Search

Online Retailer Still Plagued by Hazmat Fines

Posted on 6/28/2016 by Roger Marks

According to US FAA, for the 26th and 27th times since 2013, regulators levied heavy fines against the same major online retailer for violations of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

In the HMR, US DOT sets specific requirements for every step of the hazmat transportation process, including “pre-transport” jobs like classifying hazardous materials, selecting authorized packaging, marking and labeling shipments, loading, unloading, and completing documentation (shipping papers).

All employees who perform these functions must complete hazmat training within 90 days of being hired and must repeat training at least once every three years, per 49 CFR 172.704.

Hazmat air shipment loaded onto plane


The latest fines for the retailer stem from shipments offered in 2014. In May of that year, the retailer shipped a container of corrosive rust stain preventer that leaked while at a FedEx sorting facility in Florida. A month later, in June 2014, a flammable gas without proper hazmat markings was discovered at a UPS sorting facility in Louisville, KY.

For these violations, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has fined the retailer $78,000 and $52,000, respectively.

See the FAA press release here.

Earlier this month, the company was fined $350,000 for other hazmat shipping violations, one of which hospitalized an emergency responder. Previous violations have included failure to provide proper hazmat training for all employees who prepare and handle shipments.

Trusted 49 CFR, IATA, and IMDG Hazmat Training


If you ship hazmat by ground, air, or vessel, staying up to speed with the latest requirements is crucial. If you miss changes to the rules or you don’t fully understand the requirements, hazmat inspectors can levy fines up to $75,000 per day, per violation. Be confident you know the details about how complex  regulations affect your shipments, and leave nothing to chance.

At the Complete Multimodal Hazmat Shipper Workshops, you’ll learn to choose the hazmat package that best meets your needs and keeps your shipment in compliance.

Build a step-by-step approach to classifying materials; choosing hazmat Proper Shipping Names; packaging, marking, and labeling DG shipments; filling out proper documentation;  meeting your reporting and recordkeeping responsibilities; and much, much more.  Don’t miss the workshops in July, when the hazmat training trusted nationwide comes to New Jersey, Boston, Baltimore, Hartford, Philadelphia, Williamsburg, and Charlotte.

Tags: 49, CFR, fines and penalties, hazmat shipping

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

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

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

I really enjoy your workshops. Thank you for such a great program and all the help Lion has provided me over the years!

George Chatman

Hazardous Material Pharmacy Technician

Lion Technology workshops are amazing!! You always learn so much, and the instructors are fantastic.

Dorothy Rurak

Environmental Specialist

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

Excellent course. Very interactive. Explanations are great whether you get the questions wrong or right.

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

I attended training from another provider and learned absolutely nothing. Lion is much better. Hands down.

Nicole Eby

Environmental Specialist

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Your hazmat paperwork is the first thing a DOT inspector will ask for during an inspection. From hazmat training records to special permits, make sure your hazmat documents are in order.

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.