DGM USA has launched Compliance Central, a podcast for the people who pack, ship and sign off on dangerous goods. The first episodes are out now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and new episodes will come out every month.
If you’re a shipper, compliance manager, logistics coordinator or anyone who has ever stared at a Safety Data Sheet wondering what class something falls under, this show is for you.
Why We Started Compliance Central
There are already some good hazmat podcasts out there, but most of them are made for first responders and hazmat instructors. We couldn’t find one made for the people who actually have to get dangerous goods packed, labeled and moving without a rejected shipment or a fine.
That’s the conversation we have with customers every day at DGM USA. After more than 30 years of packing, crating, training and consulting on dangerous goods, our team has a lot of practical knowledge, and we wanted a way to share it.
Each episode is a relaxed conversation, about 30 minutes long, hosted by DGM USA co-founder Marc Petillon. He’s joined by specialists from our team to talk through topics like:
- Classification and the mistakes that cause the most trouble
- Training and certification, including IATA and 49 CFR
- Chemical packing and repours
- Lithium batteries
- Blocking, bracing and crating for export
- Real jobs, and what we learned from them
Episodes Available Now
Episode 1: The DGM Story: 30+ Years Keeping Dangerous Goods Moving
In 1990, Marc Petillon took a job sweeping the warehouse at Dangerous Goods Management. In 1997, he and his brother Jean opened DGM USA in Houston. Marc sits down with Erin Levey to talk about how a classification problem with explosive shipments in Holland turned into a global dangerous goods company.
He also explains how the DG-Matic automated repour system handles chemicals with almost no human contact, and tells the story of repouring hundreds of 55-gallon drums into half-liter bottles in under 24 hours for an air charter waiting on the runway.
Watch Episode 1 on YouTube | Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts
Episode 2: IATA CBTA Dangerous Goods Training: What Changed and How to Pass the Exam
Jennifer Perez, DGM USA’s corporate training manager, joins Marc to break down IATA’s move to competency-based training and assessment (CBTA). She explains what changed from the old system, why carriers and auditors now expect CBTA-certified staff, and what happens in a four-day class from day one to the exam.
She also shares why you don’t have to memorize the DGR, how to read an SDS without getting the classification wrong, and the number one reason people fail. Plus, Jennifer gives Marc a pop quiz to see if he was paying attention. Want to get certified? See our dangerous goods training options.
Watch Episode 2 on YouTube | Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts
How to Watch or Listen
Compliance Central is free, and you can watch or listen wherever you like.
Every episode is also on the Compliance Central podcast page, along with show notes and a full episode list.
Watch on YouTube. Full video episodes are on the DGM USA YouTube channel. Click Subscribe and turn on notifications to hear about new episodes.
Listen on Spotify. Search “Compliance Central DGM USA” in the Spotify app, or use the episode links above. Tap Follow, and new episodes will show up in your library automatically.
Listen on Apple Podcasts. Open the Podcasts app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac and search “Compliance Central DGM USA,” or follow the show on Apple Podcasts. New episodes will download for you to listen to offline.
New to podcasts? Spotify and Apple Podcasts both let you download an episode to your phone, so you can listen on a flight, in the warehouse or on your commute without using data.
What’s Next
A new episode comes out every month. Up next, we head out to the shop floor for a look inside a real blocking and bracing job.
We want this show to answer the questions you’re actually dealing with. What should we cover next? Leave a comment on YouTube or send us a message on LinkedIn.
If you need help with a shipment right now, our team in Houston, Dallas, Atlanta and Miami is ready to help. Email quotes@dgm-usa.com or find your nearest DGM USA location.
