WareIQ welcomes new partners in the kitchenware and appliance category

Transportation of Dangerous Goods: What You Need to Know

Every day, around 800,000 shipments containing hazardous goods are shipped globally, contributing to a massive total of 3.1 billion tonnes annually. The dangerous materials range from flammable liquids to toxic substances. Such goods are shipped across continents as they are required in industries such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. Considering the nature of the goods, the transportation of dangerous goods is governed by strict regulations. It is to prevent accidents that can endanger the environment, property and people. 

If you are a warehouse operator or logistics operations manager, it is essential to understand how to handle dangerous goods safely. In this article, we will explain everything that you must know about the transportation of dangerous goods.

What Is Transportation of Dangerous Goods?

Dangerous goods are also known as hazardous goods. Another word used for such goods is hazmat. These materials pose several risks to the health of people involved in handling such goods, the property on which they are dealt with, and the environment during transit. 

Some examples of dangerous goods include flammable liquids, explosives, toxic substances, radioactive materials, and infectious substances.

Dangerous Goods: Classification 

The United Nations has established a classification system for dangerous goods. The dangerous goods are categorised into nine classes based on the risk they pose. Each class may have further subdivisions for better categorisation. Below are the nine dangerous goods classifications and their examples:

ClassHazard TypeExamples
Class 1ExplosivesFireworks, ammunition, blasting caps
Class 2GasesPropane, butane, and oxygen cylinders
Class 3Flammable LiquidsPetrol, ethanol, and acetone
Class 4Flammable Solids; Substances Liable to Spontaneous CombustionPhosphorus, metal powders
Class 5Oxidising Substances and Organic PeroxidesHydrogen peroxide, ammonium nitrate
Class 6Toxic and Infectious SubstancesCyanide, biomedical waste
Class 7Radioactive MaterialUranium, medical isotopes
Class 8CorrosivesSulfuric acid, battery acid
Class 9Miscellaneous Dangerous SubstancesLithium batteries, asbestos, dry ice

Why Is It Essential To Have Proper Transportation of Dangerous Goods Management?

Considering the complexities that can happen if the transportation of dangerous goods isn’t done properly, it is essential to manage the transportation efficiently. Here is why it is necessary to have an efficient transportation of hazardous goods management system in place:

1. Safety

If the dangerous goods are transported without complying with the regulations. It can cause major disasters. Take the 2020 Beirut explosion, for example, where it was found that the storing of ammonium nitrate was improper. It further led to the killing of more than 200 people. This incident highlights the importance of handling dangerous substances correctly when they are transported overseas.

2. Legal Compliance

To reduce the risks included with the transportation of dangerous goods, several international and national frameworks must be adhered to, depending on the country and mode of transportation. Some regulations are listed below:

  • UN Model Regulations: These regulations are applicable globally for all modes of transportation.
  • ADR: Primarily applicable in Europe for the transportation of dangerous goods via road.
  • IMDG code: It is applicable globally for the transportation of dangerous goods via sea.
  • ICAO-TI/IATA-DGR: It is applicable globally for the transportation of dangerous goods via air.
  • CMVR: Applicable in India for the transportation of hazardous goods via road.

3. Environment Protection

A leak or a spill of any hazardous substance can cause long-term environmental damage. Thus, it becomes imminent to ensure that proper packaging, documentation, and containment of dangerous goods and substances are in place to prevent disastrous incidents.

4. Economic Stability 

An incident of hazardous chemicals leaking into the sea can cause the shutdown of shipping lanes, which can also delay operations and lead to heavy fines. Hence, it is essential to have an efficient transportation of dangerous goods so that these economic implications can be avoided.

Also read – Transportation Charges GST Rate: What You Must Know

How Can Companies Ensure Safety While Transporting Dangerous Goods?

When dangerous goods are transported overseas, they require care and attention, as even a small negligence can pose a significant risk. Therefore, companies need to ensure that the transportation is risk-free. Below are practices that companies can implement to ensure that dangerous goods are transported in a safe manner.

1. Compliance With Regulations 

A company must identify the international regulations to be followed, depending on the country and the type of goods being transported. Compliance regulations, such as ADR, IMDG, and IATA, outline various criteria, packing requirements, labelling, marking, documentation, and other essential procedures that the companies must follow.

2. Proper Packaging 

Considering the nature of the hazardous substances, companies must take great care in packaging according to the approved guidelines of international regulations. This will ensure that the transportation is safe and there are no risks to either people or the environment when the dangerous goods are in transit. 

3. Documentation

A detailed consignment note must be included with the transportation of the dangerous goods, which includes all the information about the materials inside the shipment. As this is a mandatory requirement, failure to comply can result in legal action.

4. Regulatory Checks 

Companies must conduct a thorough regulatory check to ensure that all loading, packing, documentation and labelling comply with safety requirements. The checks must be done before the shipment is transported. 

5. Correct Marking

It is crucial to pay attention to the correct marking of vehicles transporting dangerous shipments. The markings will ensure that other vehicles are aware of the shipment’s contents and can take precautions to drive safely around it.

Suggested read – What Are Complementary Goods

Ship Dangerous Goods Safely With Carefully Curated Shipping Services From WareIQ

WareIQ’s smart shipping solution helps eCommerce brands minimise cost leakages caused by RTOs, fake delivery attempts in NDR, weight reconciliation issues, and more. Our solution also offers prompt support for handling urgent client’s escalations, ensuring smooth operations at all times.

Our solution offers the following capabilities:

  • Multi-carrier engine enabling fast deliveries across 24,000+ pin codes
  • Control Tower & automated workflows to minimise NDR & RTOs
  • Same/Next-day delivery courier options
  • Seamless Integration with your WMS, ERPs and Storefronts
  • Shipping Badges to display precise Estimated Delivery Dates (EDD)
  • Custom-branded tracking pages and notifications to enhance customer experience

Trending – India as a Global Manufacturing and Fulfilment Hub: Growth, Opportunities & Key Advantages

Conclusion

When dangerous goods are transported from one country to another or from one continent to another, it is more than just everyday work for companies. It is also about public safety and environmental responsibility. Hence, it becomes essential for shipping companies to choose the right processes, technology and training to handle the transportation of dangerous goods efficiently. It is also necessary to comply with legal regulations to avoid shutdowns of shipping operations, delays, and economic losses. 

Also check – Top Packaging Materials for Safe and Effective Shipping

FAQs About Transportation of Dangerous Goods

Which goods are classified as dangerous goods?

Goods or substances that can pose a risk to either health, property, safety, or the environment when they are transported are classified as dangerous goods. Goods which are toxic, flammable or corrosive are generally considered hazardous goods.

Can any logistics provider transport dangerous goods?

No, only companies that have the right licences are certified carriers of dangerous goods. Besides the licence, the company also needs to have trained staff and vehicles that comply with regulations.

What packaging should be used for hazardous materials?

Transportation of hazardous materials requires UN-certified packaging. These packagings include drums, boxes, and cylinders, which are designed to contain substances safely.

How are dangerous goods classified?

The dangerous goods are classified into nine classes, including explosives, gases, flammable liquids, and radioactive materials. Besides the nine classes, there are also subdivisions.

Is special training required for personnel handling dangerous goods?

Yes, whether it is drivers or handlers, personnel involved in the transportation of dangerous goods must have training as mandated by international or national regulations, such as ADR, IATA-DGR, or the UN Model Regulations.

Mariyam Jameela
Author

Mariyam Jameela

Mariyam Jameela works as a content writer at WareIQ. With a proven track record of working with renowned brands such as GO Digit, Urban Ladder, Juspay, Hong's Kitchen, and many more. She actively contributes to the creation of blog posts centered on eCommerce operations, fulfillment, and shipping, in addition to providing insights on various strategies and techniques tailored for eCommerce sellers

Read all of Mariyam Jameela's Posts