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

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

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

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

Nicole Eby

Environmental Specialist

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

I chose Lion's online webinar because it is simple, effective, and easily accessible.

Jeremy Bost

Environmental Health & Safety Technician

Lion's online training is more comprehensive, has better slides, and is a superior training experience than what I would get from other trainers.

Robert Brenner

District Environmental Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Hazardous materials shipment rejections bear a big cost. Use this guide to end operational and logistical disruptions that severely impact your bottom line.

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.