The Thanksgiving holiday is now over, and the major retail season is in place for around the next month. Many large retailers and their distribution hubs are busy handling and shipping a variety of dangerous goods—there seems to be more lithium batteries than ever out there — so if you’re in the middle of the…
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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…
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…
DG Digest: FRA issues ICR on positive train control reporting requirements
Mid-November is here—where is the autumn going? Most areas of the country are seeing the last of their fall leaves drop, so now’s your chance to ensure your workplace clears them out and keeps those storm sewers and entranceways nice and clean to avoid flooding or tripping hazards. Snow is on the horizon, too, so…
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…
DG Digest: PHMSA released web app for ease of research on rulemaking and to make interpretations more user-friendly
This blog publishes on Halloween, 2022; so, Happy Halloween! Hopefully your day is filled with treats rather than tricks. Remember that the kids will be out in force today, and not necessarily paying much attention to traffic and other safety issues, so it’s up to us adults to take extra care to protect them 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…
DG Digest: IATA published revised acceptance checklists for the 64th DGR effective in 2023
We move into the last week of October, and snow is beginning to fall in many northern areas of the country. Be sure your snow removal vendor is all set up—don’t get caught out! Most vendors will only take on a certain number of clients, so be sure you retain yours before their docket fills…
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: How will the 49 CFR change as a result of PHMSA’s HM-215P (International harmonization)?
The second week of October is here, and the autumn leaves are falling. We should all remain cognizant of the need to keep our workplaces’ outdoor walkways and stairwells clear of leaves that could contribute to tripping hazards, as well as the need to keep storm sewers open to drain off rainfall. Safety first! Here’s…
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…
Why Capsuloc™ hazmat containers have shippers kicking the can. Literally.
Paint can-style secondary hazmat containers have been a necessary evil for decades. They’re essential for shipping certain Dangerous Goods, but no one really likes them. Given a better alternative, most DG operations would kick the paint can shipper like a bad habit. With the introduction of Capsuloc™, that alternative is actually here—and DG pros are…
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…
DG Digest: IATA publishes list of changes to the 64th Edition of the DGR
Welcome to mid-September already! This coming week will see the official end of the summer, so as the fall season rolls in, be sure that your company safety plans account for it. For example, storm drains that rid your property of water can often become blocked by falling leaves, and lead to water damage of…
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…
DG Digest: OSHA invites stakeholder and public comments on their Process Safety Management (PSM) standard later this month
The Labor Day holiday is over and with it the comes the traditional end of summer. Hopefully, everyone had a safe and happy season. The coming week sees children return to school across much of the country, so be on the lookout for lots of extra traffic and excited kids that may not always be paying…
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…
Full Dangerous Goods automation: How to integrate your ERP, WMS or TMS with DGIS
If your weekly grocery shopping includes both meats and produce, life’s a lot easier if you can buy them at the same store. If your exercise regimen includes both weight work and swimming, life’s a lot easier if your health club includes a weight room and a pool. And if your operation ships both non-regulated…
DG Digest: PHMSA announced regulatory enforcement discretion for medical waste generated from patients with monkeypox.
The last full week of August is over! Wow. Here comes the new school year—most schools will be back in session in the next week or two. Watch out for those school buses that will soon be on the move in the morning and late afternoon, and the many places where increased foot and car traffic…
Bundle up! We have the multi-modal online hazmat training courses you need.
As most Dangerous Goods professionals know, hazmat employees are required to receive not only general awareness training on the requirements for hazmat shipping, but also function-specific training related to their particular roles. For operations that ship hazmat via ground, sea and air, this requirement often means employees have to take a training course for each…
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…
Stop cursing your paint can hazmat containers. Meet Capsuloc™.
Ask any Dangerous Goods pro about “paint can” secondary containers, and the response may require a parental warning for language. You’ll hear about lids that won’t stay closed, or that can’t be pried open. You’ll hear about leaks in transit, smashed fingers from errant mallets, and ring locks that won’t come off without a power…
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…
Why every auto-related business needs a large format lithium battery plan
Electric vehicles are here to stay. This is not breaking news. In 2021, global sales of electric cars doubled to a new record of 6.6 million—close to 10 percent of all new cars sold. In the U.S., electric vehicle registrations shot up 60 percent in the first quarter of 2022, and EVs now make up…
DG Digest: Federal Agencies publish semi-annual regulatory agendas
The end of the first week of August is here, and in some parts of the country, summer heat is at its maximum. It’s also the heart of hurricane season in the Southeast and Gulf states. Be sure that your severe weather plans account for the safety issues that your site requires. Meanwhile, here’s the…
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:…
DG Digest: PHMSA releases HM-215P final rule, with changes to lithium battery exceptions — and much more.
Welcome to August! Summer continues to roll on by. Every year, it seems to go a bit faster, too! August is often the month that sees businesses have the largest number of employees off on vacation. Because of this, short staffing can sometimes be an issue and the employees that are still busy working can…
Raise your confidence—and your performance—with Dangerous Goods automation
Every year, our Global Dangerous Goods Confidence Outlook surveys supply chain professionals from around the world and shares the results. It’s an important resource for any organization in the hazmat supply chain. Why do supply chain leaders care so much about confidence? Two reasons: Confident compliance is essential for running a safe, efficient, profitable Dangerous…
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…
Why online hazmat training is essential for new supply chain workers
We all know that training is mandated by law for any workers involved in the transport of Dangerous Goods. But what about supply chain workers who aren’t involved in hazmat transport? Should they undergo training as well? For many forward-thinking supply chain organizations, the answer is yes. Now, you might well ask, “Why would we…
DG Digest: PHMSA published ICR for the transport of radioactive materials in commerce
Here we are at mid-July already! Where does the summer go? Hopefully, your workplace is operating its warm weather safety plan effectively. Remember that heat stress and heat stroke can represent serious safety concerns at this time of year, especially for workers outdoors or in spaces that lack air conditioning. Make sure your workplace addresses…
Large format lithium battery transport partners: Who you need and what to look for
Dangerous Goods is a team sport. Whether you handle one hazmat shipment a week or several thousand a day, you likely rely on partners to help you stay compliant with optimal efficiency. Your need for partners is especially acute when your business involves large format lithium batteries—and the bigger the battery, the more help you’ll…
DG Digest: PHMSA requests comments on potential move to electronic shipping papers
Welcome back to the DG Digest after a brief summer hiatus! The last few weeks have been eventful, with perhaps the biggest news item being one of general interest: the Supreme Court decision in the matter of “West Virginia vs. USEPA.” This ruling, the subject of which was a Clean Air Act regulation not specifically…
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 Dangerous Goods automation helps deliver record revenue and profits
No matter what business you’re in, there are two basic ways to grow profits—reducing costs and increasing revenues. In Dangerous Goods transport, a lot of the focus tends to be on reducing costs. And that’s a good place to focus, since there are often inefficiencies and hidden costs which can be identified and smoothed over.…
9 improvements you can expect from smarter online hazmat training
Ever ask a sulky teenager to execute a household chore? They’ll do the bare minimum, but it’s easy to see that it could have been done better. There’s a similar dynamic with Dangerous Goods training. The law says employees have to be trained if an organization ships or handles hazardous materials, and many companies do…
DG Digest: OSHA published ICR on hygiene plans for laboratories
Today’s federal holiday is the commemoration of Juneteenth: the recognition of June 19th, 1865, when emancipation of the enslaved African American people of Texas was announced by the Union Army, finally formally ending the institution of chattel slavery in the rejoined United States following the end of the Civil War. The Labelmaster family joins with…
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…
DG Digest: OSHA to hold virtual public meetings in advance of International meetings this summer.
The Labelmaster Family joins all Americans in taking time to recall and honor those who have fallen in our nation’s defense, and to hope for a time when violence and bloodshed, regardless of where it takes place, will no longer be considered an acceptable means of human interaction. Here’s the latest regulatory news: PHMSA The…
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…
Make supply chain disruptions less disruptive—with Dangerous Goods automation
The global supply chain has seen enough disruptions over the last couple of years to last a lifetime. A worldwide pandemic. Labor shortages. Material shortages. Unstoppable eCommerce demand. A container ship wedged across the Suez Canal for weeks. A war in Europe. Massive fuel cost increases. And don’t look now, but labor conflicts, severe weather…
DG Digest: PHMSA published handling and treatment guidance for end-of-life lithium batteries
Here we are with the end of May beginning to approach already. The Memorial Day holiday will mark the unofficial beginning of the summer for many people. Be sure that you plan your holiday safely and be sure as well to take time to remember the reason the holiday exists, and the sacrifices so many…
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…
DG Digest: Supply Chain Shortages Force PHMSA to Relax Some Rules for Sealing Tapes
Sunday was Mother’s Day, and the Labelmaster joins to wish all those hard-working Moms out there the credit they deserve. We hope you had a great and special day and a wonderful year coming up! Here’s the latest news from the last two weeks: PHMSA The agency published a notice of discretionary enforcement allowing inspectors to take…
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…
DG Digest: PHMSA Lithium Battery Air Safety Advisory Committee to meet on May 4th, 2022
The third week of the month was a bit of a “post-holiday” period, apparently, at least among the regulatory bodies. It was pretty quiet. As such, it’s a small digest this week, although PHMSA announced a meeting dealing with lithium batteries—always a popular subject of interest. Here’s the latest news. PHMSA The agency announced a…
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…
Speed and simplicity: DGIS hazmat software vs your coffee maker
The single-cup coffee maker is a model of speed and simplicity. You drop in a pod, push a button, and get a fresh cup of coffee about a minute later. No wonder so many people have adopted them for their homes and offices. Speed and simplicity go hand in hand. The simpler you make a…
DG Digest: PHMSA Publishes Q2 Newsletter; OSHA to Invite Stakeholders to Meet on Heat-related Worker Hazards
The first full week of April found a number of interesting regulatory items. We’ll cover them all below. Meanwhile, April tends to be the lead-in month for much of the stormy springtime weather that many sections of our country experience. Be sure that your workplace severe weather plans are up to date and employees know…
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…
DG Digest: PHMSA to publish FAQs for Hazardous Materials Regulations on their website
Heading into the end of the month of March, we find that PHMSA is releasing an interesting new feature for DG shippers—a “Frequently Asked Questions” list related to some of its Letters of Interpretation or LOI. Looks like the agency is trying to avoid some of the inevitable repetition that occurs with stakeholders ending up asking…
DG Digest: U.S. DOT adjusts civil penalties for inflation
Welcome to Spring! I’m sure that we’re all glad to start putting the winter behind us. As our workplaces begin to transition to warmer weather, as HS&E professionals let’s be sure that any damage to things like outdoor break or lunch areas gets taken care of before our fellow employees start to use them more heavily…
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: FMCSA to increase commercial vehicle interior windshield size to accommodate on-board safety technology
The end of the first week in March finds the world watching a full-scale war in the heart of Europe. Exactly what impact that will have long-term beyond the obvious human tragedy remains to be seen, but short term, it is going to add many challenges to an already pandemic stressed supply chain. Labelmaster will do…
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…
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…
DG Digest: U.S Coast Guard issues final rule amending how waterfront facilities handle LNG
The first week in February is here, and the groundhog saw his shadow—six more weeks of winter! Be sure your winter safety plan stays active until we all get through to the new Spring. There was a variety of news from various federal agencies last week, including an ICR dealing with COVID issues from the…
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…
DG Digest: Federal Agencies Release Semi-annual Agendas
Here we are at the end of January already! One month gone from the New Year. Hopefully, your resolutions are still sticking. Meanwhile, time flies, but at least we’re all a month closer to the new Spring. Let’s all get through the rest of the winter safely—keep your cold weather plan up to date and…
DG Digest: FMCSA Proposal Would Reduce State Fees by 27% in 2022
It’s the middle of what is typically the worst month of winter weather over much of the country—let’s stay focused on keeping our employees safe, especially if your facility has work outside. Falls and frostbite are nothing to sniff at, and as HS&E professionals we need to stay on top of things. Keep walkways clear of…
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—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…
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.…
ShipERP customers get real-time UN code validation with DGIS integration
How many different materials go into a modern, high-end sports car? A few hundred? Maybe a thousand? Actually, it’s orders of magnitude larger than that—10,000, 20,000 or more. Let’s say ten percent of those are classified as Dangerous Goods. There’s probably a lot of overlap, but you’re probably talking about several hundred different UN numbers,…
DG Digest: U.S. DOT Releases Draft (FY 2022-2026) Strategic Framework
Happy New Year! The week just ended finds the nation entering 2022 and finishing up another busy holiday season—now it’s time to bear down, get through the rest of the winter, and head into what we certainly all hope will be a springtime marked by progress and improvement. If your resolutions include keeping up more…
DG Digest: A busy final week of 2021 with updates from TSA, FMCSA, EPA and more
Here we are at the very last DG Digest of the year. It’s been another year of difficult days for everyone as we all continue to cope with the pandemic, which now seems set to take us into a third year of dealing with it. Especially for those of us working as part of the…
Our top 10 posts of 2021: Dangerous Goods sanity for a crazy year
2021 started with the world in the grip of a pandemic and ended … with the world in the grip of a pandemic. In between, the global supply chain struggled with labor shortages, shipwrecks, material shortages, capacity crunches, chronic disruptions and the most stressful holiday shipping season in memory. In our corner of the Dangerous…
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 proposes new competency-based training requirement.
This blog appears at the beginning of the week prior to the Christmas holiday. The Labelmaster family would like to take this time to wish all our clients, friends, and readers a very happy holiday and a safe and peaceful gathering time with those you treasure. Here’s the latest regulatory news, including major news about…
Dangerous Goods 2021: Regulatory highlights and their implications for 2022
If 2020 was the year of the pandemic, the global supply chain may remember 2021 as the year of the capacity crunch. With the pandemic still impacting workforces and travel, a perfect storm of other factors combined with surging demand to disrupt supply chains as never before. The Dangerous Goods regulatory world, while naturally affected…
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…
DG Digest: FMCSA requests to revise and renew CDL and Test Standards to ensure accuracy and completeness
The nation enters the month of December facing a new challenge from the ongoing pandemic as the “Omicron” variant has now entered the lexicon. Let’s all keep doing what we need to do to keep ourselves, our families, and our fellow employees as safe as possible as we all hope to see an eventual end…
Infographic: Who needs Dangerous Goods training? And what kind?
Updated with three new training modules! Who needs Dangerous Goods training? That’s easy. Training is mandated by law for anyone involved in the transport of Dangerous Goods. There are very few exceptions to the rule. But who needs what kind of training? That’s a more complicated question. Employers are responsible for making sure every employee…
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…
This Thanksgiving, DG also stands for “Deepest Gratitude.”
We know lots of Dangerous Goods professionals are on vacation this week, but the supply chain never takes a holiday. That’s why we’d like to take a few moments to share our thanks for everyone who helps keep our highways, skies, rails and oceans safe. Thank you to the truckers, pilots, train drivers and others…
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: Court upholds suspension of OSHA Covid-19 vaccine mandate for many U.S. workplaces
Here we are in mid-November. Winter is rolling in quickly, so make sure your workplace has its cold weather plan ready. Snow removal needs are already here for some northern and high elevation locations, with much of the rest of the country sure to follow soon. Don’t get caught unprepared! The week saw relatively limited…
Top 7 ways to handle the stress of hazmat supply chain disruptions
This is not the easiest time to be a supply chain pro. A perfect storm of complications—an ongoing pandemic, the explosion of eCommerce, maritime misadventures, raw material shortages, labor shortages, and actual storms—are causing global disruptions like we haven’t seen in decades. Just in time for peak holiday shipping season. If you work in the…
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.…
New 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: OSHA to initiate rules to protect workers from extreme heat
Welcome to November! Hopefully, everyone had an enjoyable Halloween weekend. November tends to be the month where most of the country starts to experience cold weather, so make sure your workplace plans for such operations are ready to go. It’s only going to get colder for several months, so be prepared! It was a fairly…
What will lithium battery shippers do without Section II Packing Instructions?
On January 1, 2022, the new, 63rd Edition IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations will take effect. One of the most significant changes from previous regulations is that Packing Instructions PI 965 and PI 968 have been revised to remove Section II. Readers of this blog will now likely have one of the following reactions: What the…
DG Digest: USPS sets strict limits on mailing of nicotine delivery systems
Here we are approaching the end of October! You know what that means—Halloween will be at the end of the coming week. Let’s review some basic safety for the holiday: If your workplace allows costuming, be sure any such outfits don’t compromise safe work practices, especially loose clothing that could get caught in powered machinery and most…
Common hazmat shipping errors to avoid this holiday season
Two things most shippers are (or should be) keenly aware of right now: The global supply chain is enduring disruptions like we haven’t seen in decades. The holidays are coming. Yes, we’re heading into peak shipping season—which strains supply chains even in the best of years—at a time when inventories are already thin, shortages strike…
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…
DG Digest: PHMSA releases Lithium Battery Handling Guide in attempt to simplify disparate regulations across the U.S.
Did your workplace mark Fire Prevention Week? The annual reminder to take fire danger seriously is based on the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred 150 years this year from October 8th through the 10th in 1871 and destroyed a 3.3 square mile area—at that time, a span encompassing most of the city. The tragedy…
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…
DG Digest: OHSA corrects minor mistakes to the Incorporation by Reference for Maritime
The year keeps speeding by; here we are entering October. The pandemic keeps speeding through as well, unfortunately. Let’s all keep doing our part to limit its impact on the health of ourselves, our families, and our co-workers. We can end this thing if we work together. The week past was very quiet in a…
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…
2021 DG Symposium recap, part 2: 8 things we learned about lithium battery transport
To the surprise of absolutely no one, lithium batteries became a primary focus of the 2021 Dangerous Goods Symposium as it moved into its second week. Two key sessions focused exclusively on battery-related regulations and issues, and the topic came up in others as well. Here are the recordings of those two sessions, which you…
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…
2021 Dangerous Goods Symposium preview: Every can’t-miss session
The 2021 Dangerous Goods Symposium starts next week—and you don’t even have to book a trip to Chicago! This year’s event is all-virtual, hosted on the DG Exchange. (You’ll need a free DG Exchange membership to participate.) And that means three big benefits for you: It’s free. You can join as many (or as few)…
DG Digest: PHMSA’s Lithium Battery Air Safety Committee to Meet September 22
The Labelmaster Family hopes everyone had a great Labor Day weekend and was able to enjoy a safe and healthy end-of-summer holiday. As we all return back to work and our children head back to school, let’s keep working together to end the COVID-19 pandemic. And remember—in many places, many more children will be out and about…
Dangerous Goods at the speed of eCommerce: 2021 DG Symposium speaker Cathy Roberson
Cathy Roberson believes more of her clients should ask her about Dangerous Goods. And she’s right. Roberson runs Logistics Trends & Insights, LLC—a research and consulting company devoted to the global logistics market. Her research helps shippers cut through the noise to understand and address their most critical issues, yet many don’t even know how…
DG Digest: IATA releases significant changes for the upcoming 63rd Edition of the DGR
It’s the end of August. Hopefully, everyone had a safe, healthy, and productive summer. Next weekend will be the long end-of-summer holiday; make sure your plans include ways to enjoy it while still being mindful of the pandemic and its attendant risks. Now is no time to let our guards down. The week was not super busy in…
How to grow your hazmat shipping operation during a labor shortage
There’s a new crisis adding to the list of challenges frustrating supply chain organizations during the worst public health crisis in generations—a labor shortage. In the U.S., manufacturers are desperate to fill hundreds of thousands of jobs, and finding the right talent to fill those jobs is 36% harder than it was in 2018. For…
DG Digest: OSHA issues ICR on respiratory protection and fitness requirements that go with them
As the nation enters the latter half of August, hot weather and the pandemic continue to dominate concerns about safety. Be sure that at your workplace, your hot weather plan remains in place, and that as a safety professional, you demonstrate good hot weather habits—plenty of liquid, rest after work in hot areas, and watching…
2021 DG Symposium panelist Dave Crist on risk, reputation and leadership
Do your company’s leaders understand what you do? Are they aware of the unique challenges of the Dangerous Goods supply chain, and do they take compliance seriously enough to do more than is minimally required? Our recent Global Dangerous Goods Confidence Outlook revealed that: 31% of DG pros feel their company’s senior leaders are not…
DG Digest: PHMSA HM-215P Proposes Greater Harmonization; Comment Period Open until 10/12/21
It’s the middle of August, and hot weather and storms have been a dominant feature of the landscape so far this month in man places across America. Be sure you have your plan for safe work practices in place to help handle what Mother Nature is sending our way. The week’s biggest regulatory news by…
DG Digest: DHS amends regulations relating to the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
The first week of August concludes with the COVID-19 virus rapidly surging again, account the prevalence of the new Delta variant. As HSE professionals let’s make sure we do all we can to help our fellow employees be as safe as they can be as the country continues to deal with this challenge. At the same time,…
Infographic: Results of the 2021 Global Dangerous Goods Confidence Outlook
The global supply chain has never endured a period like the last 18 months. How have Dangerous Goods organizations fared—and what are the most important factors for their future success? You’ll find the answers to those questions and many more in the below infographic. It contains the results of the 6th annual Global Dangerous Goods…
DG Digest: Agencies Publish Semi-annual Regulatory Agendas
The nation enters August with a resurgent COVID-19 pandemic driven by the Delta variant of the virus. As DG/HSE professionals committed to safe practices, let’s all work together to remain aware of any changed policies in our local jurisdictions—they may differ significantly from place to place—and be ready to help our employers with understanding and…
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…
DG Digest: CPSC asks for public comment on how hazard warnings are communicated to consumers
The “Summer Lull” continues apace in the regulatory world, with minimal action last week. Meanwhile, this new week will see a “heat dome” settle over much of the country. Be sure to help your employees cope; it’s important to remember that many employees look to HSE and other regulatory personnel for guidance and support in…
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…
DG Digest: DOT publishes ‘Chart 17’ for guidance on labels, marks, and placards enforcement
Mid-July is here already, and in keeping with the idea that summer is supposed to be a little lazy, not too much went on this week in terms of the regs. So let’s all enjoy the break together! Here’s the latest: U.S. DOT The department has published ‘Chart 17.’ The DOT Chart series provides guidance…
New webinar: Is missing information hurting your hazmat shipping operation?
Say you have a building you want to repaint. You contact a distributor who says they can ship you all the paint you need by air, so you’ll have it tomorrow morning. You hire a crew and wait for the paint. And wait. And wait. And when you call to find out where the heck…
DG Digest: PHMSA Seeks Leading-edge, Innovative Ideas to Advance the Safe Transport of DG
Amazingly, it’s already almost mid-July! Crazy, how quickly the summer goes. Hopefully everyone is having a chance to enjoy a little down time; be sure that if and when you do, you remain attentive to safety, especially for big chores around the house and most especially, driving. Summer trips often mean unfamiliar territory, extra road…
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…
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…
DG Digest: Biden DOE Releases National Blueprint for Lithium Batteries 2021- 2030
Believe it or not it’s nearly mid-June already. The long hours of daylight and warm weather this time of year often lead workplaces to tackle those outdoor projects that may have been lagging all winter. If your site plans such work, be sure to do your homework first—secure necessary permits, plan your safety, especially fall protection…
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: PHMSA announces corrections for civil penalties introduced last month
Meteorological summer has begun; the warm season always brings extra attention to heat related illness in the workplace. Make sure your facility has a plan to help keep employees cool and safe this summer. The first week of June kicks off with busy action at PHMSA; Special Permit and other agency actions are in the news. There were…
In Dangerous Goods, every month is National Safety Month.
Since June is National Safety Month, we thought it would be a good time to reiterate the most important reason Dangerous Goods professionals do what we do. Yes, it’s safety. Why do we help shippers understand and comply with Dangerous Goods regulations? Safety. Why do we consistently point out areas where shippers may need extra…
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…
DG Digest: PHMSA publishes multi-part ICR on requesting changes, exemptions in relation to the HMR
We head into May’s final full week with a holiday weekend set to happen at its end. Make sure that your holiday plans include not only the usual safe practices related to travel and work around the house, but that we all remain mindful of the ongoing issues surrounding the pandemic. Let’s all keep doing what…
Lithium batteries will be everywhere this summer! Are we worried?
Most normal people greet spring and summer with unbridled joy—and this year, with public life re-opening after a year of pandemic precautions, people are excited for warmer weather like never before. Dangerous Goods pros feel that enthusiasm, too. But we’re also prone to see summer approaching and say Holy shipment! There are lithium batteries freaking…
DG Digest: TSA published requirements to become a Certified Cargo Screening site
Mid-May already! Time does fly. The middle of the month finds us in a quiet period for the regulations, with only minimal activity. Meanwhile, the vaccine programs march on. As an HSE professional, be sure you do your part to help facilitate the efforts to inoculate the employees at your workplace who express interest in getting the vaccination. …
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…
DG Digest: DOT to perform ‘Regulatory Review’ in light of recent Executive Orders
The second week of May is here, and the Spring storm season is in full swing—a annual risk we all need to recall even as we continue to cope with the pandemic. If your facility is located within the broad swath of the country facing possible exposure to severe weather, be sure your emergency plans…
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…
8 hazmat experts share their Dangerous Goods origin stories
We’ve never yet met anyone who dreamed of being a Dangerous Goods expert when they were a kid. No one enters the work force with a DGSA in their sights. And yet, they’re out there, thousands strong. How did they discover Dangerous Goods, and how did they acquire their expertise? Were they groomed for subject…
DG Digest: Agencies Adjust Civil Penalties; DHS Delays REAL ID Enforcement Until May 2023
Happy May greetings! Hopefully this new month will bring not only the traditional “May Flowers” but also mark a turning point in our nation’s ongoing battle to control the COVID-19 pandemic. At this point the whole country is eligible to be vaccinated, so as HSE professionals, let’s make sure we’re ready to help our fellow…
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…
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…
Top 10 Dangerous Goods questions our hotline experts answer every day.
Whether you’ve been shipping Dangerous Goods for 10 days or 10 years, there’s never any shame in admitting you don’t know the answer to a question. That’s why we set up the Labelmaster Regulatory Hotline. Next time you have a question about hazmat transport, you can call 1.800.621.5808—8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central time, Monday…
DG Digest: UNECE releases corrective corrigendum to the EU ADR
Moving into the third week of April, the nation is rapidly moving into a phase where vaccines against the COVID virus are becoming much more widely available. At the same time, the virus, in its variant forms, is also surging once more. Let’s all do our part to help limit the further spread of the…
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…
DG Digest: TSA wants to collect biometric data for drivers, OSHA extends HCS comment period
Spring moves along as we head deeper into April, and it’s a good time to think about company emergency plans. Spring storm season is here, and several recent severe weather outbreaks across the nation remind us that as HS&E professionals, we need to keep our plans up to date to help protect our fellow employees…
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…
DG Digest: US Regulatory Agencies Update Semi-annual Agendas
Welcome to April! As we pass into the heart of the Spring season, hopefully everyone is ramping up their efforts to help employees stay safe and get vaccinated if they choose to do so. Let’s all keeping working together to end this pandemic and get our nation back on track. The week featured some significant…
A Public Relations Influx Leaves Federal, Other Organizations Looking Savvy
During the last year or so of global pandemic, Dangerous Goods regulatory bodies have gone to extraordinary lengths to accommodate unforeseen challenges while keeping the hazmat supply chain safe. Now that the world’s economies may be inching their way back toward something resembling normal, these agencies are taking unprecedented measures to raise their images within…
DG Digest: Transport Canada updates COVID-19 exemptions and the Chemical Safety Board to meet virtually on April 2nd.
The end of March finds the regulatory world continuing a fairly quiet spell. Meanwhile, with the return of spring weather, the threat of severe weather is appearing on the radar screen for many areas of the country. If your business is in a place impacted by spring storm season, be sure you and your employees have and…
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…
Guest post: Why your product data must be intelligently stored and organized
Our guest blogger is Clint Boaz, Senior Sales Engineer at ProShip, Inc. If you spend a lot of time cooking, you’re a lot more efficient with an organized spice rack. If you like to grow beautiful things in your yard and garden, you can save a lot of time by getting your shed straightened up.…
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…
These 4 words can be a key to Dangerous Goods terminology
Your typical Dangerous Goods regulatory manual is more than a thousand pages long and may contain close to one million words. How is it possible that four of them could be so important? According to Labelmaster Senior Manager Jim Shimko, “There are four words that can help you interpret the regulations. And they can work…
DG Digest: PHMSA updates ‘org chart’ and ICAO issues 2nd addendum to the TI
The first week in March found the nation increasing its rate of vaccination against the COVID-19 virus. Let’s all keep working together to keep ourselves, our families, and our fellow employees as safe as possible as we push forward to finally end the pandemic. Regulatory activity was relatively minimal during the last week, although PHMSA…
Why smart e-bike retailers consider lithium battery training a growth strategy
E-bikes started as a trend, quickly became a mainstream movement, and are well on their way to becoming a revolution. They’re also a major story for the Dangerous Goods community, because e-bikes are powered by large format lithium batteries. These rechargeable batteries are fully regulated hazmat, since they carry a small but significant risk of…
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…
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…
Want to raise your Dangerous Goods game? Study chess!
Like millions of others, we were inspired by The Queen’s Gambit to dig out the chessboard from the back of the closet behind the kids’ games. Unlike millions of others, we’re Dangerous Goods pros, and we sometimes mingle our personal and professional obsessions. So lately we’ve gotten to thinking about intriguing parallels between the world…
DG Digest: OSHA proposes bringing the U.S. inline with U.N.’s 7th revision of GHS.
It’s mid-February, and hopefully everyone had a chance to enjoy the spirit of the Valentine’s Day Holiday. We can all be grateful for loved ones. Keep doing your part to help keep them safe. The week’s biggest news was easily the late in the week publication of a proposed revision to the nation’s Hazard Communication Standard or…
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…
Everything you need to know about MSDS-SDS conversions
Sometimes, we overlook the obvious. I was working with a client just last week and was asked to evaluate a pair of materials for further handling at a new site they are developing. “Will you please send me the Safety Data Sheets? I’ll take a look and run the numbers,” I said. A few minutes…
DG Digest: Buttigieg confirmed to run DOT, new IATA portal offers guidance for vaccine shippers.
The nation enters the second week of February with vaccination efforts against the COVID-19 virus still accelerating. It’s going to be a long slog to the end of this massive project, but we’re on the road. If your workplace is planning on engaging with health authorities in terms of assisting your workforce, now’s the time to get…
Curious about “extreme” hazmat labels and placards? Try them yourself!
When we introduced hazmat labels, placards and marks for extreme conditions back in 2019, we had no idea that 2020 would introduce a whole new meaning to the words “extreme conditions.” No, our new line of labels, placards and marks was not designed to help Dangerous Goods organizations handle a global pandemic. (The hazmat supply…
DG Digest: OSHA updates workplace Covid-19 guidance and the FAA updates its ‘DRS’ database
Today marks the first day of February—already! As veterans of the election transition process may have expected, the last week of the month featured a fairly quiet regulatory scene as one result of the new administration taking over in Washington, DC. It’s common after a change in administrations for things to get a little slow…
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…
Two upcoming webinars focus on essential Dangerous Goods issues.
In the Dangerous Goods galaxy, you never run out of new subjects to master. That’s why we try to connect you with industry experts whenever possible. Sometimes a topic—such as cold chain packaging—takes on new importance due to global events. And we’ve got an upcoming webinar for that. Sometimes a regulatory agency such as IATA…
DG Digest: See the significant changes to Amendment 40 of the Covid-19-delayed IMDG Code.
The last full week of the month begins with a new administration in place in Washington. On the DG front, PHMSA will continue business as usual for now. What impact (or not) the new political environment may have on our industry community’s specific interests remain to be seen. The Senate is currently working on the…
A late-life career change strengthens the hazmat supply chain.
One thing that didn’t change amidst all the turmoil in 2020: Truck drivers stayed in high demand. The industry has been talking about a shortage of drivers for years, and that situation is still in evidence. While many industries were devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, however, our supply chains remained robust and reliable. In fact,…
DG Digest: PHMSA releases special permit applications, FMCSA gives more leeway for use of corrective eyeware
The nation moves into Inaugural Week with the ongoing struggle against the pandemic still very much front and center. Let’s all be sure we keep our noses to the grindstone and keep doing everything we can to help limit the continuing spread of the COVID-19 virus. Additionally, we’re now in the heart of the winter…
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…
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…
DG Digest: US DOT & Sub-agencies Publish Civil Penalties for 2021
Despite our hopes for a smoother start, the second week of the new year found the nation facing not only the ongoing pandemic but also unprecedented political turmoil in Washington, DC. However as Dangerous Goods/EHS Professionals, it’s our job to keep looking forward to better times and to make sure we all do our part…
South American hazmat rules are newly harmonized. Are you trained up?
Those of us in the North American Dangerous Goods supply chain may complain about the complexity of hazmat regulations, but lots of us don’t know how good we have it. After all, we only have to worry about one set of UN Model Regulations. Sure, there may be slight, unharmonized differences between Europe and North…
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…
DG Digest: IATA publishes addendum to the 62nd DGR
Happy New Year! Hopefully everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday season, and is ready to dive in to what we all fervently hope will be a much better 2021. Although the pandemic continues to “suck all the air from the room” safety wise, don’t forget that the nation is now in its coldest stretch…
If the year 2020 were Dangerous Goods, how would we classify it?
ICAO defines Dangerous Goods as “articles or substances which are capable of posing a risk to health, safety, property or the environment.” By that definition, this year certainly qualifies. If you could somehow ship the year 2020 in a box, you’d have to slap a hazmat label on it. But which label? In which hazard…
The last week of 2020 (hooray!) sees important relief from FMCSA and the end of the ORM-D mark
What has been one of the most difficult years in our nation’s modern history finally comes to an end later this week. It is likely none of us will be unhappy to see 2020 in our rearview mirrors. Meanwhile, although the vaccines currently being distributed will eventually help put an end to the COVID-19 pandemic,…
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…
DG Digest: IATA issues guidance for vaccines and other pharmaceuticals
The week finds the nation now in the middle of the very heart of the holiday season, but the usual “regulatory slowdown” we often see at this time of year is definitely not in effect. Several actions of note appear this week. Meanwhile, the pandemic continues to rage, although vaccine shipments are now underway and give…
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…
Why smaller lithium battery marks are actually big news.
In the Dangerous Goods galaxy, regulators often say they work to find the ideal balance between supply chain safety and the needs of industry. Finding that balance is an ongoing process. Regulations aren’t carved in stone—they’re updated continually. Every year, regulatory bodies such as the United Nations Sub-Committee on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and…
DG Digest: FMCSA extends emergency compliance relief related to the pandemic
December has come, bringing our nation into the final month of what has been a very difficult year. As the month opens, the pandemic is rapidly growing in extent again. As workplaces and families both try to prepare for the end of year holidays, be sure to do so as safely as possible. Let’s all…
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…
The quick e-commerce guide to compliant Dangerous Goods returns
There has never been a bigger holiday season for e-commerce. And that means this will also be the biggest holiday season ever for e-commerce returns. Here are the startling stats: In Q3 2020, consumers spent nearly $200 billion online with U.S. retailers, up 37.1% from the same quarter in 2019. 1 in 4 e-commerce purchases…
DG Digest: PHMSA publishes HM-219C and IMO delays enforcement of Amendment 40-20
The week just finished saw the nation celebrate Thanksgiving and roll into the major stretch of the December holidays. As we all await the end of what has been an enormously trying year, let’s focus on helping employees and the transport chain stay safe and in doing our part to help improve the nation’s continued…
For Thanksgiving 2020: a toast to our safe and essential supply chains
This week, a lot of Americans will sit down to much smaller Thanksgiving dinners than usual. It’s been a challenging year on so many levels. Nevertheless, they will raise their glasses and say a toast to the things they’re grateful for. If Labelmaster were hosting Thanksgiving, here’s how our toast might go: Here’s to the…
DG Digest: OSHA publishes ICR on fire extinguishers and the TSA issues ICR on cargo screening.
The coming week finds the nation preparing to celebrate a Thanksgiving holiday it is fair to say is going to be unlike any other that any of us have ever faced before. Be careful, take every necessary precaution to cope with the pandemic, and from the Labelmaster family to yours, we wish each of you…
How cold, for how long? The role of temperature in hazmat shipping.
The prospect of COVID-19 vaccines being approved in the near future has a lot of people suddenly thinking about cold chain shipping. But keeping vaccine doses extremely cold is only the, er, tip of the iceberg when it comes to temperature-controlled shipping. This time of year, with another brutal northern winter on its way, shippers…
DG Digest: PHMSA proposes new ICR on transporting LNG on the Nation’s railways
The week just ended featured both post-election political turmoil as well as the continuing rapid climb in the infection rate of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, our work as DG professionals goes on. Be sure to stay focused on the things that help keep our transport chain and you, your family, and our fellow workers safe. …
Hundreds of millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses. What do DG shippers need to know?
Sometime in the next few weeks or months, a COVID-19 vaccine will likely be approved by the FDA (and similar bodies in other nations). That will be very, very good news. The bad news is that those vaccines won’t just magically appear at your nearest pharmacy. In fact, safely transporting hundreds of millions of vaccine…
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…
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…