What is Required for HAZMAT Shipping?

Shipping hazardous materials (HAZMAT) can be a complicated process. With many considerations to keep in mind and steps to complete, it is easy to make a mistake during packaging, labelling, or another step. As there are serious implications for making a mistake for HAZMAT shipping, it is crucial to understand the required steps. As leading providers of specialized freight shipping solutions, the team at C&D understands what is required for HAZMAT shipping. That is why we have created a guide to help you safely and correctly ship hazardous materials.

What items are considered HAZMAT for shipping?

How to Ship Hazardous Materials

To ensure the safe and successful shipment of hazardous materials, follow the steps below:

1. Classify the Material

When shipping HAZMAT, you will need to accurately determine the class it belongs to. There are 9 classes in total: explosives, gases, flammable/combustible liquids, flammable/combustible solids, oxidizers and organic peroxides, poisonous/toxic substances, radioactive materials, corrosives, and miscellaneous items like dry ice.

Learn all about the different types of freight.

2. Contact a Suitable Carrier

Once you have determined the HAZMAT you will be shipping, it is time to contact a suitable and experienced freight provider. Each carrier has specific rules regarding HAZMAT, so be sure to understand these rules before choosing one.

3. Choose the Appropriate Packaging

Depending on the products you are shipping, there are specific laws and standards that must be adhered to regarding packaging. For example, metal drums tend to be required for dangerous liquids.

What do you need to know before shipping hazardous goods?

4. Mark and Label Your Package

To ensure the safety of handlers and the safe transport of your hazardous goods, your package must be appropriately marked and labelled. There are specific ways to mark your hazardous materials depending on their class, weight, and other factors. Labels must be applied according to applicable regulations. Any variance—such as the incorrect orientation of an arrow label—can be enough to prevent your package from being shipped.

5. Prepare the Applicable Shipping Documents and Placards

Once your package has been sufficiently labelled, you will need to prepare all required paperwork and placards for your shipment. Much like labels, the required paperwork will vary based on the hazard class, packing group, weight, size, quantity, and other factors. Be sure to choose an experienced and skilled freight provider to ensure that no details are overlooked.

Learn all about our HAZMAT shipping services and how we can help you.

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.