Logistics News: Logistics - Shipping - Packaging

Tighter restrictions on hazardous shipments have left shippers and forwarders with swirling heads, empty pockets and rolled freight. NACA Logistics’ Hazardous Materials Department sets out to eliminate these problems for customers.

“Both our company and our customers rely on how successful we are with getting correct information and ensuring all shipments are marked and labeled. One hazardous shipment in a container affects everyone,” explained Greg Scott, Chicago Traffic and Warehouse Manager, “which means that if someone in the chain gets the information wrong, the ripple effect can impact others in the chain”.

The Hazardous Materials Department is also important for customers of non-hazardous shipments. Eric Fischer, who was brought on to head the team as Hazardous Materials Manager, strongly emphasized that the team will ensure hazardous and non-hazardous shipments alike will not be rolled due to problems with compliance. As a new department, Mr. Fischer says an important step for success will be helping educate customers on the current rules outlined by DOT and the IMDG Code.

The Hazardous Materials Department has authority to hold freight based on the accuracy of information provided in the Hazardous Declaration form (Haz Dec) and Master Bill of Lading. Customers send the documents directly to the department via the team’s centralized fax number (877-HAZ-NACA) or the centralized email (e-mail protected from spam bots). The team divides the documents into sizable chunks according to shipping destination and prioritizes the bookings according to the most recent cut off date. The cut off dates are determined by when the company must declare hazardous shipments with the steam ship line.

The new department is taking on responsibility that was previously spread over all the customer service offices in the country so communication will be very important. Mr. Fischer said the department is currently in its infancy stage but will be working hard to become as effective and efficient as possible.

“Compliance is the absolute goal for our department,” Mr. Fischer firmly stated, “The oversights we catch will save all our customers a tremendous amount of money and time.

About NACA Logistics
NACA Logistics is one of the largest global non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCC) and is the first neutral transportation group to combine the businesses of NVOCC, warehousing and information technology all under one parent company. NACA Logistics is a major global presence in the industry with agencies in Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, North and South America. The NACA Logistics group of companies includes Brennan International Transport, Direct Container Line, Conterm Consolidation Services and Vanguard Logistics Services. For further information visit www.nacalogistics.com