Are you looking to ship hazardous materials via freight? If so, you need to be aware of the regulations and requirements that come with it. Shippo users who plan to ship dangerous goods with USPS must declare it when purchasing the label by navigating to “package options” and selecting the HAZMAT box. If you plan to ship hazardous materials via UPS or FedEx, you must have your own carrier account and your own agreement with those carriers before shipping those items. ShipBob will not ship DANGEROUS items internationally, urgently, or by air.
The hazardous materials table contains references to the corresponding packaging sections, to certain quantity limitations, and to any special provisions or exceptions. It also contains the label codes and the basic description of the hazardous material. Getting the hazard classification right is the most important part of starting to transport hazardous materials. All other requirements, including packaging requirements, brands, labels and shipping paper, will be based on the product's hazard classification. The DOT hazardous materials regulations provide classification criteria that manufacturers, carriers, and others can use to classify hazardous material.
Certain types of hazardous materials require approval of the classification determination by the PHMSA before shipment. If you're familiar with transporting hazardous materials by maritime transport, you should know that air transport has its own unique set of rules. These regulations keep your shipment safe during transit and protect the aircraft and its crew as they move cargo to its destination. FedEx offers training and guidance on how to ship hazardous materials, including how to obtain approval for shipping hazardous materials, information on shipping batteries, services and restrictions, accepted and prohibited materials, marking and labeling, packaging, and more. The USPS only ships certain hazardous materials, representing between 15 and 20% of all hazardous materials shipped through the United States. Depending on the carrier you work with, ask them about all hazardous material shipping requirements before you start shipping dangerous goods.
If necessary, prepare a shipping document containing a description of the hazardous material, including the United Nations identification number, the correct name of the shipment, the hazard class and packaging group, the quantity, number and type of packages, emergency contact information, and a shipper's certificate. Keeping air transportation within your list of shipping options gives you the flexibility to meet the needs of your customers and suppliers more quickly. Each carrier has specific rules for the shipment of dangerous goods for certain classes as well as for the shipment of hazardous materials nationally and internationally by truck, air and sea.
