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Classifying Hazardous Materials for Shipments

The FAA warns shippers and forwarders to be cautious when classifying Hazardous Materials for shipment. Traditionally, shippers and forwarders utilize MSDS sheets, provided by the manufacturer, to classify the Hazardous Materials. The Civil Aviation Department of Hong Kong has established that, in some cases, MSDS sheets have been provided with inaccurate information. As a result the shipper may mis-classify the product thereby implementing incorrect graphics and/or labels on shipping containers. Read more at: http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ash/ash_programs/hazmat/regulation_policy/media/DGAB07_01.pdf

Catastrophy Over Dubai: Lithium Batteries to Blame?

On September 3rd, 2010- A UPS cargo plane burst into flames in the skies above Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, taking the lives of the two pilots. The apparent cause stemmed from the high-volume of Lithium Batteries located in the cargo-hold of the plane. Although, it will take months before investigators can pin-point the exact cause of the fire it is believe, at the very least, the Lithium Batteries contributed to the intensity of the fire. As a result many lobbyists, safety advocates, and organizations of interest, like the Pilots Union, are focused on changing the current safety practices associated with Lithium Batteries. The struggle to change DOT, IATA, and IMDG requirements has not risen without considerable reservations and oppositions. In short, the cost of initiating new compliance requirement is an underlying deterrent for many parties included. Read more at; http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39852461/ns/travel-news/.

Lithium Ion & Metal Batteries: Proposed DOT changes 2011

The DOT (Department Of Transportation) has changed the classification, packaging and labeling requirements for Lithium Ion & Metal Batteries- taking affect in 2011. Current packaging and labeling requirements will be completely obsolete as of December, 31st- 2012. These new requirements will affect thousands of; manufactures, shippers, carriers, and forwards. Many of these changes relate to 'smal'l Lithium Batteries, which in recent years, have not been subject to DOT, IATA, and IMDG regulations due to the minute Lithium content. Many of these 'small' batteries are no longer exempt for Haz-Mat classification and will require appropriate compliance. In addition, the current labels for all Lithium Batteries will be changing from. The current labels are headed with the title 'DANGER' and will be changed to 'CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY'.