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Correction The photos used in the July issue of Topics in Transportation were incorrect. We apologize for any confusion.—Editor “The next best thing to knowing something is knowing where to find it.” – Samuel Johnson August 2013 Spray 29 filed and published variations in air regulations. These business requirements or other restrictions should be prominently posted on their websites and other communiqués to existing and potential customers. Likewise, I am of the opinion that the shipper and freight forwarder should make it a practice to ask if there are any restrictions above and beyond the minimum regulatory requirements. I have often suggested to customers that they host an annual carrier conference whereby they invite their ground, air and vessel carriers in to discuss the types and quantities of dangerous goods that they offer into transportation, and offer or make available packaging and documentation examples so that they can eliminate or significantly reduce the number of frustrated shipments that might occur. It would give both parties an opportunity to discuss some of the potential roadblocks and to jointly resolve these difficulties before they become serious issues. I also recommend that you have a national account representative for each carrier through which to resolve some of these conflicts that will invariably arise. Often, clients will get two different answers from two different people on two different days. It is frustrating and counter-productive, to say the least! Sometimes, the “...next best thing to knowing something is knowing where to find it.” Questions regarding the regulatory requirements can often be found on the U.S. Dept. of Transportation’s (DOT) website (see Spray, June 2013). Finding answers for questions related to the unwritten requirements are more difficult. I would recommend that the shipper start with the carrier’s Dangerous Goods Desk. Have a list of questions available beforehand and ask that the answers be put in writing. You might also participate in dangerous goods trade associations such as the National Aerosol Association (NAA), Western Aerosol Information Bureau (WAIB), the Conference on the Safe Transport of Hazardous Articles (COSTHA) and the Dangerous Goods Advisory Council (DGAC), among others. SPRAY


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