FAA Proposes $70,500 Fine Against Verizon for Hazardous Materials Violations
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration proposes a $70,500 civil penalty against Verizon Communications, Inc. for allegedly violating hazardous materials regulations. The agency alleges Verizon improperly offered three shipments of 2,000-3,000 cell phones containing lithium-ion batteries to FedEx for air transport in May 2024, failing to properly class, describe, package, mark, label, or provide required emergency response information for the hazardous materials.
What changed
The FAA alleges that in May 2024, Verizon offered three shipments of cell phones containing lithium-ion batteries (classified as hazardous materials) to FedEx for air transportation. The shipments, each containing between 2,000 and 3,000 phones, allegedly failed to meet hazardous materials requirements: the materials were not properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, or in proper condition for shipment. Additionally, Verizon allegedly failed to provide required emergency response information.
Verizon has 30 days after receiving the FAA's enforcement letter to respond to the agency. Companies shipping lithium-ion batteries or other hazardous materials via air transport should review their classification, packaging, labeling, and documentation procedures to ensure compliance with 49 CFR requirements. Non-response or failure to remediate could result in the proposed penalty becoming final.
What to do next
- Review hazardous materials shipping procedures for compliance with 49 CFR requirements
- Verify that lithium-ion battery shipments are properly classed, packaged, marked, and labeled before air transport
- Ensure emergency response information is provided with all hazardous materials shipments
Penalties
$70,500 civil penalty (proposed)
Source document (simplified)
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FAA Proposes $70,500 Fine Against Verizon for Alleged Violation of Hazardous Materials Regulations
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes a $70,500 civil penalty against Verizon Communications, Inc. of New York for allegedly violating hazardous materials regulations.
The FAA alleges in May 2024, Verizon offered three shipments of between 2,000 and 3,000 cell phones containing lithium-ion batteries to FedEx for transportation by air. Lithium-ion batteries are classified as a hazardous material.
The FAA alleges the materials were not properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, or in the proper condition for shipment. Further, Verizon did not provide required emergency response information.
Verizon has 30 days after receiving the FAA’s enforcement letter to respond to the agency.
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