Commercial Firm Training Practices versus Aerial Port Hazardous Cargo Frustration

The military is dependent on commercial vendors to augment their supply system, to include hazardous materials. Hazardous materials must be packaged and labeled differently than general cargo for shipment in the defense transportation system. Previous research showed there is an increase in frustration levels at Aerial Ports of Embarkation. The reasons for frustration range from minor discrepancies to improperly completed shipping documents. This research investigates if commercial companies are a cause of the frustration problems. A case study methodology was used to investigate training practices of companies that had frustrated hazardous cargo at either Charleston or Dover Aerial Ports. The companies were selected using a 24 factorial design. The design focused on company size, volume shipped, internal or external training program, and whether the company had a government contract. The data was collected by using historical information, and interviewing commercial company training managers. The analysis of the study made comparisons between the requirements of the companies and those established by the Department of Transportation, the Department of Defense, and international regulations. The research gave insight into commercial training habits. It helped identify discrepancies between the regulations that govern commercial companies and the military, including possible ways to reduce the discrepancies.