FedEx News
Transporting Dangerous Goods
Hazardous materials regulations apply to both shipping carriers and to their clients. If you ship dangerous goods, you should become familiar with the regulations and procedures for shipment preparation. Careless preparation and non-compliance with these rules can end up in hefty fines for everyone involved. FedEx offers services for transportation of dangerous goods through FedEx Express. Because FedEx is a world leader in transporting dangerous goods, www.fedex.com has a wealth of information to help you prepare your shipment properly.
What goods are dangerous?
Hazardous materials, also known as "Hazmat," are regulated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). They consider dangerous goods to be any matter that poses objectionable risk to health, safety and property while in transport or commerce. Determine if your shipment is any of the following:
- Flammable
- Combustible
- Explosive
- Corrosive
- Poisonous
- Infectious
- Oxidizing
- Radioactive
- Compressed gas
- Raw chemicals or commercial chemical compounds (acids, ammonia, butane, and chlorine)
Most dangerous raw materials are fairly obvious, but some "finished" items should also be watched for: aerosol sprays, airbags, ammunition, butane, car batteries, cologne, dry ice, fireworks, gasoline, jet fuel, lighters, matches, nail polish, nail polish remover, nitrogen, refrigerated liquid, paint and perfume.
Procedures for proper shipping
Once you determine that the material or finished product that you are shipping is a dangerous good, follow these steps as you prepare for shipment:
- Identify and classify. Identify the dangerous good and the classification category it belongs to.
- Package. Package the product to comply with the applicable federal regulations.
- Mark and label. Mark and label the package in accordance with the requirements in the federal regulations.
- Complete documentation. Complete the required documents that will accompany your shipment.
- Inquire. If you are unsure whether your shipment classifies as a dangerous good, what packaging is necessary, what marking or labeling is needed or which documents to complete, visit www.iata.org/dangerousgoods.
- Research. For more information on dangerous goods, consult the section "Dangerous Goods Shipping" on FedEx.com. You'll find information on everything from special handling fees that accompany the shipment of dangerous goods, to regulatory updates on Dangerous Goods regulations.
If you vigilantly follow the procedures for shipment preparation, you will stand in good stead with international regulations for the transportation of dangerous goods.