Insights from Thomas Hogan, Haz Mat Team Leader, Shipco USA
Hazardous cargo is one of the most tightly regulated areas of logistics. The risks are real: chemicals, batteries, and other sensitive goods can react under certain conditions, posing dangers to people, property, and the environment. For Shipco, the focus is clear: compliance and education are the foundations of safe transport.
Why hazardous cargo regulations matter for forwarders
The rules governing hazardous cargo are complex, varying across countries, cargo types, and modes of transport. For forwarders, the biggest challenge is often not the cargo itself, but the paperwork that comes with it.
As Thomas Hogan, Haz Mat Team Leader at Shipco USA, explains: “The biggest challenge we see from the freight forwarder side is that their customer(s) often do not understand all of the rules. For example, they may not know how to properly document and label hazardous cargo. This is the most common issue we encounter.” He and his team act as both safeguards and guides, reviewing documentation for compliance and flagging issues before cargo moves. Customers are alerted to errors, advised on corrections, and supported in finding external packing specialists where needed.
“What we do have is knowledge—and we share that knowledge with our customers to assist them as much as we can,” Thomas says. This focus on awareness helps forwarders reduce the risks of delays, holds, or penalties further down the chain.
Training requirements that prevent costly mistakes
The safe handling of hazardous cargo begins with training. In the U.S., the Department of Transportation requires anyone involved in handling hazardous cargo to be trained. Similar frameworks exist worldwide, and without proper training, even minor oversights can escalate into serious incidents.
“Being properly trained not only prevents delays but also avoids costly mistakes,” Thomas notes. He adds that noncompliance can lead to severe consequences ranging from heavy fines and shipment holds to potential jail time, if negligence is proven.
For Shipco, investment in training is integral to daily operations. Every member of the hazardous materials team is qualified to catch errors, provide guidance, and liaise with carriers and authorities to keep cargo moving safely.
How Shipco supports forwarders with dangerous goods shipments
Although Shipco does not provide in-house dangerous goods packing, the team connects a freight forwarder’s customer with certified third-party providers when additional help is needed. This balance of internal expertise and external resources ensures that shipments are not only compliant but also prepared in line with global standards.
“If customers need additional help, there are many third-party DG companies. We are familiar with some of them and can point customers in the right direction,” Thomas says. By referring customers to specialists, Shipco extends its support network without stepping outside its own operational scope.
At the same time, Shipco’s team constantly monitors documentation to ensure shipments do not run into costly holds or rejections. This hands-on approach helps forwarders avoid mistakes before they cause delays and maintains safety for all parties involved.
“Our priority is always safety—for customers, personnel, and everyone in the supply chain,” Thomas emphasizes. The combination of oversight, knowledge, and communication allows Shipco to act as a safeguard without replacing the responsibilities of shippers or packing providers.
Building a safety-first culture in hazardous cargo handling
Thomas has been with Shipco for a decade, and leading the hazmat team has become one of the defining chapters of his career. The work combines regulatory expertise with a strong sense of responsibility for both people and cargo, reflecting a broader culture of safety across the organization.
“I have been with Shipco for ten years, and this role has been one of the most fulfilling of my career. Every day I come to work knowing that we are keeping people and cargo safe,” he says. His pride lies not only in his own contribution but also in the strength of the U.S. hazmat team, which he sees as central to supporting forwarders worldwide.
That culture of safety and compliance is what gives forwarders confidence in their hazardous cargo shipments. By investing in training, oversight, and close collaboration with customers, Shipco helps minimize risks while keeping cargo moving without delays. For Thomas, and for the team he leads, success is measured in every safe delivery and every customer who feels supported along the way.