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<< Lancair Builders' Mail List >>
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Having been in the transportation business for over 30 years I would
like to bring up some pointers when you are ordering your supplies.
Haz-mat charges have increased over the years due to shipper
irresponsibility and high insurance premiums. Remember an airliner over
Florida? a FedEx freighter in Newark? I subscribe to Aviation Monthly
and the NTSB Reporter and see the results of these errors. I imagine
most of you break the rules but don't know it when you carry aerosol
deodorant in your travel bag or those clear lighters you pickup at
7-11? I have to be re-certified every two years at a cost of $400. Add
to that the additional premium to my insurance of $500 which is for
limited quantities. Each of my drivers has to be qualified and
re-certified every year. Shipments CANNOT be consolidated as the
shipper must be shown on the manifest individually. If one were to be
rejected due to an error, ALL must be rejected. Most airlines now
refuse to handle hazardous materials and those that do (hang onto your
hats and grabs chair before your fall down) charge $50.00 per "UN" or
"ID" number. That can add up to several hundred dollars for scientific
samples which may only be a few ounces.
As for foam type products. Shipments are based on a general density
between 7 and 9 lbs per cubic foot. That foam at 10 lbs. (2 lb density)
is 5 cu. ft. Five cu. ft. is "chargeable" at 35 to 45 lbs., i.e. $10
becomes $30. That crate that measures 4 x 3.5 x 12 ft. (168 cu ft) now
has a volumetric weight of 1,344 lbs. A Lancair quick-build crate may
weigh only 500 lbs. Common carriers use a method of Classes. Class 100
being the "median". When shipping items like foam, they will be classed
as 200, 300, even 400. Relate that to 50 lbs of foam at Class 400 as
200 lbs., standard rate. What normally would be $40.00 is now $160.00.
Ever see the bill those builders of Dragonflies, Q-2's, and Vari-EZ /
Long-EZ's received?
I am not in the small quantities business and my minimums are closer to
100 lbs. or I would offer to find a solution to your shipping costs.
The people at Lancair should also be trained in the shipping and
handling of haz-mats and hold certificates for completing the proper
documentation. FAA and DOT have been cracking down with VERY serious
fines for those that do not have the proper authority, mis-state the
commodity, or fail to complete the documentation correctly. My last
personally known violation by another shipper was for a 16 ounce bottle
of acid (Class 8) resulting in a $10,000 fine. A leaking bottle of acid
that got to control cables once brought down an aircraft.
I hope this sheds some light on the seriousness of haz-mats. There is
NO grey line.
When ordering haz-mats and low density items, ASK before they ship and
avoid sticker (invoice) shock.
Regards,
Mike Sawicki
Lancair 235, #007
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LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair
Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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