April 4, 2001

FAA Proposes $50,000 Penalty Against Daimler Chrysler for Hazmat Violations

The Federal Aviation Administration, Southern Region, has
proposed to assess a $50,000 civil penalty against
DaimlerChrysler of Auburn Hills, Mich., for allegedly violating
Department of Transportation hazardous materials regulations.

FAA alleges that DaimlerChrysler improperly offered a fiberboard
box containing one 638-gram aerosol container of "ZEP 40
Non-Streaking Cleaner", one 16-ounce aerosol container of "ZEP
Stainless Steel Cleaner" and a one quart plastic container of "ZEP
Universal GP Cleaner" to UPS for transportation by air. Aerosols
are classified as flammable gas and Universal GP Cleaner is
classified as a corrosive, therefore they are hazardous materials.
Ground handling employees at the UPS sort facility in Louisville,
Ky., discovered the shipment leaking.

DaimlerChrysler offered the hazardous materials for transportation
when they were not packaged, labeled, marked, classed,
described, documented, or in condition for shipment as required
by regulations. DaimlerChrysler also failed to ensure employees
were trained to properly package and handle hazardous materials,
and did not make available at all times the required emergency
response information.

DaimlerChrysler has 30 days from receipt of the FAA notice to
submit a reply to the agency. This announcement is made in
accordance with the FAA's practice of releasing information to the
public on newly issued enforcement actions involving penalties of
$50,000 or more.

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Transportation Development Group