Search

FedEx Updates IATA DGR Operator Variations for 2019

Posted on 11/6/2018 by Roger Marks

FedEx recently posted a note to customers regarding its updated operator variations published in the 60th Edition IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).
 

Operator Variation FX-02 and V-rated Packages

FedEx-hazmat-dangerous-goods-training-for-air-shippers.jpg

For several years, FedEx has refused to accept Division 6.1, PG I or II dangerous goods for international shipment packed in anything other than “V-rated” packaging.

“V” stands for “variation” and refers to outer packagings that are designed and tested to hold a variety of different inner packagings. This FedEx hazmat packaging requirement was above and beyond the packing instructions in Chapter 5 of the IATA DGR. 

For 2019, FedEx has revised FX-02 and will no longer require V-rated packagings for these shipments. Now FedEx simply requires these shipments to be packed in UN approved Packing Group I (X-rated) packaging. This will give some shippers more flexibility to select hazmat packaging.

Be ready to ship DG by air in 2019! Get your copy of the 60th Edition IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations here.  


Error in Printed 60th Edition IATA DGR

In operator variation FX-05c, FedEx mistakenly included a reference to the “lithium battery handling label” in the printed edition of the 2019 DGR. This has the potential to cause confusion for lithium battery shippers.

As of January 1, 2019, all air shipments of excepted lithium batteries shipped must display the new lithium battery mark, pictured below. This is true whether you ship with FedEx or any other air carrier who requires IATA DGR compliance. The “lithium battery handling label” is now completely phased out and should not be used at all. 

This small error will be corrected in a forthcoming addendum to the 2019 IATA DGR.
lithium-yes-no.png
Master the lithium battery shipping regulations with expert-led, live training! On December 12, 2018 join instructor and CDGP Joel Gregier and learn what you need to know to ship lithium batteries by ground, air, or vessel in 2019. Reserve your spot here.


FedEx Air Rules for Lithium Batteries

In late 2016, FedEx and UPS created new lithium battery requirements to their IATA DGRoperator variations. These variations are still in place. Continuing in 2019, FedEx Express will not accept UN 3090 or UN 3480 (lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries) offered as Section II.


Instead, these batteries must be shipped as “fully regulated” and will require UN specification packaging, appropriate package markings, a Class 9 lithium battery label, and a complete Shipper’s Declaration. This also means that to ship lithium batteries by air with FedEx, shippers must provide hazmat training for all employees involved in preparing these shipments.

These bolstered lithium battery rules do not apply to UN numbers 3481 and 3091 (i.e., lithium or metal batteries packed in or with equipment).

See all of the 2019 FedEx operator variations here.


Keep Your DG Air Shipments in Full Compliance for 2019

air-loading.jpg

Don’t miss your last chance for live, expert-led IATA DGR training in 2018! Join an expert Lion instructor for the IATA Hazmat Air Shipper Webinar on December 6. This live webinar provides function-specific training to ship hazardous materials/dangerous goods by air using the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations manual. 

Need full hazmat training for ground, air, and/or vessel shipping? Join us for a workshop or check out all of Lion’s online hazmat training options for 49 CFR, IATA DGR, and IMDG Code training.

Tags: Air, dangerous, DGR, express, FedEx, goods, hazmat, IATA, new, rules, shipping

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

The instructor created a great learning environment.

Avinash Thummadi

CAD & Environmental Manager

Lion is at the top of the industry in compliance training. Course content and structure are updated frequently to make annual re-training enjoyable. I like that Lion has experts that I can contact for 1 year after the training.

Caroline Froning

Plant Chemist

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

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

Lion courses always set the bar for content, reference, and practical application. Membership and access to the experts is an added bonus.

John Brown, CSP

Director of Safety & Env Affairs

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

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

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

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.