Member Committees, Working Groups, & Initiatives
As a COSTHA member, you have the opportunity to shape the future of your industry by engaging in roundtables, working groups, and committees. These groups evolve to address emerging challenges, fostering collaboration to develop solutions that benefit the regulated industry. Active groups maintain reports detailing their objectives, accomplishments, and history, which are available here.
Interested in joining a group? Reach out to Anne at Anne@costha.com
Association Management Committees:
Board of Directors
The COSTHA Board of Directors consists of seasoned experts in hazardous materials / dangerous goods transportation and regulations.
Finance Committee
COSTHA’s Finance Committee, composed of volunteer members from the Board of Directors, is instrumental in maintaining smooth operations. By developing budgets and meeting monthly, the committee’s dedicated efforts support COSTHA’s growth and help expand its projects and services for the benefit of members.
Issue-Driven Working Groups:
Aerosol Working Group (currently inactive)
The Aerosol Working Group is currently inactive, pending PHMSA's testing determination and report. Historically, the group has focused on test conditions for aerosols under the UN and 49 CFR regulations. No meetings are scheduled for this group at this time.
Battery Working Group
The Battery Working Group convenes to address current transportation issues, regulations, enforcement trends, and emerging technologies related to batteries and devices. Their work supports the UN Informal Working Group on Lithium Batteries.
DG Supply Chain Logistics / Transportation Panel
The Dangerous Goods Supply Chain Logistics Transportation Panel was formed to address key issues, including awareness and education, vessel port restrictions, and other related challenges.
Explosives Working Group
The Explosives Working Group addresses challenges faced by manufacturers and shippers, including testing costs and transportation obstacles. This group offers an opportunity to engage with regulators on explosives-related issues.
Life Sciences Roundtable
The Life Sciences industry encompasses fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, cosmetics, and more. This group addresses global transportation challenges, including packaging, cold chain logistics, and trade compliance.
COSTHA's International Influence:
Canada Working Group
The Canada Working Group is vital for members operating in or shipping to/from Canada. The group collaborates with key stakeholders in Transport Canada, and COSTHA’s representation on the GPAC and MACTDG provides early notice of proposed regulations and the opportunity to advise on their potential impact to the industry.
China Working Group
The China Working Group focuses on TDG regulations in China and engages with key industry and government stakeholders, including an established delegation that participates in the US-DOT – China MOT Transportation Forums.
Mexico Working Group
The Mexico Working Group offers a platform for members with facilities in Mexico to address questions related to transportation and reciprocity. COSTHA participates in the Mexico SICT Subcommittee No. 1 on Ground Transport of Hazardous Materials and Residues, as well as the SICT Working Group, where we advocate for alignment with UN Model Regulations and updates to the NOMs.
Collaboration to Influence Regulations:
Air Carrier Roundtable (ACRT)
The ACRT is dedicated to promoting the safe and efficient transportation of hazardous materials and dangerous goods in the aviation industry through petitions, regulatory comments, education, and more. The group collaborates with regulators (PHMSA/FAA) and industry partners to advocate for regulatory alignment and clarification.
Application and Policy for ACRT Membership and Meeting Attendance
North American Automotive HazMat Action Committee (NAAHAC)
NAAHAC is made up of global automotive companies and their key suppliers. The group focuses on crafting informed responses to hazmat and dangerous goods regulations, while working to educate regulators and propose practical solutions.
US Postal Service Group
COSTHA values its strong working relationship with the USPS and the Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) in keeping members informed about mailing requirements and updates to mailing standards. COSTHA actively participates in the US Postal Service Mailers Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC) and responds to USPS rulemakings, advocating for regulatory alignment with US DOT regulations and promoting ongoing harmonization.
Initiatives:
Enhancing the Image of the Hazmat/DG Professional Membership Initiative (EIHM/DGP)
COSTHA has reintroduced its EIHM/DGP initiative to raise awareness and recognition of this critical function within companies, the industry, government, and the public. Through this initiative, members gain access to educational and professional development sessions, job description and salary surveys, mentoring programs, and more.