FAA Proposes $689,800 Civil Penalty Against Federal Express

BURLINGTON, Mass. – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a civil penalty of $689,800 against Federal Express Corp. (FedEx) of Memphis for allegedly violating U.S. Department of Transportation hazardous materials regulations.

The FAA alleges that in 89 instances from June 13 to Sept. 4, 2009, FedEx failed to provide pilots-in-command with complete, accurate information on the nature, quantity and weight of hazardous materials loaded on their aircraft. Pilots-in-command must be given this information under hazardous materials regulations.

The FAA also alleged that FedEx accepted four shipments of hazardous materials for transportation by air when those materials were not accurately described and certified in the accompanying shipper’s documents. The shipments were accepted between June 18 and Aug. 26, 2009.

The alleged violations were found during an FAA dangerous goods inspection at the FedEx cargo-handling facility at Bradley International Airport near Hartford, Conn., from Aug. 31 to Oct. 1, 2009.

“Pilots must know they are carrying dangerous goods so they can take all necessary safety precautions,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “Shippers and airlines must follow the rules so they are able to move these materials safely.”

FedEx has 30 days from the receipt of the FAA’s enforcement letters to respond to the agency.