Shipping hazardous materials can be a complicated process, as there are serious implications for getting it wrong. In order to ship hazardous materials, you need to follow a few key steps.

1. Classify the material

When shipping HAZMAT, a product safety data sheet (SDS) is required by law to be provided to whoever is handling the dangerous materials. The SDS provides guidance to help workers who handle these products become familiar with the materials and also prevent mishandling them.

2. Contact top carriers

The top carriers in the US (FedEx, USPS, UPS, and DHL) all provide shipping options for hazardous materials. Each carrier has specific rules about how they work with you for handling HAZMAT (more on that below).

3. Select appropriate packaging

Depending on the type of product, there are specific laws for how you package HAZMAT products. For example, dangerous liquids are best suited for drums, but they can be stored in steel, aluminum, or plastic drums depending on the type of liquid.

4. Mark and label your package

There are specific ways to mark your hazardous materials depending on their class, ID number, weight, and more. Be sure to follow the correct regulations when it comes to marking, labeling, and placarding. Even the orientation of your arrows can prevent a product from being shipped.

5.Prepare shipping papers

Some carriers require additional paperwork in order to ship HAZMAT items depending on the material to be transported (e.g., the UN identification number, proper shipping name, hazard class, and packing group, as well as the quantity, number, and type of packages, emergency contact information, and shipper’s certification). You must prepare all requested documents to ensure your shipment goes out and is not delayed or held up.

6.Identify additional carrier requirements

Most carriers have pretty similar rules when it comes to shipping HAZMAT. However, a few of them also have additional requirements. Depending on the carrier you work with, ask them about all of the HAZMAT shipping requirements before you start shipping dangerous goods.

Regulations for HAZMAT shipping

Here are the regulations you’ll want to know about if you’re selling a product that contains hazardous materials.

49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49)

Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations addresses key protocols for preparing, shipping, and handling dangerous goods. It is issued by the Departments of Transportation and Homeland Security. Access it here.

IMDG Code

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) provides guidelines for the safe shipment of goods on water or vessel. It is accepted as an international guideline, and it is mainly used in international shipping.

ICAO / IATA

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standardizes safety procedures for shipping dangerous goods by air. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) also has its own Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) to help you prepare, handle or accept dangerous goods shipments by air.

Penalties for noncompliance when shipping hazardous materials

As with all shipping regulations, noncompliance for hazardous material shipping can cost you greatly. The US DOT has specific fines for companies that break these laws. A routine shipment with even the tiniest error can lead to six-figure fines and have you banned from shipping HAZMAT products.


As federal law states, under 49 CFR Part § 107.329, “A person who knowingly violates a requirement of the Federal hazardous material transportation law, an order issued thereunder, this subchapter, subchapter C of the chapter, or a special permit or approval issued under this subchapter applicable to the transportation of hazardous materials or the causing of them to be transported or shipped is liable for a civil penalty of not more than $77,114 for each violation, except the maximum civil penalty is $179,933 if the violation results in death, serious illness or severe injury to any person or substantial destruction of property. There is no minimum civil penalty, except for a minimum civil penalty of $463 for violations relating to training. When the violation is a continuing one, each day of the violation constitutes a separate offense.”

Conclusion

Shipping hazardous materials can be a complex and expensive process. Because there are so many rules and regulations required, make sure you have all the right paperwork and research completed before you attempt shipping.

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