Is Someone In Your Company Shipping Hazardous Materials Improperly?

Return Logistics is a growing entity within the hazardous materials transport community. Many people that ship return items are unaware that they are shipping hazardous materials. The reasons for returning items can vary — a business closes and must return inventory; a product is recalled; a product is received damaged or not functioning. Often these items are products, which by shipping classification or by quantity are deemed a HAZMAT shipment. These can be batteries, pressurized containers, automotive components, cosmetics and even household items. Shipping undeclared HAZMAT’s endangers everybody in the transportation chain and carries severe legal penalties. If you are aware of an item that is about to enter transportation and you want to confirm it’s hazmat classification, the DOT has a “hot line” where specialists are available to help you research the applicable shipping requirements. The number for the Hazardous Materials Information Center hot line is: 800.467.4922.