Logistics forms the backbone of international trade, facilitating safe and efficient transportation of cargo across the globe. But when it comes to dangerous goods shipping, there’s no scope for any loopholes, even by mistake. These goods contain certain materials and substances posing risks to human health, security, property, and the environment during movement. Therefore, while dealing with such hazardous products, it becomes vital to exercise extra caution, and compliance with regulations is non-negotiable. Whether you are transporting flammable liquids, chemicals, radioactive substances, or batteries, knowledge of the shipping process and regulations is essential.
In this blog, let’s discover what dangerous goods and the key entails, including their hazard classes, challenges, and best practices to help you navigate the transportation process smoothly.
What are Dangerous Goods?
Dangerous goods are products and materials that can be extremely corrosive to humans, often causing asphyxiation. These have been classified into nine classes based on specific risks:
- Explosive substances (e.g., fireworks, ammunition)
- Gases (e.g., butane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium, oxygen)
- Flammable Liquids (e.g., paint thinners, gasoline)
- Flammable Solids (e.g., sulfur, matches)
- Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides (e.g., hydrogen peroxide)
- Toxic and Infectious Substances (e.g., medical waste, pesticides)
- Radioactive Material
- Corrosives (e.g., acids, alkalis)
- Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods (e.g., lithium batteries)
Key Regulations for Shipping Dangerous Goods
Transportation of dangerous goods demands strict adherence to international, national, regional, and local regulations. These limitations and prohibitions ensure carrier safety and risk management system for smooth operations. Failure to comply with shipping regulations for dangerous materials and articles can result in accidents, hefty fines, and shipment delays.
The primary bodies overlooking dangerous goods shipping are:
- International Air Transport Association (IATA): Manages rules and restrictions for air cargo shipping through the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): Establishes essential requirements to support the safe transfer of hazardous goods in an aircraft
- International Maritime Organization (IMO): Regulates International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code for shipping hazardous materials safely by sea since 1965
- International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID): Oversees transportation of hazardous freight in strict compliance through rail
- Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA): Develops policies and oversees air cargo safety for shipping dangerous goods in Qatar
Step-by-Step Process for Shipping Dangerous Goods
Whether you are shipping dangerous goods internationally or domestically, it is essential to follow a step-by-step procedure for facilitating convenient and safe transfer of your shipments. The process typically involves the following key steps:
Step 1: Classification of Goods to be Transported
Consider critical determination of goods to identify their hazard class and UN number of the material. These identifiers help in understanding the requirements for packaging and labeling.
Step 2: Proper Packaging
Assess the quantity, weight, and specific packaging requirements for your cargo. Use certified dangerous goods containers and packaging materials that fulfill regulatory standards to safeguard against explosions, spills, leaks, or breakage during transit.
Step 3: Labeling and Marking
Label dangerous goods packages precisely and clearly. Add appropriate hazard class symbols, UN numbers, handling instructions, or additional marks on the package to avoid any errors.
Step 4: Documentation
Check all the necessary documents and prepare a detailed Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods, containing information about the classification, contents, and safety measures for different hazardous items. The documents to be submitted during the dangerous goods shipping process are:
- Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)
- Airway bill
- Transportation Emergency Card (TEC)
- Certificate of origin
- Bill of lading
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
- Dangerous Goods Document of Compliance (DGDoC)
- Dangerous Goods Manifest
- Container Packing Certificate
Step 5: Training
Ensure the personnel involved in the shipment process of dangerous materials, especially Biological substance shipping, are well-trained in DG practices and relevant regulations. It is important to ensure the safe handling, storage, and transportation of goods of a hazardous nature.
Step 6: Transportation
Choose an experienced and reputed freight partner and ensure their compliance with all applicable regulations on air, rail, and sea cargo shipping. Finalize the mode of conveyance based on the urgency, quantity, and budget of dangerous goods.
Key Challenges in Dangerous Goods Shipping
Transporting dangerous goods presents a myriad of challenges, which must be tackled for a flexible and secure process. These include:
- Regulatory Complexity: Keeping up with the varying international and local regulations can be overwhelming
- Safety Risks: Despite adherence to strict protocols, human error in and mishandling of goods remains, leading to huge losses, environmental harm, and legal repercussions
- Shipping Limitations: Many cargo carriers bear restrictions on specific types of dangerous goods for transportation
- High Shipping Costs: Specialized and premium-quality packaging, transportation, and personnel training often increase costs
- Communication and Coordination Gap: Miscommunication and lack of coordination between the stakeholders of the shipping process can result in freight delays, accidents, or regulatory violations
Best Practices for Safe Dangerous Goods Shipping
To avoid any mis happenings while shipping dangerous goods, opt for following practices:
- Stay updated on changing regulations for dangerous goods shipping
- Invest in regular training and audits of employees
- Work with certified and renowned DG shipping experts and freight forwarders
- Employ advanced tracking systems for real-time monitoring of shipments
Dangerous goods shipping is a complex process, but an integral facet of modern logistics. However, shipping companies can ensure smooth, safe, and compliant transfers by following the applicable regulations and adopting best practices. Choose Travelite to mitigate the risks in transferring dangerous goods from one place to the other and protect everyone involved. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our shipping services!
