Search

Major Online Retailer Fined $350,000 for Hazmat Shipping Violations

Posted on 6/14/2016 by Roger Marks

or alleged violations of the US DOT’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) stemming from an improperly prepared package of drain cleaner offered for air transport from Kentucky to Colorado, a Washington-based online retailer will pay $350,000, according to an FAA press release.

The noncompliant hazmat/dangerous goods package was discovered when it caused a "burning sensation" for UPS employees who handled the package. In addition to not safely preparing the hazmat package for air transport, the shipper:
 
  • Did not mark and label the package to indicate the hazards present;
  • Failed to include a Shipper Declaration of Dangerous Goods (required for all hazmat air shipments); and
  • Did not provide required hazmat training for employees who handled the package at the shipper’s facility, according to the FAA.
US DOT requires all “hazmat employees” to complete hazmat shipper training once every three years, as per 49 CFR 172.704. To ship hazmat by air, shippers should complete additional training on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, or DGR for short. IATA requires hazmat training for air shippers once every 24 months.
 
Loading hazmat onto plane at airport

This is not the first time this giant online retailer has been caught violating US and international hazardous materials shipping rules. In fact, this is at least the 25th time the retailer has been found to have violated the HMR since 2013, according to FAA officials.
 

Nationally Trusted Hazmat Shipper Training

Get up to speed with all the latest 49 CFR, IATA, and IMDG Code rules for shipping hazmat by ground, air, and vessel at the Complete Multimodal Hazmat Shipper Workshops in northeast cities in July. Join full-time, expert instructors and other hazmat professionals from your area to build confidence working with the complex rules that affect your shipments.

Hazmat training with Lion is backed by a full year of Membership for fast answers to your shipping questions, updates on rule changes, exclusive content and resources, and discounts on select training events. Sign up now to keep your 3-year DOT certification up-to-date.  
 

Tags: and, fines, IATA, penalties

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

My experience with Lion training, both online and in the classroom, is that they are far better organized and provide a better sequential explanation of the material.

Robert Roose

Manager, Dangerous Goods Transportation

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

These are the best commercial course references I have seen (10+ years). Great job!

Ed Grzybowski

EHS & Facility Engineer

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

A guide to developing standard operating procedures, or SOPs, that help you select, manage, and audit your hazmat agents and contractors.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.