Hazardous Materials Shipping Services

Understanding Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials (hazmat) encompass many substances, such as solids, liquids, or gases, that can threaten human health, the environment, or property if improperly handled. These substances exist in everyday products like household cleaners and in industrial settings via chemicals, radioactive materials, and biological substances.

The Importance of Proper Shipping

Proper hazardous materials shipping is crucial. Improper handling can lead to accidents, spills, or leaks of hazardous materials or waste, endangering public safety and the environment. Failing to comply with strict federal regulations and shipping requirements can result in hefty fines and legal repercussions. CargoRx is certified and insured to handle most of your hazardous shipping needs.

Understanding Different Hazardous Materials

Various hazardous materials present unique risks. Here’s a brief overview of some common categories:
Class 1 – Explosives
- Division 1.1 – Explosives which have a mass explosion hazard
- Division 1.2 – Explosives which have a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard
- Division 1.3 – Explosives which have a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both, but not a mass explosion hazard
- Division 1.4 – Explosives which present no significant blast hazard
- Division 1.5 – Very insensitive explosives with a mass explosion hazard
- Division 1.6 – Extremely insensitive articles which do not have a mass explosion hazard
Class 2 – Gasses
- Division 2.1 – Flammable gases
- Division 2.2 – Non-flammable, non-toxic* gases
- Division 2.3 – Toxic* gases
Class 3 – Flammable Liquids (and Combustible liquids [U.S.])
Class 4 – Flammable Solids; Substances liable to spontaneous combustion; substances which, on contact with water, emit flammable gases
- Division 4.1 – Flammable solids, self-reactive substances and solid desensitized explosives
- Division 4.2 – Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
- Division 4.3 – Substances which in contact with water emit flammable gases
Class 5 – Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides
- Division 5.1 – Oxidizing substances
- Division 5.2 – Organic peroxides
Class 6 – Toxic* Substances and Infectious Substances
- Division 6.1 – Toxic* substances
- Division 6.2 – Infectious substances
Class 7 – Radioactive materials
Class 8 – Corrosive Substances
Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous goods/Hazardous Materials and Articles

*The words “poison” or “poisonous” are synonymous with the word “toxic”.

Hazard Classes and Packaging

Hazard classes categorize hazardous materials based on their specific risks, helping determine appropriate handling, storage, and packaging procedures. Types of packaging used for hazardous materials include single packagings and outer packaging. The chosen packaging must meet specific requirements for the material’s hazard class.

Shipping Regulations and Compliance

Strict regulations govern hazardous material shipments (including hazardous waste shipments) across the United States. These federal regulations, established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), aim to ensure safe transportation of dangerous cargo. Key aspects include:

Classification

Identifying the hazard class of the material
Packaging

Using strong, leak-proof containers that meet specific requirements for the hazard class

Labeling

Applying proper DOT hazard warning labels indicating contents and associated hazards
Documentation

Completing accurate shipping papers with relevant details like UN identification numbers, proper shipping names, and hazard classes

Next Day Air

Consists of carriers with nightly cutoffs and next day arrivals – generally allows you to tender larger shipments and ensure delivery as next day arrival.

Next Flight Out

Works with carriers who provide varied flight schedules – generally an expeditious option with more stringent size and regulatory requirements.

Everything Else ...

Our carrier options are sufficient to create any customized air transportation option your shipment requires. Tell us what you have, and we’ll tell you what’s available!

Importance of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

A safety data sheet SDS is a critical document that provides information about the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. The details included are:

Chemical properties (including physical properties)
Health and environmental hazards
Recommended safety precautions and personal protective equipment (PPE)

Hazardous materials shippers must also be aware of any additional requirements, such as the Hazardous Materials Table (HMT) that may apply to their specific shipment, such as limited quantity exemptions or regulations specific to certain major carriers.

Why Choose CargoRX for Your Hazardous shipments?

CargoRX is your trusted hazardous materials shipping company, partnering with you to ensure safe, compliant, and responsible transportation of your hazardous materials, hazardous waste, and dangerous goods. We offer:

Expertise in navigating complex federal regulations and applicable regulatory requirements
Commitment to safety and environmental responsibility
Tailored solutions for various hazardous materials, including flammable liquids, lithium batteries, and other HAZMAT
Cutting-edge technology and continuous training for personnel to ensure proper documentation and safe transportation

Contact CargoRX today for a seamless, secure, and responsible hazardous materials shipping experience.

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