PHMSA received an email from the Chinese MOT which stated that the temporary embargo on shipments of dangerous goods in the ports of Shanghai and Beihai are decisions made by the local authorities in conjunction with the Chinese Ministry of Public Security.  The MOT is considering alternate arrangements, such as opening/escalating the ports of Ningbo, Nansha and Yantian to DG transportation.  The MOT representative expressed intent to continue exchanging information with the USDOT on dangerous goods restrictions.

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DGAC's 30 Greatest Accomplishments

#10 DGAC Tackles the Loading & Unloading Issue

DGAC routinely submits comments to regulatory agencies regarding current and proposed rulemakings. Often, these comments help to shape the face of the regulations and ultimately of the industry.

One of the more contentious rulemakings over the past decade or so has been the HM-223 rulemaking, or "Applicability of the Hazardous Materials Regulations to Loading, Unloading and Storage."

First published by RSPA under an ANPRM in 1996, it "sought to define where transportation regulatory authority begins and ends with the general conclusion that bulk loading and unloading operations are not transportation functions and therefore not subject to regulation by DOT," said DGAC's Technical Director Frits Wybenga.

"For industry this created the potential for state and local governments to issue conflicting regulations on loading and unloading with lack of uniformity being detrimental to transportation safety," said Wybenga.

DGAC has been involved in the rulemaking process since the beginning, submitting comments several times. Read the November 12, 1996 response to the ANPRM. See other comment letters in the sidebar.

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DGSA Course & Exam

DGAC is offering the Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor Course & Exam September 22-27 in Houston, Texas. Click here for more information.

This introductory-level course covers basic skills needed to prepare, offer and accept domestic shipments of hazardous materials. Instruction will focus on non-bulk packages transported by motor vehicle.

Meets applicable requirements for initial and recurrent training.

Join us in sunny Orlando for this course June 30-July 2!

Registration fee = $675.00 ($595.00 DGAC members)

To register for this class, or to view other Ground Transportation class dates and locations, click here.

"Course presentation and content exceeded my expectations. Instructor was top-notch and extremely knowledgeable. Thanks for the education!"

Kevin N. DiNicola
Research Scientist/Shipper
Arch Chemicals, Inc.