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

My experience with Lion classes has always been good. Lion Technology always covers the EPA requirements I must follow.

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

Lion courses are the standard to which all other workshops should strive for!

Brody Saleen

Registered Environmental Health Specialist

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

The online course was well thought out and organized, with good interaction between the student and the course.

Larry Ybarra

Material Release Agent

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

I tried other environmental training providers, but they were all sub-standard compared to Lion. I will not stray from Lion again!

Sara Sills

Environmental Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Some limited quantity reliefs are reserved for specific modes of transport. Use this guide to identify which reliefs you can capitalize on, and which do not apply to your operations.

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.