FedEx FX-18 Operator Variation for Dangerous Goods Declarations Effective January 10, 2011

The 52nd edition of IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for 2011 introduces a new operator variation FX-18 from Federal Express® that will require all shipper's declarations (dangerous goods declarations) to be prepared using specific methods.

FX-18 reads as the following:

Beginning January 10, 2011, FedEx Express will require all Shipper's Declarations originating in the U.S., excluding all 023 air waybill shipments, to be prepared using only the following methods:

(a) FedEx approved vendor software application;
(b) preapproved shipper proprietary software; or
(c) FedEx Express Automated Shipping Solutions that have dangerous goods error checks.

Note:
A list of approved DG Shipping application vendors can be reviewed at www.fedex.com/us; dangerous goods (keyword). Shipper declaration "templates" from FedEx Express will no longer be accepted.

The Bureau of Dangerous Goods is listed as an approved vendor for software applications by FedEx.

Our ShipHazmat software and web application generates compliant dangerous goods declarations and packaging using built-in regulatory logic, improving your business' work flow by

• standardizing the interpretation of regulatory guidelines for air transport,
• eliminating the need for templates and typewriters, and
• reducing the timely risk and cost of rejected shipments.

We offer annual subscriptions and one-time usage plans for occasional shippers.

All Bureau of Dangerous Goods software includes our friendly and American-based technical support system featuring live representatives on the phone or via e-mail.

New Emergency Response Information From PHMSA Effective October 1, 2010 - HM-206F

Emergency Response Information

There is a new rule effective on October 1, 2010, concerning emergency response information on hazardous materials shipping papers for USA territorial purposes (into, out of or through USA).

Summary

In this final rule, PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations to clarify requirements governing emergency response information services provided by arrangement with hazardous materials offerors (shippers). In order to preserve the effectiveness of these arrangements for providing accurate and timely emergency response information, PHMSA is requiring basic identifying information (offeror name or contract number) to be included on shipping papers. This information will enable the emergency response information provider to identify the offeror on whose behalf it is accepting responsibility for providing emergency response information in the event of a hazardous materials incident and obtain additional information about the hazardous material as needed.

Comments

This rule primarily effects shippers by all modes of transporation. If the person responsible for the emergency response information is other than the person listed on the shipping paper (e.g. a third party company like Chemtrec or Chemtel who provides the emergency response information), then the responsible person name or contract number must appear on the shipping as well.

This would appear normally in the Additional Handling block of the Air Shippers Declaration for Dangerous Goods under the telephone number. On a Bill of Lading (BOL), this additional information must appear where it will be readily identified from other information under the telephone number. On a Vessel Shippers Declaration Form, it will normally appear in the Additional Handling block under the telephone number or in a prominent, readily identifiable, and clearly visible manner that allows the information to be easily and quickly found.

Most carriers (airlines, truck companies, vessel operators) will not have the ability to know when this requirement is to be present on shipping papers. Only the shipper (offeror) will know when this information is required, unless the shipper volunteers the fact on shipping papers that a third party, such as Chemtrec or Chemtel is the emergency response information provider (ERIP). Therefore, in most cases, airlines, trucking companies, and vessel operators will take the emergency response information with or without the "Registered Name or Contract Number" being reflected.

Please use this hyperlink for the full rule HM-206F.