JAS Worldwide
6195 Barfield Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30328
JAS has numerous in-house experts in a wide range of fields required for the transportation of various commodities and goods. An essential area of expertise is managing consignments containing hazardous materials.
Caroline Söderholm and Christina Jopengrip, two highly experienced forwarders at JAS Sweden, specialize in dangerous goods for air freight and assist our clients in making the right decisions when shipping these commodities.
They spoke with us about their experiences and important considerations regarding booking and shipping dangerous goods by air.
Christina: For the past eight years, I have worked as an import and export specialist for Air, Sea, and Rail shipments at our office in Sundsvall.
Caroline: I have worked as an Air Export Specialist at our Arlanda/Stockholm office since 2017. I have been in the forwarding industry since 2005, handling import and export air consignments.
Dangerous Goods is the term used for substances and objects that, if not handled properly during transport, can cause harm to people, the environment, or property.
The classification of dangerous goods is based on criteria outlined in the UN model regulations. These goods are then divided into different classes depending on their nature and level of danger.
Caroline: You have to be approved for an IATA DGR course (7.3 Function: Personnel Responsible for Processing or Accepting Dangerous Goods Consignments), where there is a requirement that you attend it every two years to be up to date with the latest rules and regulations.
Christina: It is good to have attended stage 1 and 2 courses for Lithium batteries.
There are a lot more batteries (for electric cars, hybrid cars, electric bicycles, laptops, mobile phones, cameras, etc.) compared to previously. And many of them are transported by air, so the rules have become much stricter. Did you know, for example, that there is a difference between sending only batteries, batteries packed with equipment, and batteries packed in equipment?
Caroline: We collaborate with our dangerous goods partner, Dangerous Goods Management (DGM), to assist and advise our clients on how to properly package their goods in accordance with current regulations, as well as identifying necessary documentation.
Christiana: Compliance with IATA's Dangerous Goods Regulation (DGR) is mandatory for air shipments of dangerous goods. This includes following strict guidelines for classification, marking, packaging, labeling, and documentation of hazardous shipments. Additionally, certain states or airlines may have specific restrictions or rules that must be followed. In other words, handling hazardous goods is more complex than handling non-hazardous goods.
Christiana: As the shipper/supplier is always ultimately responsible for their goods, we must be clear about what can and cannot be shipped and how.
Caroline: When booking a shipment that includes dangerous goods, the customer must provide a "Shippers Declaration for Dangerous Goods" for air transport. This declaration helps us determine the correct pricing and routing based on how the goods are packaged. It's important to note that different rules apply for flights that use passenger aircraft versus freighters, which are known as Cargo Aircraft Only.
Caroline: The properties of dangerous goods are so hazardous that they can jeopardize the aircraft itself and even the safety of individuals on board an aircraft. Some goods may be unable to endure the effects of turbulence and high pressure, making it necessary to pack them in specially approved containers designed for dangerous goods.
Christiana: Some examples of dangerous goods you may not know are nail polish, hair spray and dry shampoo, alcohol, matches/lighters, thermometers, backpacks with built-in chargers, and E-cigarettes…the list goes on.
We collaborate with partners such as DGM to provide guidance on how to ship small quantities of hazardous items as limited or excepted quantities instead of fully regulated dangerous goods. This allows for shipping with exceptions and reduces the labeling and packaging requirements, making it a more cost-effective option than shipping fully regulated dangerous goods.
Caroline: It's worth considering that our smartphones and tablets contain a built-in Lithium battery, which makes them sensitive items. Consequently, flight attendants typically instruct passengers to notify them if such items are dropped between the seats. Dropping a lithium battery on a hard surface may cause the particles to divide and potentially ignite a fire that is incredibly difficult to extinguish. In the end, though, it is the Pilot who ultimately decides which cargo is allowed on their flight.
Thank you for sharing with us today! It has been very interesting and given us plenty to consider when sending dangerous goods by airfreight.
For more information, or if you have questions on how to transport dangerous goods, please don’t hesitate to contact your local JAS representative.
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Potential for Renewed ILA Strike Over Automation Disputes
Negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a critical impasse, primarily due to disagreements over port automation. After walking away from talks in November 2024, the ILA has signaled the possibility of a renewed strike if their demands are not addressed before the January 15, 2025, deadline.
This situation follows a previous three-day strike in early October 2024, which temporarily halted operations at ports along the East and Gulf Coasts. While those ports have since resumed operations, the disruption caused widespread delays and financial strain on the U.S. economy. The recent suspension of strike action was agreed upon for 90 days, ending January 15, 2025, but with negotiations stalled, the risk of further disruption looms large.
Impact of Previous Strike Action
The October strike caused significant delays, cost overruns, and operational disruptions, including:
Mitigating Future Disruptions
To minimize risks, businesses should consider these strategies:
Guidance from JAS
JAS remains committed to supporting clients during these uncertain times. If your operations are at risk of being impacted, we strongly encourage you to reach out to your JAS representative. Our team can provide tailored solutions to mitigate disruptions, streamline supply chains, and optimize freight options. Whether through alternative routing, expedited services, or strategic planning, JAS is here to help you navigate these challenges effectively.
JAS Projects recently completed a comprehensive logistics solution for Gpi Tanks XL, a company specialized in stainless steel tank construction, either on-site or at one of their flexible construction locations near a waterway, as was the case with this project. This project involved transporting large industrial tanks from Zwijndrecht, Netherlands, to Uddevalla, Sweden, where they will be used to recycle de-icing liquid for major Scandinavian airports.
The operation in Zwijndrecht required careful coordination due to tidal constraints and limited water depth. With a maximum draft of 3.5 meters at the loading berth, and the vessel entering with a 3.2-meter draft, precise planning was critical. Using an overhead crane, the tanks were loaded onto trailers before being transferred to the vessel by a mobile crane. Despite facing high winds and a two-day delay due to storms, the entire loading process was completed in just six hours.
A 700-ton mobile crane was utilized during loading to maintain a safe 33-meter radius, ensuring no pressure was placed on the jetty. The vessel, sailing with open hatch covers to accommodate the tank height, ensured smooth and secure transport to Sweden.
Upon arrival at the client’s site in Uddevalla, discharge operations were executed efficiently. The tanks were unloaded and installed onto their foundations within ten hours. JAS Projects coordinated the movement of the first tank directly to its foundation, while the second was temporarily stored on steel stools. The team also managed a last-minute client request to arrange the installation of a walkway and spiral stairs.
This project exemplifies the JAS Projects’ team ability to overcome logistical challenges and deliver customized solutions with precision. From factory to foundation, JAS provides end-to-end logistics expertise, ensuring that every project is completed on time, safely, and with the highest level of care.
Atlanta, USA – November 25, 2024 – JAS Worldwide, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, headquartered in Atlanta, USA, is excited to announce its collaboration with ALPHA Augmented Services, a technology innovator in logistics optimization, headquartered in Zug, Switzerland. This partnership represents one of the many steps JAS is taking to integrate AI-driven solutions into a broader strategy for delivering sustainable, efficient, and innovative logistics solutions.
As part of its innovation roadmap, JAS will incorporate ALPHA’s advanced AI technology to explore new ways of optimizing air, ocean, and road freight logistics. The collaboration aligns with JAS’s commitment to leverage emerging technologies to support its customers’ goals for cost efficiency and carbon footprint reduction, all without requiring significant capital investment.
“This partnership with ALPHA reflects our ongoing strategy to integrate innovative tools with technology that complement JAS’s broader vision for sustainable and intelligent logistics solutions, said Andrea Goeman, SVP QHSE & Sustainability at JAS Worldwide. “ALPHA’s optimization capabilities are a valuable addition to our portfolio, offering our customers enhanced efficiency, operational savings, and a reduced carbon footprint for their shipments.”
JAS remains dedicated to exploring technologies like ALPHA’s to advance its mission of creating smarter, greener logistics solutions. This partnership underscores JAS’s leadership in driving sustainability and innovation while maintaining its focus on a diversified approach to forward-thinking logistics solutions.
About JAS Worldwide
JAS Worldwide, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, was founded in Milan, Italy, in 1978. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA and supported by 7,000+ team members in more than 100 countries, it builds innovative and sustainable solutions that focus on customer needs and a better future for all. At the heart of JAS's success is its people who deliver customer value. As one of the largest and fastest growing family-owned logistics companies, JAS is committed to creating opportunities for our communities, customers, and colleagues to thrive. Together.
About ALPHA Augmented Services
Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, ALPHA Augmented Services specializes in logistics optimization, helping businesses streamline their supply chains for greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact. ALPHA’s technology empowers companies to achieve operational excellence in logistics.
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