Robert Heinrich, Transportation Specialist, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, and Annual Forum Chair, Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles, (COSTHA), recently announced  “We are very pleased to report that  Thomas Barrett, VADM Ret., Administrator, PHMSA, US DOT has accepted our invitation to present the keynote address for the COSTHA 2007 Annual Forum, Partnering for Progress, April 24-25, 2007, Scottsdale AZ.” 

Admiral Barrett directs the agency's national programs responsible for ensuring the safe transport of natural gas, liquefied natural gas, and hazardous liquids by pipeline and the transportation of hazardous materials by all modes of transportation. He served 35 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, attaining that service’s number two position as Vice Commandant. He helped strengthen maritime security after September 11, transitioning the Coast Guard into the new Department of Homeland Security, and expanding Coast Guard support to the National Foreign Intelligence Committee. During his Coast Guard career, Barrett commanded force operations in the Gulf of Alaska; expanded operational partnerships with Russia; served as the Agency Acquisition Executive; and co-chaired the Navy-Coast Guard Board, an interservice policy coordination body. Barrett’s awards include the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.

Admiral Barrett is a strong advocate of Partnering between government and industry to achieve maximum efficiency and the highest levels of safety and security and has effected many positive changes during his tenure as PHMSA Administrator. 

In his closing remarks at the 2006 Annual Forum, Bill Duff, COSTHA President and Corporate Manager Environmental Coordination Office, Toyota Motor Sales said “In the keynote speech given by Brigham McCown, Deputy Administrator, PHMSA, opening the 2006 Forum, and in many of the presentations following that, we heard that in moving forward in further enhancing the safe transportation of dangerous goods, there needs to be a focus on partnering between the DOT and industry. COSTHA and the member companies welcome this approach and look forward to being a major component of that partnership as it evolves throughout all parts of the DOT organization, including their field operations.”

COSTHA is a not-for-profit industry association devoted to promoting regulatory compliance and safety in the international and domestic transportation of hazardous materials.  COSTHA represents shippers, carriers, container manufacturers, training companies, and related businesses and associations responsible for more than $120 billion in international commerce.  These entities are involved in all aspects of hazmat commerce, including transportation of hazardous materials, hazardous substances, marine pollutants, and hazardous wastes globally.

Stating that “COSTHA continues it’s tradition of expanding the scope, content and attendance at its annual meetings”, Mr. Heinrich went on to say, “This year’s meeting will again offer specialized hazardous materials training courses, internationally recognized speakers from around the globe, exhibits of the newest technology and regulatory compliance publications, products and services. The meeting is designed to benefit all involved in the hazardous materials/dangerous goods transportation compliance industry. Presentations include best industry practices on Emerging Technologies and Shipping Dangerous Goods into and out of Asia as well as International and Domestic Regulatory Updates by leading regulators and industry roundtables on special areas of interest.” Mr. Heinrich also said that “COSTHA training company members, experts in the field of hazardous materials compliance, will be again presenting the most beneficial specialized hazmat courses for members and guests.” 

The Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles, Inc. (COSTHA) is one of the largest and fastest growing trade associations in the hazardous materials industry and is devoted to promoting regulatory compliance and safety.