3 Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Hazardous Materials
If you need to ship hazardous materials, several steps must be completed to ensure that the shipment gets to its destination safely. With so many considerations to keep in mind and documents to fill out, it is surprisingly easy to make a mistake when shipping hazardous materials. As a leading provider of specialized freight shipping solutions, the team at C&D Logistics knows how complex HAZMAT shipping can be. That is why we have compiled a list of 3 mistakes to avoid when shipping hazardous materials to help you ensure that your shipment can be successfully sent without any issues.
Learn what is required for HAZMAT shipping.
3 Common HAZMAT Shipping Mistakes
When it comes to HAZMAT shipping, the following mistakes are commonly made:
1. Failing to Mark and Label Hazardous Materials Properly
The most common mistake when shipping hazardous materials is forgetting to mark and label the package accordingly. If a box or other form of packaging will contain hazardous materials, it must be properly marked to show handlers and drivers what they are handling. For example, if you will be shipping flammable and combustible liquids, you will need to state that the package contains Class 3 hazardous materials and outline any precautionary measures that should be taken when handling the goods. Failure to properly mark and label your packages can endanger lives and cause your shipment to be rejected, so it is always worth taking the time to ensure that this task is completed.
2. Assuming a Substance is not Hazardous
With 9 classes of hazardous materials, there are many items that are considered HAZMAT for shipping. While this list of materials is extensive, employees and shippers may forget to reference this information or simply assume that a substance is not hazardous. This can be a costly mistake, as undeclared materials can result in substantial fines and penalties. Some items are commonly regarded as non-hazardous by employees or shippers despite being listed as hazardous materials. These items include:
- Magnetized materials
- Lithium batteries
- Dry ice
- Patient specimens
- Pneumatic accumulators
- Scientific instruments with compressed gas
- Engines containing fuel
- Charged capacitors
3. Choosing the Wrong Shipping Option
Certain hazardous materials may need to be kept at a certain temperature. In this case, the shipper would need to choose a temperature-controlled truck instead of a conventional dry van as the fluctuations in temperature could be hazardous. When shipping hazardous materials, it is best to work with a 3PL provider or other professional to ensure that your goods are being transported in a safe and compliant manner.
To learn more about HAZMAT shipping and our other freight solutions, get in touch with the team at C&D Logistics. We can be reached through our online contact form and will work with you to determine the optimal solution for your needs.