The 4 Things to Remember About HAZMAT Shipping

As a shipper, the idea of preparing a HAZMAT shipment may definitely feel overwhelming if it’s not something you encounter every day.  Do not be dissuaded, after reading through our simple guide, you will be shipping HAZMAT like a pro, and if you still have questions, the professionals at PNG Logistics are here to help.

As a starting point, the term HAZMAT refers to any hazardous materials or items.  The U.S. Department of Transportation has developed specific regulations for shipping any product that may be considered hazardous.   The definition of Hazardous materials includes those materials designated by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation as posing an unreasonable threat to the public and the environment.  We have prepared a cheat sheet including everything needed for proper HAZMAT shipping.

The Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, governs the domestic transportation of hazardous materials for all modes of transport to, from, and within the United States by addressing key protocols for preparing, shipping, and handling dangerous goods.  The four key highlights that you need to remember in order to successfully transport hazardous materials and goods are:

1. UN NUMBER – Hazardous materials are described by both class and UN number, including explosives, gases, flammable and combustible liquids and solids, poisons, radioactive materials and corrosive agents. UN numbers or UN IDs are four-digit numbers that identify hazardous substances and articles in the framework of domestic and international transport ranging from UN0001 to about UN3518 and are assigned by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
2. CLASS – Department of Transportation (DOT) Dangerous Goods Classifications

Class 1: Explosives

• 1.1: Mass Explosion Hazard
• 1.2: Projection Hazard
• 1.3: Fire Hazard and either Minor Blast Hazard or Minor Projection Hazard
• 1.4: Minor Explosion Hazard
• 1.5: Insensitive Explosives with Mass Explosion Hazard
• 1.6: Insensitive Explosives without Mass Explosion Hazard

Class 2: Compressed Gasses

• 2.1: Flammable Gas
• 2.2: Non-Flammable, Non-Poisonous Gas
• 2.3: Poisonous Gas

Class 3: Flammable Liquids

Class 4: Flammable Solids

• 4.1: Flammable Solid
• 4.2: Spontaneously Combustible
• 4.3: Dangerous when Wet

Class 5: Oxidizers

• 5.1: Oxidizers
• 5.2: Organic Peroxide

Class 6: Poisons

Class 7: Radioactive Materials

Class 8: Corrosive Liquids

Class 9: Miscellaneous

3. DOT PACKAGING GROUPS – A hazardous materials packaging group reflects the level of hazard and determines the mark required on the packaging.

4. EMERGENCY RESPONSE # – A person who offers a hazardous material for transportation must provide an emergency response telephone number followed by company name and contact number for use in the event of an emergency involving the hazardous material. This number must be monitored at all times the hazardous material is in transit and must be entered on the shipping paper in a clearly visible location.

Hazmat freight also requires specially licensed truck drivers, so it is important to always clearly notate any hazmat shipment on the front end in order to eliminate any potential delays or additional fees that could have otherwise been avoided.

There are many details that go into the classification of hazmat shipments, so if you have any questions or concerns while filling out paperwork, please do not hesitate to reach out to the professionals at PNG Logistics (877)764-9441 or email us at officeinfo@pnglc.com