J. J. Keller and COSTHA release new benchmark study on hazmat transportation safety

The J. J. Keller Center for Market Insights and COSTHA (Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles) announced the release of a new collaborative benchmarking study, Focus on Safety: Benchmarking the State of the Hazmat/Dangerous Goods Industry, offering an objective, real-world view of current hazmat transportation practices.

Based on input from 250+ industry professionals across the hazardous materials supply chain, the study establishes a baseline for understanding current conditions, shared risks and emerging priorities across modes and roles.

"Many of the most significant risks our consultants see today are rooted in everyday realities, including human error, training complexity, and process gaps," said Steve Murray, Executive Vice President of Professional Services at J. J. Keller. "By establishing a clear baseline with this research, we hope to create conversations that lead to meaningful progress in safety across the industry."

Key study findings

The study’s most critical insights point to a consistent theme: many of today’s biggest risks stem from everyday operational realities, not from a lack of commitment to safety.

Preventable errors persist. Routine tasks such as documentation, labeling, and classification remain leading sources of compliance issues, often driven by time pressure and process gaps.

Training is essential but complex to manage. Organizations value training but struggle to keep content current, track renewals, and align training to specific roles.

Undeclared hazmat remains a key risk. Particularly in inbound shipments, undeclared hazardous materials continue to challenge organizations across the supply chain.

Air transport and lithium batteries create additional complexity. Regulatory variation and evolving requirements increase difficulty in these high-risk areas.

Technology adoption is rising, but with caution. Companies are seeking tools that support decision-making and reduce errors without replacing human judgment.

“The safe transportation of hazardous materials is fundamental to protecting people, property, and the environment,” said Tom Ferguson, Administrator & Chief Regulatory Compliance Officer, COSTHA. “As supply chains grow more complex, this study can help industry players better understand the real-world challenges that impact safety every day.”

The study was conducted via an online survey from November 24 to December 8, 2025, gathering insights from shippers, carriers, manufacturers, and other professionals involved in hazardous materials transportation.