Dangerous Goods Compliance and Consulting Services
Solving Dangerous Goods Transport Issues WorldwideThe transportation of dangerous goods is governed by a complex and ever-evolving framework of regulations established by agencies such as the Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the Department of Defense (DoD). Compliance with these regulations is essential to ensure public safety, environmental protection, and the well-being of personnel involved in the handling and transport of hazardous materials.
Failure to comply—such as incorrect packaging, labeling, or documentation—can result in severe consequences, including substantial civil penalties and, in extreme cases, fatalities. Under 49 CFR 107.329, civil penalties for violations can reach up to $102,348 per incident, and up to $238,809 for violations resulting in serious harm or property damage.
DGM offers specialized hazardous materials consulting services to help companies navigate these regulatory requirements. With over 30 years of experience in hazardous materials transportation across all modes—air, land, and sea—DGM provides expert guidance to ensure shipments are properly classified, documented, and prepared, supporting overall dangerous goods compliance.
Avoid Civil Penalties
Civil Penalties for Violating Hazardous Materials Regulations
A “civil penalty” is the formal term used in 49 CFR to denote a fine. As you can see in Appendix A to Subpart D of Chapter 107, the government may subject people to this penalty for a great many offenses. There are a few overarching categories for these offenses:
- General requirements (e.g., failing to register as an offeror and pay the registration fee, failing to provide initial or recurrent training to employees)
- Offeror requirements that apply to all hazardous materials (e.g., offering dangerous goods for transport without shipping papers or required packaging and labeling, providing incorrect emergency response information on a shipping paper)
- Offeror requirements that apply to specific hazardous materials (e.g., offering unapproved explosives for transport, offering untested lithium batteries for transport)
People found guilty of committing just one of these offenses may have to pay thousands. 49 CFR 107.329 states that the maximum civil penalty for a single violation is $78,376.
However, this does not apply to violations that result in “death, serious illness or severe injury to any person or substantial destruction of property.” In these cases, the maximum penalty more than doubles to $182,877.
DGM has the expertise required to assist your company in compliance with the various regulatory agencies governing the transportation of dangerous goods around the world. DGM is known for expert advice regarding the transportation of hazardous materials, regardless if you are shipping ground, air or ocean.
Key Consulting Services Include:
Our team of experienced dangerous goods consultants provides a full range of services, including:
- Program reviews and system audits
- Safety and security assessments during storage, handling, and transport
- SDS/MSDS transportation classification
- Risk assessments and mitigation planning
- Road safety compliance (49 CFR)
- Development of dangerous goods policies and procedures
- Incident investigation, reporting, and legal support
- Classification of customer materials for transport
- Management of baggage discrepancy reporting programs
- Liaison with regulatory authorities (PHMSA, FAA, etc.)
- Support and development of training programs
Why Choose DGM
Companies turn to DGM for hazardous materials consulting and dangerous goods compliance because we deliver:
- Deep regulatory expertise and industry experience
- Cost-effective alternative to internal resources
- Scalable support for short- and long-term needs
- Tailored solutions for companies where dangerous goods are not a core business
DGM’s consulting services are designed to help organizations avoid costly penalties and ensure full compliance with hazardous materials regulations, thereby safeguarding people, property, and the environment.
Got Questions?
Contact us to see if our DGM Consulting Services are a good fit for your hazardous transportation needs.