- For Immediate Release -

THE RISK OF HANDLING OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS WARRANTS AN EXTRA CHARGE

Fort Erie, ON – September 2004 – The risk and additional costs associated with the handling of hazardous materials make it necessary for the trucking industry to bill an extra charge for the service.  Recognizing the real cost of this potential risk, insurance companies charge additional premiums to carriers handling this type of freight.  Insurance premiums are increased to even higher levels for cross-border trucking companies handling this type of freight.

Compliance with government agencies that also recognize the potential risk is costly.  Compliance includes everything from training & testing to placarding, ensuring load compatibility and proper billing.

The potential liability associated with handling hazardous materials includes security concerns, health concerns and additional freight claims.  Any type of spill, even a small one can be very costly and time consuming.  The potential liability is huge.  No accessorial charge can offset the cost of an accident or spill but it can offset at least a portion of the costs incurred to properly and safely handle a hazardous materials shipment.

FCA currently publishes the following accessorial charges regarding the handling of hazardous materials (Many individual carriers publish provisions in their own rules tariffs):

TARIFF 100, ITEM 280 - DANGEROUS ARTICLES

Shipments of explosives or other dangerous articles will not be accepted for transportation without special arrangements being made for their carriage with the highway carrier concerned.  Contraband freight will not be accepted for transportation  (see Note 1).

Note 1:  On shipments moving under the Regulations for the Transportation of Dangerous  Goods Act, the following charges, in addition to all other lawful charges, will apply:

When placards are required by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act:

Each shipment weighing, or billed as weighing up to 19,999 lbs. - $46.56
Each shipment weighing, or billed as weighing 20,000 lbs. and over - $74.57 per vehicle used.

When placards are not required by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act:

Up to 999 lbs. - $18.57           Over 999 lbs. - $46.56

Shipments in Category II Nuclear Materials requiring specified routes and instructions are subject to a 10 per cent surcharge in addition to all regular rates and charges  (see Note 2).

Note 2:  If escort services are not provided by the shipper or consignee, an additional charge of $70.30 per hour per man will be assessed, plus $1.29 per mile if escort vehicle is required.

Accessorial charges make it possible for the trucking industry to bill their customers on an equitable user-pay basis.  Only customers requiring these special services are billed for them.

For further information, please contact David J. Sirgey, President of FCA/NATC by phone at 1-800-559-7421 extension 214 or by e-mail at dsirgey@natc.com.
 

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