There are specific protocols you must follow if you’re going to ship hazardous chemicals. You could end up with fines if you’re not careful. If you’re new to the process and need some guidance, here’s what to know when shipping hazardous chemicals.
Hazmat Shipping: What Is It?
The definition of hazmat shipping is quite simply the shipping of dangerous materials, like chemicals, that require special shipping and handling. These specific processes are put in place to minimize risks. Improper storage or packaging of these chemicals can cause harm to people. There are requirements and regulations on the federal and individual carrier sides that concern the classification of HAZMAT goods.
Do Parcel Carriers Offer Hazmat Shipping?
Yes, parcel carriers offer hazmat shipping, but each carrier has strict guidelines and restrictions on what they’ll ship.
- USPS: They have restrictions on domestic and international shipping. There are a few items restricted for air and ground services.
- UPS: There are a few hazardous items prohibited from UPS. It’s good to understand that this carrier will ship certain restricted items based on a contractual basis. There are specific ground and air services UPS will offer for dangerous goods.
- FedEx: You must complete an approval process to ship hazardous materials with FedEx. There are restrictions with this carrier as well regarding which materials you can ship.
Obtain a Hazmat Shipping Certification
DoT, the Department of Transportation, requires you to obtain a shipping certification for hazmat shipping. Employees who deal with chemicals need training to handle the packages, labels, and markings. You could face serious fines for not following these rules.
You can also outsource your hazmat shipping to a third-party logistics company or 3pl. An experienced 3pl will understand how to get the job done properly. Put your trust in a knowledgeable logistics business to avoid lengthy processes you’re unfamiliar with.
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Correctly Label the Package
Hazardous materials require specific labels in order to ship properly. The labels dictate how to safely handle the chemicals, including the package orientation and flammability. Carriers can refuse to ship the boxes if they don’t contain the correct labels.
Shipping hazardous chemicals is a complicated and lengthy process, but the above guide has tips to help. Follow the rules, cross your T’s and dot your I’s, and all should be well.
