Avoiding bad-news calls. (Other Voices).(Brief Article)

No chemical shipper wants to take a call from his or her transportation partner informing them about a hazardous materials incident.

But just wishing those calls would go away won't make it happen -- unless shippers work with their carriers to emphasize preparation, planning and knowledge of the rules and procedures for safely handling and transporting hazardous materials. That course of action can minimize those incidents and perhaps even eliminate them.

While the burden for the safe and secure handling and transport of chemical shipments falls mainly on carriers, shippers can help to ensure that their shipments arrive on time, damage-free and, most importantly, without incident. Here are a few suggestions:

* Take …