UPDATE: Congress advances bill to delay Railroad PTC Mandate Will January 1, 2016 be the day the trains stop? As America’s railroads and Congress fail to agree on extending the December 31 deadline for implementing Positive Train Control systems, that threat inches closer to reality. The railroads have threatened to essentially shut down all service…
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What is the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) and Who Needs It?
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How Do You Spot a Non-Compliant Hazmat Label
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Infographic | Hazard Class Zodiac
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Introducing Greif Drums: The Smarter, Stronger, and More Sustainable Solution for Hazardous Material Storage
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Embracing Sustainability in DG Packaging: A Path Forward
Latest Posts
ICAO releases new Addendum/Corrigendum updating Technical Instructions for Dangerous Goods
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has released a new Addendum and Corrigendum revising the 2015 – 2016 Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, commonly referred to as the ICAO TI or simply TI. The TI are the set of regulations that, together with national regulations like the 49 CFR…
New DOT/PHMSA Interpretation Brings Some Clarity to the Lithium Ion Watts Issue
In a formal Letter of Interpretation dated August 19th, 2015 to Mr. Mike Revis USDOT/PHMSA stated categorically that a Lithium Ion Battery being shipped under the exceptions granted in 49 CFR 173.185(c) may have cells which feature watt hour ratings greater than 20 watt hours as long as the battery itself remains less than one…
Guiding Principles behind UN Model Regulations — Free Download
At the Labelmaster Dangerous Goods Symposium last week, Jeff Hart, former Chair of the United Nations Sub-committee of Experts asked delegates whether anyone had read the “Guiding Principles” document which illustrates some of the concepts and detail behind to UN Model Regulations. Only a few delegates knew of the document. For those interested in getting acquainted with…
Maritime hydrogen fuel cell applications promise cleaner emissions and reduced shipping costs
On August 28, 2015, the United States Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Energy, initiated field tests on a prototype hydrogen fuel cell to power refrigeration units in the port of Honolulu, Hawaii for freight shipments between harbors. “The Maritime Administration continues to fund innovative…
New FRA grant program to help state & local governments improve rail safety
In the Friday, September 04, 2015 edition of the Federal Register, the US Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced a new grant program. Under the Railroad Safety Grants for the Safe Transportation of Energy Products by Rail Program (Step Rail), ten million dollars is being made available to local and state governments…
Lithium Battery Regulations: Are Retailers Getting Their Shipments Together?
On Friday, August 7, 2015, the US Department of Transportation’s new lithium battery shipping rules went into effect. In the weeks since, retailers have handled the challenges of the new regulations as best they can. Many are still scrambling, as they adapt their shipping operations to rules that never applied to their business before. The…
Lufthansa becomes the latest airline to restrict lithium battery transport—and the strictest
Transporting lithium batteries by air continues to get more challenging. Lufthansa has just imposed restrictions that go well beyond international regulations. Here’s a breakdown of the new restrictions, effective August 31*: Complete embargo of excepted standalone lithium batteries from all aircraft. These shipments will no longer be accepted on any Lufthansa Group passenger or…
Dangerous Goods Report | Vol. 3
Why do first responders, commercial drivers, train crews, and chemical plant operators consider the Emergency Response Guide essential? Because it keeps hazmat accidents from becoming worst-case scenarios. Our latest DG Report explains why the 2016 ERG is the most essential ever—along with lots more Dangerous Goods insight. Read on! Download Dangerous Goods Report…
Maryland Circuit Court Case may derail hazmat confidentiality
The outcome of a recently decided court case in Maryland has the Class One railroads pondering their next move as regards keeping movement and other logistics information confidential when it comes to what the federal government has now classified as “high hazard” flammable liquids trains. On August 17th City of Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Lawrence…
