UPS approved special permit for hazardous materials

Starting later this year, UPS are to implement the transferal of hazardous material information electronically, by either phone or fax. This innovative method, which has been authorised by the US Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA), will see the communication of “shipping paper” affecting the small package tractor-trailer operations within UPS’ network. While this method will initially have an influence on the movement of small package shipments between the UPS facilities, UPS Freight and other operations will remain using the hard-copy shipping papers with regards to hazardous materials.

Earlier this year saw UPS team up with PHMSA in beginning to notify first responders, such as police, highway patrol and medical emergency associations about the upcoming alterations with the new procedures that are to take place. The introduction of this new electronic process will provide the user with a toll-free number to call when they require access to the appropriate documents. UPS has said that this procedure will “streamline the sharing of information with inspectors and first responders.”

UPS are proud of their choice to update this aspect within their network, with UPS Corporate Regulated Goods Manager Same Elkind detailing that the decision will “modernise and improve safety in the transportation industry through this change.” Additionally to this, PHMSA Administrator Cynthia Quarterman also pointed out that “sharing hazmat information electronically will improve transportation efficiency without sacrificing public safety.”