If you need to ship hazardous goods then you should take extra care to ensure that they are packed and shipped safely by an approved haulier.

At Espace Freight we have plenty of experience in handling hazardous goods, we have an approved supplier list of hauliers and all of our drivers carry a PPE (personal protection pack) and are experienced in transporting hazardous goods.

In this blog we will explain the regulations surrounding hazardous goods and the correct way that they should be handled, packed and shipped.

What are hazardous goods?

The first thing you need to know is what kinds of goods are categorised as being hazardous.  Generally most chemicals, dangerous flammable substances and gasses are classed as being hazardous, these include explosive substances, flammable gas, toxic gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidising substances, organic peroxides, infectious substances, radioactive material and more.  If you’re not sure whether the product that you want to ship is hazardous or not just get in touch with your trusted freight forwarder and they will be able to advise you.

Packaging

When packaging your dangerous goods for shipping it is essential to make sure that the supplier of the packaging can show you their safety certification, information on how to use the packaging properly, and test reports for the selected packaging.

Transportation regulations

There are different rules and regulations for the transportation of hazardous goods depending on which mode of transport you are planning on using.  If your goods are going to be sent by air then they must be packaged by someone who has been specially trained.  There are a set of internationally agreed rules for transporting goods by air which have been agreed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).  The transportation of food by road is governed by the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road, and the transportation of goods by sea is governed by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.  If you are shipping your goods by sea you also need to ensure that you have completed a dangerous goods notification.

The transportation of hazardous goods can be dangerous unless all relevant rules and regulations are followed.  By using a highly experienced and qualified freight company like Espace Freight you can rest assured that we will be able to advise you every step of the way.

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