Hazmat Shipping Services: Common Handling and Shipping Mistakes
At C&D Logistics we know how important it is to ensure the safe handling and shipping of hazardous materials from one location to the next. That is why we offer hazmat shipping services, performed by highly trained carriers, that are designed to get the job done right without any worry of mistakes or the mishandling of products.
Learn all about shipping hazardous goods.
4 Common Hazardous Material Shipping Mistakes
People often make mistakes when transporting hazardous materials that can potentially lead to harming the environment, or other people. Some of the most common hazardous material shipping mistakes include:
1. Not Knowing Transportation Requirements
It is extremely important that hazardous material shippers understand the different regulatory requirements associated with different modes of transportation such as air, highway, water, and rail. Each mode of transportation has a set standard for shipping hazardous materials that must be complied with in order to ensure the safe transportation of the products. Employees who are handling or shipping hazardous materials should never make assumptions regarding the mode of transportation, and its associated compliance requirements. Instead, employees should confirm the mode of transit with the carrier so that they can be sure to comply with the correct regulations.
Learn more about what’s required for HAZMAT shipping.
2. Assuming Materials Are Non-Hazardous
Common, everyday items that are considered to be potentially hazardous materials are often transported by employees that are not properly hazmat trained. These shipments often fly under the radar of the environmental, health, and safety department, meaning that they are most likely not checked for compliance implications. Some of the common items that are often assumed to be non-hazardous include:
- Patient specimens
- Genetically modified micro-organisms and organisms
- Environmental samples for analysis
- Dry ice
- Batteries
- Scientific instruments containing compressed gas
- Equipment with compressed air chambers or pistons
- Electronic devices/computer equipment with lithium ion or lithium metal batteries installed
- Contaminated medical equipment and devices
- Pneumatic accumulators
- Charged capacitors
- Magnetized materials
- Devices with fuel cells
- Engines with fuel
Learn more about the different items that are considered hazardous for shipping.
3. Mishandling Returns and Self-Transported Goods
Warehouse, materials management, and receiving personnel often get involved in handling hazardous materials without realizing it. In this case the employee may not even be aware that an item is hazardous and may inadvertently ship it back to the company without following hazmat regulations. Hiring untrained couriers to transport hazardous materials can also lead to the mishandling of products. To ensure compliance with all personnel, it is important to look at returns, and self-transport activities, in order to regulate the way these departments work.
Shipping Hazardous Materials with C&D Logistics
At C&D Logistics we take the transportation of hazardous materials seriously. That is why all of our hazmat services are performed by carriers in our network who are highly trained and experienced at handling hazardous materials. Our team will even take care of preparing the Bill of Landing, as well as ensuring that the carriers have all the correct placards required for safe transportation.
If you would like to learn more about handling and shipping hazardous materials, or if you are interested in one of our services (logistics services, specialized freight shipping, or international courier services), please contact C&D Logistics at 604-881-4440 or by filling out a contact form on our website. You can also stay up to date with the latest news by following us on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.