That Was Dangerously Close

Recently, I received a sample product that was sent to me via airmail, and whether or not the vendor knows it, they could have been fined for the illegal shipping of a hazardous material. Such fines can amount to $50,000! I know it was not their intention to violate hazmat shipping regulations but they were probably ignorant of the regulations and never gave their product the respect it requires. Do you know if the contents you are shipping are classified as a dangerous good or hazardous material? Be cautious, violations for illegal or non-compliant shipments are severe. If a shipper suspects that contents have the potential of being hazardous — regardless of the quantity — they should begin researching compliance. Issues such as new product development, changes in the formulation, changes in the packaging, and mode(s) of transport can all effect compliance. Furthermore, these regulations are amended daily. Finding someone to help with proper classification and packaging can be easier said than done. Liabilities for offering information have never been greater, and to this end, those in the hazmat community are only able to suggest the answers needed. To start, the DOT has a hotline for fielding these inquiries at 1-800-467-4922 or visit: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/about-phmsa/offices/office-hazardous-materials-safety. If you still need additional assistance, your raw material vendors or carriers should be able to offer further classification information and hazards criteria that will be essential for package and shipping mode selection.