Washington Headquarters Press Release

FAA Proposes $85,000 Penalty Against Chicago Company for Hazmat Violations

The Federal Aviation Administration, Southern Region, has proposed to assess a $85,000 civil penalty against Paxton Patterson of Chicago, Ill. for allegedly violating regulations concerning shipping hazardous materials aboard aircraft.

FAA cited Paxton Patterson for improperly shipping four one-gallon cans of varnish, which is a flammable liquid, on a regularly scheduled cargo flight. Ground handling personnel at the cargo carrier's sort facility discovered the shipment leaking through the fiberboard box in which it was improperly packaged.

Paxton Patterson offered the hazardous material for transportation when it was not packaged, labeled, marked, classed, described, documented, inspected, or in condition for shipment in accordance with U.S. Dept. of Transportation Hazardous Materials Regulations. Paxton Patterson also failed to ensure that employees were trained to properly package and handle hazardous materials, and did not make available at all times the required emergency response information.

Paxton Patterson 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.