, safe and secure supply chain. To help companies

The Labelmaster guide to Valentine’s Day hazmat shipping

Today is the day when people all over the world celebrate love. This celebration is often manifested by the sending of cherished missives and objects from lover to lover. While the standard Valentine’s card or box of chocolates requires no special measures, it’s important to realize that many romantic notions have Dangerous Goods implications. We

Labelmaster Supply Chain Moves

Supply Chain Moves: Week of February 11, 2019

Week of February 11, 2019 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance Technology innovation is a key driver in taking the supply chain forward and changing how you do business. Best-in-class companies that handle Dangerous Goods (DG) understand that technology adoption and integration is critical to effectively and efficiently complying with complex, constantly changing regulations

DG Digest: FRA publishes emergency relief docket and DOT reviewing need for some external guidance documents

The last two weeks found federal agencies slowly returning to their normal schedules following the recent shutdown.  The result?  A much busier DG Digest!  Meanwhile, much of the country is experiencing the grip of the depth of winter.  Is your workplace safe for employees?  Remember to keep your walkways clear and dry, watch inside flooring

Part 1: The Cost of Maintaining Compliance

Total value of compliance, Part 1: Assessing your hazmat processes and procurement

Trick question: Do you spend too much on Dangerous Goods compliance? Most hazmat professionals would probably answer “yes.” Whenever we have to spend money on something that doesn’t show an immediate benefit, it always feels like we’re spending too much. And there’s no getting around it—Dangerous Goods compliance requires a financial outlay. But the real

DOT Departments Limit Services During Continued Government Shutdown

Have you been curious how the partial Government shutdown has affected the Department of Transportation (DOT) offices? DOT recently issued a plan document outlining how each office is operating during the current funding freeze. It includes a summary of personnel affected (working vs. furloughed), as well as summaries of continuing operations and suspended activities. Hazardous

11 must-have items for hazmat shipping when your eyelashes freeze

Happy New Year! For those of us in northern climes, we’re well past the isn’t-winter-wonderful? phase and well into the enough-already-with-the-freezing-rain phase. Yet Dangerous Goods shipments don’t care if your eyelashes freeze together or your fingertips go numb. Your customers and supply chain partners still expect your shipments to be safe, compliant and on time,

DG Digest: Regulatory news from PHMSA, FMCSA, EPA and more as 2018 ends with partial government shutdown.

The end of the year finds portions of the federal government shut down, including the Department of Transportation. At press time, there was no specific information or guidance on either the DOT or PHMSA websites as to the exact impact that this shutdown will have on regulatory schedules or other departmental activity. This column will

2018: The year in Dangerous Goods regulations

2018 was a relatively quiet year in the Dangerous Goods galaxy, with few major new regulatory changes and no unexpected surprises from domestic or international regulatory bodies. Still, as Labelmaster’s Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Responsibility, I hear all the questions from our customers and partners about how best to comply with regulations. This

DG Digest: PHMSA issues emergency HMR relief for areas hit by Hurricane Michael, and IATA issues new guidance for personal mobility devices on passenger aircraft

The last week of October finds the nation grappling with the midterm election cycle and, again, the shadow of public violence.  Certainly we here at Labelmaster offer our deepest condolences to those affected by what has happened in Pittsburgh and elsewhere. The last two weeks featured a busy surge in regulatory activity as many of

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