JAS Worldwide
6195 Barfield Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30328
JAS has numerous in-house experts in a wide range of fields required for the transportation of various commodities and goods. An essential area of expertise is managing consignments containing hazardous materials.
Caroline Söderholm and Christina Jopengrip, two highly experienced forwarders at JAS Sweden, specialize in dangerous goods for air freight and assist our clients in making the right decisions when shipping these commodities.
They spoke with us about their experiences and important considerations regarding booking and shipping dangerous goods by air.
Christina: For the past eight years, I have worked as an import and export specialist for Air, Sea, and Rail shipments at our office in Sundsvall.
Caroline: I have worked as an Air Export Specialist at our Arlanda/Stockholm office since 2017. I have been in the forwarding industry since 2005, handling import and export air consignments.
Dangerous Goods is the term used for substances and objects that, if not handled properly during transport, can cause harm to people, the environment, or property.
The classification of dangerous goods is based on criteria outlined in the UN model regulations. These goods are then divided into different classes depending on their nature and level of danger.
Caroline: You have to be approved for an IATA DGR course (7.3 Function: Personnel Responsible for Processing or Accepting Dangerous Goods Consignments), where there is a requirement that you attend it every two years to be up to date with the latest rules and regulations.
Christina: It is good to have attended stage 1 and 2 courses for Lithium batteries.
There are a lot more batteries (for electric cars, hybrid cars, electric bicycles, laptops, mobile phones, cameras, etc.) compared to previously. And many of them are transported by air, so the rules have become much stricter. Did you know, for example, that there is a difference between sending only batteries, batteries packed with equipment, and batteries packed in equipment?
Caroline: We collaborate with our dangerous goods partner, Dangerous Goods Management (DGM), to assist and advise our clients on how to properly package their goods in accordance with current regulations, as well as identifying necessary documentation.
Christiana: Compliance with IATA's Dangerous Goods Regulation (DGR) is mandatory for air shipments of dangerous goods. This includes following strict guidelines for classification, marking, packaging, labeling, and documentation of hazardous shipments. Additionally, certain states or airlines may have specific restrictions or rules that must be followed. In other words, handling hazardous goods is more complex than handling non-hazardous goods.
Christiana: As the shipper/supplier is always ultimately responsible for their goods, we must be clear about what can and cannot be shipped and how.
Caroline: When booking a shipment that includes dangerous goods, the customer must provide a "Shippers Declaration for Dangerous Goods" for air transport. This declaration helps us determine the correct pricing and routing based on how the goods are packaged. It's important to note that different rules apply for flights that use passenger aircraft versus freighters, which are known as Cargo Aircraft Only.
Caroline: The properties of dangerous goods are so hazardous that they can jeopardize the aircraft itself and even the safety of individuals on board an aircraft. Some goods may be unable to endure the effects of turbulence and high pressure, making it necessary to pack them in specially approved containers designed for dangerous goods.
Christiana: Some examples of dangerous goods you may not know are nail polish, hair spray and dry shampoo, alcohol, matches/lighters, thermometers, backpacks with built-in chargers, and E-cigarettes…the list goes on.
We collaborate with partners such as DGM to provide guidance on how to ship small quantities of hazardous items as limited or excepted quantities instead of fully regulated dangerous goods. This allows for shipping with exceptions and reduces the labeling and packaging requirements, making it a more cost-effective option than shipping fully regulated dangerous goods.
Caroline: It's worth considering that our smartphones and tablets contain a built-in Lithium battery, which makes them sensitive items. Consequently, flight attendants typically instruct passengers to notify them if such items are dropped between the seats. Dropping a lithium battery on a hard surface may cause the particles to divide and potentially ignite a fire that is incredibly difficult to extinguish. In the end, though, it is the Pilot who ultimately decides which cargo is allowed on their flight.
Thank you for sharing with us today! It has been very interesting and given us plenty to consider when sending dangerous goods by airfreight.
For more information, or if you have questions on how to transport dangerous goods, please don’t hesitate to contact your local JAS representative.
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JAS has been named a Sapphire Ambassador by the Blue Whales Blue Skies (BWBS) Program, recognizing its outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and marine conservation. This honor is awarded to companies demonstrating exceptional cooperation in reducing vessel speeds to protect marine life and improve air quality.
BWBS is a collaborative initiative between federal and local government agencies, foundations, and environmental organizations. The program monitors the speeds of vessels 300 gross tons and larger that pass through voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) zones each year, awarding recognition based on the percentage of total distance traveled at whale-safe speeds.
"Being recognized as a Sapphire Ambassador is a proud moment for us at JAS. It shows what’s possible when we align our operations with environmental responsibility. A key part of this recognition has been engaging with our carriers—strengthening relationships through a shared commitment to sustainability and making a difference together," Lars Huebecker, EVP Global Head of Ocean Freight, reflects on the recognition.
The Sapphire Ambassador level is awarded to companies whose fleets achieve 85-100% of their total distance traveled within VSR zones at speeds of 10 knots or less. JAS earned this distinction by ensuring that over 90% of its import and export shipments through California ports in 2024 were handled by BWBS-participating shipping lines.
At the annual BWBS awards ceremony held on April 16 at AltaSea in the Port of Los Angeles, JAS proudly received the Whale Tail Award, a symbol of its dedication to sustainable shipping practices. These efforts play a critical role in reducing the risk of fatal whale strikes, lowering air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizing underwater noise pollution.
“We’re honored to support the Blue Whales Blue Skies mission and proud of the progress made together with our ocean carriers. Protecting marine life and air quality is essential, and the BWBS team is doing incredible work to bring this to light. It’s a topic that often doesn’t get enough attention in the industry, yet it affects us all," Andrea Goeman, SVP QHSE & Sustainability, emphasizes the importance of the initiative.
As a Sapphire Ambassador, JAS continues to lead by example, demonstrating that sustainability and logistics excellence go hand in hand. This recognition underscores JAS’s broader mission to drive meaningful change within the industry while delivering customer value with integrity and environmental responsibility.
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Dubai South, the largest urban master development focusing on aviation, logistics, and real estate, has inaugurated the new regional headquarters for JAS Middle East, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by HE Edoardo Napoli, Consul General of the Republic of Italy in Dubai, Biagio Bruni, Founder & Chairman of JAS Worldwide, Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of the Logistics District, Dubai South, Erwin Wittemaier, Area VP of JAS Middle East, as well as other senior executives from both entities.
Designed to set new benchmarks in sustainability, efficiency, and technological innovation, the 19,170-square-meter ‘Build-to-Suit’ facility marks a milestone in the company’s regional expansion. This ESG-compliant warehouse is tailored to meet specific logistics needs, reinforcing the company’s commitment to growth and excellence while enhancing its ability to serve the entire Middle East market.
The facility will include racked and bulk storage, three temperature-controlled chambers, and 12 loading bays with dock levellers and roller shutter doors. Standing over 14 metres at its apex, it will adhere to the latest firefighting regulations. The office space will span two floors. Additionally, solar panels will be installed on the roof of the facility to offset utility costs and allow the property to achieve ESG credentials.
In his comments, Mohsen Ahmad, said: "We are pleased to attend the official opening of JAS Middle East’s new headquarters at Dubai South. This new facility will cater to the UAE and the wider Middle East region through best-in-class logistics solutions. We are proud to see the Logistics District flourishing with global industry leaders such as JAS, recognising the strategic advantages we offer to support their growth and expansion. With its cutting-edge design and ESG-compliant infrastructure, this facility enhances Dubai South's role in shaping the future of aviation and logistics in the region."
Biagio Bruni said: “This facility is a testament to our focus on innovation, sustainability, and excellent service. We are proud to strengthen our presence in this dynamic region and look forward to continuing to support our customers with tailored and innovative logistics solutions."
Representing the pinnacle of logistical innovation encapsulated within a premier infrastructure network, Dubai South’s Logistics District offers premier services and operations as well as uninterrupted access to Jebel Ali Port via a bonded logistics corridor. The district comprises multiple zones, which have direct access to the cargo terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport; EZDubai, a fully dedicated e-commerce free zone; and a Contract Logistics Zone.
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As a trusted international freight forwarder, we understand the challenges that come with navigating global trade, especially with the recent announcement of reciprocal tariffs. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial for businesses to stay agile and optimize their supply chains. We are excited to offer you strategic solutions through our Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs) in the USA and Panama to help mitigate tariff impacts and streamline your logistics.
Take Advantage of Our FTZs in the USA
Our FTZs located across the South, East, and West Coasts of the USA offer unparalleled benefits to help you manage costs, build inventory close to your end-consumer, and remain competitive. Here’s why you should consider utilizing these zones:
Panama as a Key Logistics Hub for the Americas
Additionally, our operations in Panama provide you with access to one of the most important logistics hubs in the Americas. With direct access to the Colon Free Zone and proximity to major shipping routes, Panama offers several advantages for your logistics strategy:
Why This Matters Now
With the new reciprocal tariffs being announced, it’s critical to find ways to lower your exposure to these increasing costs. Both our USA FTZs and Panama operations provide solutions that allow you to store, manage, and distribute goods with significant cost savings, particularly when facing unpredictable tariff changes.
By leveraging our FTZs and Panama’s logistical advantages, you gain flexibility, efficiency, and a competitive edge in today’s rapidly changing global trade environment.
Let’s Talk!
Our team is ready to discuss how our FTZs in the USA and our Panama logistics hub can benefit your business. Don’t wait—take full advantage of these strategic locations and the opportunities they present during these uncertain times.
Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation with one of our experts!
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