A recent survey has shed light on the increasing complexities faced by professionals in the dangerous goods (DG) shipping sector, highlighting key areas of concern for retailers who deal with such items.
The Global Dangerous Goods Confidence Outlook, conducted by Labelmaster, the International Air Transport Association, and Hazardous Cargo Bulletin, gathered insights from more than 1,000 DG professionals across the globe.
The results provide a clearer understanding of how the DG landscape is evolving and the compliance challenges that retailers and supply chain partners must navigate.
Focus on innovation and digitalisation
One of the primary findings of the survey was the industry's emphasis on innovation and digitalisation.
As retailers increasingly rely on global supply chains, the need for modern solutions to manage dangerous goods safely has become paramount.
Respondents highlighted the importance of technology in improving compliance processes and reducing risk, especially as supply chains become more complex.
Many professionals believe that digitalisation is critical for streamlining the handling of dangerous goods, helping retailers maintain safety standards and avoid potential hazards.
Sustainability gains importance
Sustainability also emerged as a significant theme in this year’s survey. Retailers are under growing pressure to implement environmentally friendly practices, and this extends to the handling of dangerous goods.
Survey participants noted that sustainability is now a key focus in DG operations, as companies aim to balance safety and environmental concerns.
This push towards greener practices reflects broader trends in retail, where sustainability is becoming an essential aspect of business strategies.
Training and data consistency remain a challenge
Despite improvements in some areas, the survey highlighted ongoing challenges with training and data consistency within the dangerous goods supply chain.
Retailers must ensure that their staff are well-trained and that data is consistent across the entire supply chain. Inconsistent training and data gaps can lead to compliance failures, increasing the risk of accidents.
The survey stressed that proper training and reliable data are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient handling of dangerous goods.
The results of the survey demonstrate the need for retailers involved in shipping dangerous goods to invest in innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability while addressing the persistent challenges of training and data management.
As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, these findings offer valuable insights for businesses aiming to remain compliant and competitive in the DG sector.
