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 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

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Very good. I have always appreciated the way Lion Tech develops, presents and provides training and materials.

John Troy

Environmental Specialist

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

Brody Saleen

Registered Environmental Health Specialist

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

Our instructor was very dynamic and kept everyone's interest. Hazmat shipping can be a dry, complicated topic but I was engaged the entire time.

Kimberly Arnao

Senior Director of EH&S

The instructor was probably the best I ever had! He made the class enjoyable, was humorous at times, and very knowledgeable.

Mary Sue Michon

Environmental Administrator

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

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

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

Jeremy Bost

Environmental Health & Safety Technician

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

This report details major changes for hazardous waste generators from US EPA’s Generator Improvements Rule, as well as the latest updates from states that are still working to adopt new, stricter Federal requirements.

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.