Shipping Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Materials

FedEx Express is a world leader in the transport of dangerous goods and has specialists on staff to assist with dangerous goods questions. Shipments with dangerous goods must be tendered to FedEx Express in accordance with current International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations for air transport and the FedEx Express Terms and Conditions. This is required regardless of the routing and whether the shipment ends up physically moving by air transportation, ground transportation, or a combination of these.

Identifying Dangerous Goods
The first step is for you to identify whether your shipment contains dangerous goods. This category includes aerosol sprays, airbags, ammunition, butane, car batteries, cologne, dry ice, fireworks, gasoline, jet fuel, lighters, lithium batteries, matches, nail polish, nail polish remover, nitrogen-refrigerated liquid, paint, perfume, solvents, some chemicals, and more.

If you are unsure whether your commodity meets the critieria for dangerous goods or which dangerous goods identification and classification applies to your shipment, contact the U.S. Department of Transportation at 1.800.467.4922. If you have further questions on shipment preparation, call our Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Hotline at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 (say "dangerous goods"). Learn more about shipping hazardous materials via FedEx Ground.

Shipping Information
See FedEx services available to ship dangerous goods for information on the U.S. and international services you can choose for your shipment.

If you use paper air waybills rather than an electronic shipping solution to process dangerous goods shipments to international locations, you cannot use the standard FedEx^® International Air Waybill:

• If you're shipping via FedEx International First, FedEx International Priority, FedEx International Economy, FedEx International Priority DirectDistribution, FedEx International Priority Freight, FedEx International Economy Freight or FedEx International Priority DirectDistribution Freight, you must use the FedEx^® Expanded Service International Air Waybill.
• If you're shipping via FedEx International Premium, FedEx International Express Freight or FedEx International Airport-to-Airport, you must use either the FedEx IATA (023) Air Waybill or IATA Neutral Air Waybill.

Dangerous goods service is not available for:

• FedEx SameDay^®, FedEx SameDay^® City and FedEx SameDay^® Freight, except for dry ice and UN 3373 Biological Substance, Category B.
• FedEx International First^®, except for dry ice.
• FedEx^® International Next Flight.
• FedEx stamps. FedEx stamps can be used for dangerous goods that do not receive a dangerous goods handling code or surcharge (see Special Handling Fees, "Dangerous goods that are not assessed a surcharge").

A special handling fee applies. However, there are some dangerous goods we do not surcharge: dangerous goods in Excepted Quantities (IATA 2.6); excepted package radioactive materials (IATA 10.5.8); Biological Substance, Category B, UN 3373; Genetically Modified Micro-organisms and Genetically Modified Organisms (UN 3245); Magnetized Material when there is no Shipper's Declaration required (UN 2807); and shipments containing any IATA Section II lithium batteries. These include those shipments containing primary (non-rechargeable) lithium batteries and cells that are prepared under IATA Section II of Packing Instruction 968 and that require the FedEx Express Section II label (UN 3090).

FedEx is not required to add dry ice to packages. If you have a dry-ice shipment prepared according to IATA regulations, you do not need a Shipper's Declaration. However, you must check the Dry Ice block and enter the dry-ice information on the airbill, air waybill or electonic shipping device. Where dry ice is tendered as a refrigerant with dangerous goods that require a declaration, the Dangerous Goods block and the Dry Ice block on the airbill or air waybill must be checked, and the dry-ice information completed. All dry-ice shipments require package marking and labeling. Call our hotline for assistance: 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 and say "dangerous goods."

FedEx Express prohibits the expediting of dangerous goods, except for shipments in which dry ice or IATA Section II lithium batteries are the only dangerous goods in the shipment.

The following dangerous goods may be shipped within the U.S. and Puerto Rico in accordance with the current edition of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR), which applies to transportation:

• Magnetized material
• Toxics in exemption packaging
• Environmentally Hazardous Substance, Liquid, n.o.s. or Environmentally Hazardous Substance, Solid, n.o.s. for non-bulk packages
• Some U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) exemptions that have been approved for air transportation

FedEx Express does not transport Division 1.3 explosives. Division 1.3 explosives are prohibited for all FedEx Express^® services.

Infectious substances affecting humans (UN 2814) and infectious substances affecting animals (UN 2900) are considered dangerous goods. NOTE: Regulated infectious substances must not be shipped in the FedEx^® Clinical Pak. IATA regulations apply. Noninfectious blood and urine must meet FedEx standards. In addition, Biological Substance, Category B, must meet the packing and marking standards in IATA Packing Instruction 650. A FedEx^® UN 3373 Pak is now available. For additional information on FedEx standards for UN 3373 Biological Substance, Category B, download our How to Pack brochure (3.55 Mb PDF), which has guidelines on shipping blood; urine; and Biological Substance, Category B.

Shippers must also comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws governing packing, marking and labeling of shipments of blood and blood products regardless of whether they are infectious. For information, call our hotline: 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 and say "dangerous goods."

Dry Shippers/Dry Dewars meeting the note in IATA Packing Instruction 202 must have an indication on the outer package that the shipment is a Dry Shipper or Dry Dewar. If the shipment does not contain dangerous goods, the outer package must also be marked "not restricted" or "non-hazardous."

Package Markings
Package markings must be permanently affixed to the package by the shipper. The markings can be handwritten on the package or applied in the form of a self-adhesive label. Attaching a pouch containing shipment information to the package does not meet this requirement.

IATA regulations, for example, require the shipper to mark the name and address of both the shipper and recipient on the package. Applying a peel-and-stick airbill or self-adhesive automation label meets this requirement; a paper airbill or paper automation bar code in a pouch does not.

Radioactive Materials
Within the U.S., Highway Route Controlled Quantity or Fissile Class III radioactive materials will not be accepted for carriage without advance arrangements. Call 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 and say "dangerous goods" for details. FedEx First Overnight, FedEx First Overnight Freight and FedEx International First cannot be used to ship radioactive materials.

Alaska
We provide dangerous goods service for many Alaskan cities.¹

• Select FedEx First Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight^®, FedEx First Overnight Freight or FedEx 1Day^® Freight to ship accessible dangerous goods.
• Select FedEx First Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight, FedEx Standard Overnight^® (where available), FedEx 2Day^®, FedEx First Overnight Freight, FedEx 1Day Freight or FedEx 2Day^® Freight to ship inaccessible dangerous goods.

• Select FedEx First Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight, FedEx First Overnight Freight (island of Oahu only) or FedEx 1Day Freight (island of Oahu only) to ship accessible dangerous goods.
• Select FedEx First Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight, FedEx 2Day, FedEx First Overnight Freight (island of Oahu only), FedEx 1Day Freight (island of Oahu only) or FedEx 2Day Freight (island of Oahu only) to ship inaccessible dangerous goods. FedEx 2Day delivers in 2 business days to Oahu and 3 business days to other islands.
• You cannot ship dangerous goods, including dry ice, to Kalaupapa on Molokai (ZIP code 96742).

International
Class 7 radioactives are accepted only between specified locations in the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada, the Caribbean and France (preapproval required). Call 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 and say "international services" for information. Class 7 substances will not be accepted outside the U.S. without preapproval. Class 1.4 explosives are acceptable as FedEx Express shipments to Canada, France, Germany, Japan, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. NOTE: United Arab Emirates allows only Class 1.4 explosives to be shipped via Hold at FedEx Location service to the FedEx Express facility in Dubai.

Accessible dangerous goods can be shipped via FedEx International Economy and FedEx International Economy Freight services from the U.S. only. When using FedEx International Economy or FedEx International Economy Freight to ship liquids in the primary hazard classes/divisions of 3, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2 and 8, customers must use V-rated packaging. (FedEx IATA Variation FX-17.)

For dangerous goods shipments picked up on Saturday and destined for any European city, one day will be added to the delivery commitment. Hold at FedEx Location service for dangerous goods shipments is available only at certain FedEx locations in Europe, Canada and Japan. Call our hotline for details. To confirm commodity acceptability, call FedEx International Customer Service at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 (say "international services").

Shipper's Responsibility
As the shipper, you are responsible to identify, classify, package, mark, label and complete documentation for dangerous goods according to all national and international governmental regulations. Failure to do so could create dangerous conditions on the aircraft and result in the shipper being subject to governmental fines and penalties under applicable laws. In addition, FedEx can accept Shipper's Declarations for Dangerous Goods only in typed or computer-generated formats, not hand-written (see FedEx Express variations FX-12 and FX-18 in the current IATA Dangerous Goods Manual for certain exceptions that apply, and other details).

Most shipments to, from or transiting through the U.S. that require a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods also require a 24-hour emergency-response telephone number. For exceptions to this rule, refer to current IATA regulations.

FedEx^® electronic shipping solutions can accept different designations of dangerous goods for individual packages within a multiple-package shipment in the U.S. You must label each package appropriately and provide dangerous goods documentation for the entire shipment.

Ground vs. Air Regulations
Some items may not be regulated as dangerous goods if they travel by ground, but are regulated by IATA if they are offered for transportation via FedEx Express^® services. One common example is:

• Dry ice (carbon dioxide solid), UN 1845

If you receive a package with an ORM-D marking but it has no dangerous goods paperwork, it may be that it was shipped via a ground carrier. If you then tender that ORM-D shipment to FedEx Express, you must offer it under IATA/ICAO regulations, not 49CFR. This includes providing the correct identification, classification, packaging, labeling, marking and documentation (a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods form) for the shipment. Refer to all applicable FedEx Express IATA Variations as well (see Regulatory Updates).

Service Description

• Packaging
  Dangerous goods cannot be shipped in FedEx Express packaging, with the following exceptions: UN 3373, Biological Substance, Category B, which may be shipped in the FedEx UN 3373 Pak, the FedEx Medium Clinical Box and the FedEx Large Clinical Box; and IATA Section II lithium batteries, which may be shipped in FedEx boxes and tubes.
• Package Labels
  For faster, more accurate shipment preparation, use our FedEx dangerous goods package labels. Simply apply the labels, which are designed for the type of dangerous goods you're shipping, to your packages rather than marking and labeling them by hand. We have specialized labels for undeveloped film and dry ice. To order them, call 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339.
• Drop-Off Locations
  You can drop off dangerous goods at some, but not all, staffed FedEx locations. To find one in your area go to Find FedEx Locations; enter a ZIP code, address or phone number; then select "Dangerous goods." If not dropped off at a staffed location that accepts dangerous goods, your shipment must be tendered to FedEx Express via a scheduled pickup at the customer location.
  
  Dangerous goods shipments, including dry ice, are not accepted at FedEx Express^® Drop Box locations, FedEx Office^® Print and Ship Center locations, FedEx Authorized ShipCenter^® locations or FedEx ShipSite^® locations (such as OfficeMax), with the following exceptions:
  1. Biological Substance, Category B (UN 3373) shipments may be placed in FedEx Express Drop Boxes, including drop boxes at FedEx Office Print and Ship Center locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico; they are not, however, accepted at drop boxes at FedEx ShipSite locations.
  2. FedEx Express shipments containing IATA Section II lithium batteries are accepted at FedEx Office Print and Ship Center locations and may be placed in FedEx Express Drop Boxes.
• Limitations
  There are limitations for dangerous goods shipments to Alaska, Hawaii and many international destinations. For international shipments call 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 (say "international services") to check commodity acceptability. Please identify the destination city and country and the hazard-class name (corrosives, toxics, and so on) when you call.
• Marking Airbills
  Always mark Yes or No on airbills and air waybills to indicate whether you're offering dangerous goods.
• C.O.D.
  You can ship dangerous goods C.O.D., but you must complete shipping documentation using a FedEx electronic shipping solution such as FedEx Ship Manager^® at fedex.com.
• International
  Use the FedEx Expanded Service International Air Waybill to ship dangerous goods internationally when using a paper air waybill.
• Shipper Training
  The federal government requires every dangerous goods shipper to have job-specific dangerous goods training before tendering a dangerous goods shipment to FedEx or another air carrier. FedEx sponsors a number of seminars for which you can register online.
• Classifying Your Shipment
  If you are not sure whether your commodity meets the definition of a dangerous good, contact the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) at 1.800.467.4922.

Dangerous Goods Hotline
Call 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 and say "dangerous goods" to reach the Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Hotline if you have questions, or call FedEx Express International Customer Service at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 (say "international services") for commodity acceptability to international destinations.

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Check this information before you ship dangerous goods to a non-U.S. destination via FedEx International Priority or, where available, FedEx International Economy. It provides a high-level overview of FedEx international dangerous goods service, including commodity restrictions by country.

International Countries: Dangerous Goods Acceptance

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The FedEx Express Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods templates available below may not be used for most dangerous goods shipments. Shippers must use FedEx Express automated shipping solutions or FedEx-recognized vendor systems to prepare Shipper's Declarations. These systems incorporate data-compliance checks that help prevent documentation errors and reduce associated penalties and fines. For a list of FedEx-recognized vendors, or to read FX-18 in the current FedEx Express operator variations, see Regulatory Updates.

FedEx Express Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods templates may only be used for: 1) radioactive materials; 2) shipments that use an 023 air waybill (FedEx International Express Freight^®, FedEx International Airport-to-Airport^SM and FedEx International Premium^® services); or 3) shipments that originate outside of the United States (including U.S. territories). These exceptions may be eliminated at a later date.

There are two versions of these forms, one with vertical columns in the Nature and Quantity of Dangerous Goods section and one without. Both forms correspond to those published in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) section 8.1.9.

Note: All completed forms should have red hatchings on the sides, whether preprinted or printed via computer.

If you have any questions on how to prepare your dangerous goods shipment, please call the FedEx Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Hotline at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 and say "dangerous goods" to reach trained personnel.

All form templates are available in both PDF and Microsoft^® Word formats. If you use the PDF format, you can save a blank copy of the form only. If you use the Microsoft Word format, you can save the completed form for future use. To read PDF files, you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader or plug-in.

Shipper's Declaration Form for Color Printers

The templates below are designed for printing on color printers using plain 8-1/2" x 11" paper. If you do not have a color printer, you should not use these templates.

• With columns:
  
  • PDF format (68 Kb PDF)
  • Microsoft Word format
  • Help
• Without columns:
  • PDF format (65 Kb PDF)
  • Microsoft Word format
  • Help

• With columns:
  
  • PDF format (92 Kb PDF)
  • Microsoft Word format
  • Help
• Without columns:
  • PDF format (62 Kb PDF)
  • Microsoft Word format
  • Help

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• Dangerous goods cannot be placed in FedEx Express^® Drop Boxes, except for Biological Substance, Category B (UN 3373) shipments (accepted at most drop boxes except those at FedEx ShipSite^® locations) and IATA Section II lithium batteries.
• Dangerous goods cannot be placed in FedEx mail slots.
• Most FedEx World Service Center^® locations do not accept dangerous goods shipments, except for IATA Section II lithium batteries.
• FedEx Express^® dangerous goods and dry-ice shipments cannot be shipped from FedEx Office^® Print and Ship Centers or FedEx Authorized ShipCenter^® locations. FedEx Office Print and Ship Centers will accept FedEx Express shipments containing IATA Section II lithium batteries. See hazardous materials services and restrictions for information on dropping off FedEx Ground shipments that contain lithium batteries (look under Service Restrictions).

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Shippers must be preapproved by FedEx Express Dangerous Goods Administration in order to ship lithium metal batteries, UN 3090 Section IA and Section IB.

Obtain Preapproval
Shippers must submit the following information to be considered by FedEx Express Dangerous Goods Administration for approval to ship primary lithium batteries.

1. FedEx account number
2. Company name and complete address (include country for orders outside the U.S.)
3. Contact name(s) and phone number (in case of questions related to the preapproval) Type of preapproval requested (fully regulated UN 3090, lithium metal batteries [primary non-rechargeable])
4. A detailed description and digital photos or diagrams of your inner packaging. Packaging must be designed to protect the battery terminals from contact with another lithium battery or cell (or metal or any item that is capable of conducting electricity) in order to prevent short-circuiting.

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Shippers must be preapproved by FedEx Express Dangerous Goods Administration and purchase special Section II Exception Labels in order to ship primary lithium batteries.

Obtain Preapproval
Shippers must submit the following information to be considered by FedEx Express Dangerous Goods Administration for approval to ship primary lithium batteries.

1. FedEx account number
2. Company name(s) and complete address (include country for orders outside the U.S.)
3. Contact name and phone number (in case of questions related to the preapproval)
4. Type of preapproval requested (Section II, UN 3090, primary non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries)
5. A detailed description and digital photos or diagrams of your inner packaging. Packaging must be designed to protect the battery terminals from contact with another lithium battery or cell (or metal or any item that is capable of conducting electricity) in order to prevent short-circuiting.

• Form M-10095: Horizontal 6mm Text (534 Kb PDF)
• Form M-10096: Horizontal 12mm Text (506 Kb PDF)

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The U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT PHMSA) implemented a prohibition of primary (non-rechargeable) lithium batteries on passenger-carrying aircraft. The prohibition, which became effective on Dec. 29, 2004, was enacted based on research from incidents involving the transport of lithium batteries.

While the law does not prohibit primary lithium batteries on cargo aircraft, FedEx Express is implementing, on an interim basis, additional packaging requirements for primary lithium batteries as outlined below. These requirements are in effect immediately and apply to all primary lithium batteries and cells, including:

• Lithium batteries and cells shipped fully marked, labeled and certified in accordance with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) dangerous goods regulations.
• Lithium batteries and cells shipped under "Competent Authority" granted by any national authority.
• Lithium batteries and cells previously excepted from other regulatory requirements in the IATA dangerous goods regulations Section II of Packing Instruction 968.

• Primary lithium batteries and cells must be individually packaged in fully enclosed inner packaging consisting of plastic blister wrap, pasteboard or other fully enclosed packaging that will protect each battery and cell from making contact with another lithium battery or cell, or any item that is capable of conducting electricity, in order to prevent short-circuiting. Please note: Multiple batteries enclosed in a single form-fitting "retail ready" blister pack are acceptable.
• Shippers are required to contact the FedEx Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Hotline at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 (say "dangerous goods") and certify that they comply with this new interim lithium battery and cell standard.
• We will accept shipments of primary lithium batteries and cells offered as "excepted" or nonregulated per the IATA dangerous goods regulations with preapproval from FedEx Express Dangerous Goods Administration. Contact FedEx Express Dangerous Goods Administration or your FedEx account executive for complete details and procedures.
• FedEx Express Dangerous Goods Administration will maintain an internal list of approved shippers. Recipients or distributors cannot continue to ship primary lithium batteries unless they are on the approved shipper list. Contact the FedEx Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Hotline or your FedEx account executive for details on how to be placed on the list.
• The above requirements are in addition to the IATA dangerous goods regulations and any other packaging or shipping requirements.

• FedEx Express accepts only lithium battery shipments prepared according to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and IATA regulations, including the new U.S. DOT marking requirement, as applicable.
• Once the U.S. DOT PHMSA and FedEx Express have concluded reviews of the transportation issues related to lithium batteries, we will make a decision on whether to modify these requirements or make them permanent.

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If you ship dangerous goods, you should know about some of the changes to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods regulations. Though this summary presents some of the major changes, it's not comprehensive, so you should consult appropriate available channels to stay informed about all regulatory changes. Shippers may obtain additional information and assistance at the following locations:

• The FedEx Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Hotline at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 (say "dangerous goods").
• The IATA website (www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/dangerous_goods).

Hazardous Materials Certificate of Registration View our FedEx Express Hazardous Materials Certificate of Registration (4.83 Kb PDF), which lists our registration number and the date it was issued.

Batteries
For additional information about shipping batteries, download the helpful brochure Packaging Guidelines for Battery Shipments (425 Kb PDF).

Lithium metal batteries (UN 3090 Primary Non-Rechargeable) require preapproval to ship. This applies to batteries shipped under Sections IA, IB and II of Packing Instruction 968 in IATA. For details on shipping lithium batteries (Primary Non-Rechargeable and Rechargeable), see Shipping Lithium Batteries.

Go to the Lithium Metal Batteries UN 3090 Section II page to order your FedEx Express Section II lithium battery labels with the newer "Cargo Aircraft Only" verbiage. The IATA/ICAO transition period to the “Cargo Aircraft Only” version of this label ends Dec. 31, 2012. After that date, the older version of the FedEx Express Section II label that says “Danger, Do Not Load on Passenger Aircraft” will no longer be valid and cannot be used.

FedEx Express does not accept IATA special provision A183 shipments — lithium batteries being shipped for recycling or disposal — even with competent authority approval.

FedEx Express will not ship batteries covered by a battery recall program, any other defective batteries or any defective electronic device being returned with its battery power source. For more information, see SAFETY ALERT: Defective Batteries and Electronic Equipment (16 Kb PDF). In addition, see IATA Special Provision A154.

Segregation of Lithium Battery Shipments
Lithium batteries (Section IA, Section IB and Section II) cannot be shipped in the same package as the following dangerous goods classes/divisions: 1.4, 2.1, 3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2 and 8, and 2.2 with a Cargo Aircraft Only label. This includes All Packed in One, Overpacks and combination All Packed in One/Overpacks.

Effective Jan. 1, 2014
UN number or ID number markings — including the UN or ID prefix and four-digit number — must meet new minimum-size requirements effective Jan. 1, 2014. Refer to section 7.1.5.1.1 in the current IATA Dangerous Goods Manual for details.

Effective Jan. 1, 2013
FedEx Express plans to accept lithium batteries offered under the new IATA IB category effective Jan. 1, 2013. All FedEx Express customers offering IATA IB lithium battery shipments must provide a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods form as required by FX-7 in the FedEx Express IATA Variations. FX-12, FX-14 and FX-18 also will apply to all IATA IB lithium battery shipments. (See Regulatory Updates for 2013 FedEx Express IATA Variations, including the Jan. 2013 Addendum.)

Note: Since IATA IB lithium battery shipments will require a Class 9 label and a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods form — and since FedEx Express will be required to both inspect and manifest these batteries on aircraft and other vehicles — an inaccessible dangerous goods (IDG) surcharge will apply.

IATA IB lithium battery shipments will not be accepted at FedEx Express^® Drop Box locations, FedEx Authorized ShipCenter^® locations and FedEx Office locations. FedEx Stamps cannot be used for IATA IB lithium battery shipments.

Effective Jan. 1, 2013
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Final Rule HM-215K eliminated class ORM-D in CFR 49 for air transportation effective Jan. 1, 2013. This will impact proper shipping names Consumer Commodity; Cartridges, Small Arms; and Cartridges, Power Device. After Jan. 1, 2013, FedEx Express will only accept these proper shipping names if prepared according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).

Effective Jan. 10, 2011
FedEx Express requires all Shipper's Declarations for Dangerous Goods to be prepared using only the following methods: a) FedEx-recognized vendor software applications; b) preapproved shipper-proprietary software; or c) FedEx Express automated shipping solutions that have dangerous goods edit checks. Note: FedEx Ship Manager^® Software and FedEx Ship Manager^® Server both have dangerous goods edit checks. The interactive templates available on fedex.com will no longer be offered as of January 10, 2011 to U.S.-based customers for most dangerous goods shipments.

FedEx-recognized dangerous goods software vendors. Most recognized dangerous goods software vendors offer both standalone software and Internet-based programs. Some provide a one-time option for occasional shippers.

The following vendor software applications have been reviewed and recognized for use with FedEx Express dangerous goods shipments. This list is subject to change. For the latest updates or for more information on recognized vendors, please contact the Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Hotline at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 (say "dangerous goods") between 7 a.m and 7 p.m. CST weekdays, or 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. CST Saturdays.

• A customer is registered with an ERI provider but hires a freight forwarder, pack-and-ship company or distributor — who ships on the customer’s behalf and lists their own company name as the shipper.
• A customer is a member of a trade association that pays for ERI services, and the ERI provider has the trade association, not the customer, on file with the Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS).

• UN 1070: Nitrous oxide
• UN 1072: Oxygen compressed
• UN 2451: Nitrogen trifluoride
• UN 3156: Compressed gas, oxidizing, n.o.s.
• UN 3157: Liquefied gas, oxidizing, n.o.s.
• UN 3356: Oxygen generator, chemical

• Packaging Guidelines for Clinical Samples (348 Kb PDF)
• Packaging Guidelines for UN 3373 Shipments (377 Kb PDF)

• “ADR European Transport Statement: Carriage in accordance with 1.1.4.2.1.”

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FedEx offers helpful aids to check procedures for shipping dangerous goods.

FedEx provides a Dangerous Goods Job Aid (2.69 Mb PDF) to assist you in completing the Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods documentation. We also provide a Spanish-language Dangerous Goods Job Aid (1.53 Mb PDF).

The Packaging and Shipping Dangerous Goods brochure (277 Kb PDF) outlines the issue of hidden or undeclared dangerous goods. Sometimes you may not recognize that the item you are shipping qualifies as dangerous goods and requires proper identification, classification, packaging, markings, labeling and documentation. However, it is your responsibility to correctly identify and classify these shipments.

International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations Section 2.2 offers extensive information on the topic of hidden dangerous goods. Some of the more common commodities that may meet the definition of dangerous goods include ammunition, aerosols, batteries, camping equipment, drain cleaners, fireworks, lighters, matches, oil-based paint, parts (with gasoline, jet A fuel or kerosene), perfume, propane, solvents and some chemicals.

Common Reasons for Rejected Shipments
Be sure to double-check your dangerous goods documentation, markings, labeling and packaging prior to tendering your shipment to FedEx Express. For your convenience, PDF copies of the FedEx checklists used during package inspection of dangerous goods are provided for your use.

Shipping checklists:

• U.S. shipments that contain radioactive materials (1.1 Mb PDF)
• U.S. shipments that contain Radioactive Material, Excepted Package (1.1 Mb PDF)
• U.S. shipments that are nonradioactive (1 Mb PDF)
• U.S. shipments that contain dry ice (599 Kb PDF)
• U.S. shipments that contain lithium batteries (885 Kb PDF)
• International shipments that contain radioactive materials (420 Kb PDF)
• International shipments that contain Radioactive Material, Excepted Package (179 Kb PDF)
• International shipments that are nonradioactive (244 Kb PDF)
• International shipments that contain dry ice (33 Kb PDF)
• International shipments that contain lithium batteries (57 Kb PDF)

• 7 a.m.–7 p.m. CST Monday–Friday
• 10 a.m.–2 p.m. CST Saturday

Shipping Batteries
For additional information about shipping batteries, download the helpful brochure Packaging Guidelines for Battery Shipments (425 Kb PDF). For additional requirements and preapprovals for shipping select lithium batteries, click here.

• Lithium battery calculations job aid (202 Kb PDF)
• Overview of lithium battery shipping requirements (513 Kb PDF)
• 2013 lithium battery requirements (436 Kb PDF)

• Packages displaying both the FedEx Express Section II lithium battery label and the IATA lithium battery label (figure 7.4.I)
• Dangerous Goods in Excepted Quantities (IATA 2.6)
• Excepted Package Radioactives (10.5.8)

• Packaging Guidelines for Automotive and Mechanical Parts (565 Kb PDF)
• Packaging Guidelines for Battery Shipments (425 Kb PDF)
• Packaging Guidelines for Clinical Samples (348 Kb PDF)
• Packaging Guidelines for Perishable Shipments (521 Kb PDF)
• Packaging Guidelines for UN 3373 Shipments (377 Kb PDF)

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There are special handling fees that apply to shipments containing dangerous goods. Surcharges are based on classification and type of special handling required, including whether the items need to be accessible during shipment.

Applicable surcharges:

1. FedEx Express Package Services Surcharge — U.S.
2. FedEx Express Freight Services Surcharge — U.S.
3. FedEx Express International Services Surcharge

1. Dangerous goods in Excepted Quantities (IATA 2.6)
2. Excepted package radioactive materials (IATA 10.5.8)
3. Biological Substance, Category B (UN 3373)
4. Shipments containing IATA Section II lithium batteries
5. Genetically Modified Micro-organisms and Genetically Modified Organisms (UN 3245)
6. Magnetized Material, when there is no Shipper's Declaration required (UN 2807)

• Contain items that must be accessible during transit.
• May be shipped using only FedEx First Overnight^® and FedEx Priority Overnight^® services.

• May be shipped via most FedEx Express U.S. services.

• A special handling fee of $5 per package will be assessed.
• If a shipment contains both dry ice and dangerous goods (accessible or inaccessible), only dangerous goods charges are assessed. The dry-ice surcharge is not assessed.

• Contain items that must be accessible during transit.
• May be shipped using only FedEx First Overnight^® Freight and FedEx 1Day^® Freight services.

• May be shipped via FedEx First Overnight^® Freight, FedEx 1Day^® Freight, FedEx 2Day^® Freight and FedEx 3Day^® Freight.
  
  

• Contain items that must be accessible during transit.
• May be shipped using FedEx International Priority^®, FedEx International Priority^® Freight, FedEx International Premium^® or FedEx International Express Freight^® services.
• From the U.S. only, may be shipped using FedEx International Economy^® or FedEx International Economy^® Freight (except to Puerto Rico).
• Dangerous goods are not acceptable to all international locations. Call 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 and say "international services" for details and assistance.

• May be shipped via most FedEx^® international services.
• Dangerous goods are not acceptable to all international locations. Call 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 and say "international services" for details and assistance.

• A special handling fee of $5 per shipment will be assessed ($5 per package for shipments to or from Puerto Rico).
• If a shipment contains both dry ice and dangerous goods (accessible or inaccessible), only dangerous goods charges are assessed. The dry-ice surcharge is not assessed.

FedEx offers dangerous goods training to help customers meet federally-mandated regulatory requirements. If you are interested in more information about FedEx dangerous goods seminars, please click here.

Effective Jan. 7, 2013
The U.S. Department of Transportation has extended the ORM-D classification and use of packaging marked “Consumer Commodity, ORM-D” until Dec. 31, 2020, for U.S. domestic highway, rail and vessel transportation.

The square-on-point and ID number limited quantity mark has been extended until Dec. 31, 2014, for U.S. domestic highway, rail and vessel transportation.

Effective Jan. 19, 2011

The required markings have changed for shipments prepared under Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49, Limited Quantity Exceptions. Shippers should review the applicable sections to ensure compliance.

Effective Jan. 1, 2010

The required markings have changed for shipments prepared under Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49, section 173.4, Small Quantity Exceptions. Shippers should review the section to ensure compliance.

Effective Oct. 1, 2010

Effective Oct. 1, 2010, FedEx Ground hazardous materials shipments are required to comply with the new U.S. Department of Transportation Emergency Response Requirements (49 CFR Part 172.201, Part 172.604) for hazardous materials shipping.

Starting Oct. 1, documentation for all hazarous materials shipments must include an emergency response information (ERI) provider, who provides 24-hour coverage in the event of emergencies, and an emergency response phone number, including area code and country code where applicable.

When an agency or organization is designated as the ERI provider, the registered person must be identified on the shipping form by name, contract number or other unique identifier. The person responsible for providing detailed ERI about the shipment's hazardous materials content is usually the offeror or shipper.

Read the final rule in its entirety.

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FedEx Ground accepts certain classes and divisions of hazardous materials for transport. Before you ship, please refer to the following list to ensure your packages contain accepted hazardous materials.

Accepted Hazardous Materials

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For complete information on shipping hazardous materials via FedEx Ground, see the FedEx Ground Hazardous Materials Shipping Guide.

• All hazardous materials shipments must be properly packaged and prepared under Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). We do not accept hazardous materials prepared under International Air Transport Association (IATA) or International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations.
• If you're submitting packages under a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) special permit, you must provide a copy of the special permit paperwork to the FedEx Ground facility accepting your shipment.
• You must be prepared to provide a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for your materials upon our request.

• Before you can begin shipping hazardous materials via FedEx Ground, you first must be approved (see How to Qualify). Contact your FedEx account executive or call FedEx Customer Service at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 (say "hazardous materials") for more information.
• We ship hazardous materials, including ORM-D and Limited Quantity materials, via FedEx Ground^® service within the contiguous U.S. Hazardous materials, including ORM-D and Limited Quantity materials, cannot be shipped to, from or within Alaska or Hawaii. Consumer-commodity ORM-Ds and Limited Quantity can be shipped to Canada. You cannot, however, ship ammunition, cartridge small arms and cartridge power devices to Canada.
• FedEx Ground^® Call Tag service is not available for hazardous materials shipments.
• Our money-back guarantee may not apply to shipments that are not properly prepared in accordance with DOT regulations and FedEx Ground requirements.
• Hazardous materials, including ORM-Ds, Limited Quantity materials and dry ice, are not accepted at FedEx Office^® Print and Ship Centers, FedEx World Service Center^® locations, FedEx Office^® Ship Centers, FedEx Authorized ShipCenter^® locations, FedEx Express^® Drop Boxes or unstaffed FedEx locations. Shipments containing hazardous materials, including ORM-Ds, Limited Quantity materials and dry ice, must be tendered to FedEx Ground via a scheduled pickup at the customer location. FedEx Office Print and Ship Centers will accept shipments containing lithium batteries shipped according to Special Provision 188 or 189 of the 49 CFR. See FedEx services available to ship dangerous goods for information on dropping off FedEx Express shipments that contain lithium batteries (look under Restrictions).
• Packages containing hazardous materials cannot exceed 70 lbs. The maximum volume is 8 gallons.

1. The dry ice is used as a refrigerant in a small container with a capacity of 450 liters or less.
2. You indicate "Dry ice as refrigerant" on the documentation accompanying the container.
3. The container is designed and constructed to permit the release of carbon dioxide, to prevent a build-up of pressure that could rupture the container.

• Any material that is a reportable quantity (RQ) of a hazardous substance
• Hazardous waste
• Material marked as an “inhalation hazard”
• Fireworks
• Any packages labeled as a “biohazard,” such as blood, urine, fluids and other noninfectious diagnostic specimens
• Human corpses, cremated or disinterred human remains, and animal carcasses

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Examples of Completed Packaging

All hazardous materials must be packaged in United Nations Performance Oriented Packaging (UN POP) except when non-specification packaging is authorized by Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). All packaging must meet the requirements set out in 49 CFR 173.24 and 49 CFR 173.24a. Packaging that is not in new or "like new" condition will not be accepted. In addition, the following requirements apply:

• Fiberboard non-specification packaging and outer packaging must meet the following requirements:
  • For packages weighing up to 20 lbs., the minimum requirements are a 200-lb. bursting test or 32-edge crush test package.
  • For packages weighing 21-50 lbs., the minimum requirements are a 250-lb. bursting test or 44-edge crush test package.
  • For packages weighing 51-70 lbs., the minimum requirements are a 275-lb. bursting test or 55-edge crush test package.
• All containers with friction-fitted lids must have a retaining ring around the lid, or:
  • Six lid clips (for gallon containers)
  • Five lid clips (for quart containers)
  • Four lid clips (for pint containers)
• Hazardous materials cannot be shipped in FedEx^® packaging.
• When required, all Class 2 cylinders must be placed inside an overpack (outer package) marked either "Overpack" or, if required by 49 CFR 173.301, “Inside packages comply with prescribed specifications.”
• Hazardous materials cannot be banded, strapped or taped to form a bundle.
• FedEx Ground does not accept pails or drums more than 8 gallons (32 liters). All pails or drums must be UN POP. We will accept authorized pails or drums as single packaging.
• We will accept up to three different compatible hazardous materials inside one UN POP specification package OR in an overpack containing the required UN POP specification package. The materials must be packaged separately then placed in one outer package.
• We do not accept cryogenic liquids unless properly prepared and packaged under exception 49 CFR 173.320. FedEx Ground does not accept flammable (Class 2.1) cryogenic liquids.
• FedEx Ground does not accept radioactive fissile material unless properly prepared and packaged under exception 49 CFR 173.453.
• Combination packaging containing hazardous materials cannot exceed the inner-container requirements. The maximum size, number and total weight of glass, plastic or metal inner containers allowed in any one package are listed below:
  
  

  Type of Container	Max. Unit Size	Max. Number of Units	Max. Volume per Carton	Max. Net Weight per Package
  Glass	1/2 liter	121	3 liters (12 pints)	Net 25 lbs.
  	1 liter (1 quart)	6	6 liters (6 quarts)	Net 25 lbs.
  	2 liters (1/2 gallon)	4	8 liters (2 gallons)	Net 25 lbs.
  	4 liters (1 gallon)	2	8 liters (2 gallons)	Net 25 lbs.
  Plastic	8 liters (2 gallons)	41	16 liters (2 gallons)	Net 50 lbs.
  Metal	4 liters (1 gallon)	41	16 liters (4 gallons)	Net 50 lbs.

  
  ¹For glass unit sizes of less than 1/2 liter (1 pint), and plastic or metal unit sizes of less than 4 liters (1 gallon), the combination packaging cannot exceed the maximum volume or weight per inner carton or inner package.

• ORM-D and Limited Quantity shipments do not require hazardous materials shipping form OP-900LL or OP-900LG, or the Hazardous Materials Certification.
• All outer non-specification packaging (e.g., overpacks and packaging for ORM-D and Limited Quantity shipments) must display a Minimum 200 lb. Burst Strength Test seal or 32-Edge Crush Test (ECT) seal.

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Follow these packaging and marking guidelines to avoid any unnecessary delays with your shipments.

Marking

All packages must be properly marked in accordance with Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) requirements. We require all packages to have a minimum of four package markings:

1. Shipper’s address
2. Recipient’s address
3. Proper shipping name as designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
4. The UN/NA Identification Number

• For certain types of explosives and air bags, you are required to provide EX numbers, national stock numbers or product codes in accordance with 49CFR 173.320 on your packaging and/or shipping forms. List the EX numbers, national stock numbers or product codes in the Type DOT Label(s) Required, Ltd. Qty. or Special Permit field of the OP-900LL or OP-900LG, and the Hazardous Materials Certification.
• The DOT allows certain types of hazardous materials to be transported under a special permit. The special permit number must be marked legibly on the outside of your packaging ("DOT-SP-9168," for example), and in the Type DOT Label(s) Required, Ltd. Qty. or Special Permit field of the OP-900LL or OP-900LG, and the Hazardous Materials Certification.
• When shipping hazardous materials under exception 49 CFR 173.13, mark “This package conforms to 49 CFR 173.13” on your packaging and in the Type DOT Label(s) Required, Ltd. Qty. or Special Permit field of the OP-900LL or OP-900LG, and the Hazardous Materials Certification.
• A United Nations Performance Oriented Packaging (UN POP) code is embossed on the outside of specification packaging. These codes vary depending on the type of packaging and its performance level (see Packaging for further details). The UN POP markings (example: UN 4G/X12/S/99/USA/M123) must be permanently marked on the outer package and should never be covered or obstructed by labels or other information.
• When overpacking (using an outer package), you must mark "overpack" on the outer package. This can be handwritten or affixed by label on the packaging.
• All lighters or lighter refills identified as UN 1057 must have the appropriate "LAA" number marked on the packaging, OP-900LL or OP-900LG, and the Hazardous Materials Certification.

• Packages shipped as a Limited Quantity may be exempt from the labeling requirements.
• Packages shipped under a DOT special permit may also be exempt from labeling requirements.
• Packages prepared under 49 CFR 173.13 do not require a diamond-shaped hazard label.
  

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Hazardous materials shipping forms OP-900LL, OP-900LG and the Hazardous Materials Certification are documents used to identify hazardous materials shipments tendered for shipment. It is your responsibility as the shipper to ensure that your shipments have the appropriate documentation and that all forms are accurate and complete.

FedEx Ground requires all hazardous materials paperwork to be completed and submitted electronically using a FedEx^® electronic shipping solution, a FedEx-recognized hazardous materials vendor software application, a FedEx^® Compatible Solutions Program application or a custom solution that has the ability to transmit hazardous materials shipping information electronically. FedEx electronic shipping solutions include FedEx Ship Manager^® at fedex.com, FedEx Ship Manager^® Software, FedEx Ship Manager^® Server and FedEx Web Services.

Download the FedEx Ship Manager^® Software Help Guide if you use FedEx Ship Manager Software to process dangerous goods and hazardous materials shipments for transport. The guide provides instructions for creating shipments and shipping profiles, printing forms, and building a database of frequently shipped dangerous goods and hazardous materials.

Shipping Forms
DOT Basic Description for Hazardous Materials
Sample Forms

To meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements, FedEx Ground uses the following forms:

Shipper’s Hazardous Materials Certification:




Hazardous Materials Shipping Paper, OP-900LG:



Hazardous Materials Shipping Paper, OP-900LL:



Notes:

• Shippers using FedEx^® electronic shipping tools can generate forms during shipment processing. All forms must contain the appropriate DOT and FedEx Ground shipping information.
• FedEx electronic shipping solutions can accept different designations of hazardous materials for individual packages within a multiple-package shipment in the contiguous U.S. You must label each package appropriately.

1. The UN/NA identification number. Listed in column 4 of the Hazardous Materials Table.
2. The DOT proper shipping name. Listed in column 2 of the Hazardous Materials Table. Abbreviations and codes are not acceptable. If the letter “G” is listed in column 1 of the table, you must enter a technical name in parentheses following the proper shipping name. For example: Flammable liquid n.o.s. (Ethanol).
   Note: Words shown in italics are not part of the shipping name, but may be used to further describe materials if you choose to do so.
3. Hazard class or division. Listed numerically in column 3 of the Hazardous Materials Table. Abbreviations and codes are not acceptable. The subsidiary hazard class or subsidiary division number must be entered in parentheses following the primary hazard class or division number.
4. Packing group, if required. Listed in column 5 of the Hazardous Materials Table. Packing groups must be displayed in Roman numerals (i.e., I, II, III). Class 2 and Class 7 materials are not assigned packing groups.

• For certain types of explosives and air bags, you are required to provide EX numbers, national stock numbers or product codes in accordance with 49CFR 173.320 on your packaging and/or shipping forms. List the EX numbers, national stock numbers or product codes in the Type DOT Label(s) Required, Ltd. Qty. or Special Permit field of the OP-900LL or OP-900LG, and the Hazardous Materials Certification. This requirement applies to:
  • Class 1 explosives. See 49 CFR 173.56 and 49 CFR 172.320.
  • Airbag modules, airbag inflators and seat-belt pretensioners classified as Class 9 (miscellaneous), or Class 1.4G explosives identified as UN 3268 or UN 0503. See 49 CFR 173.166.
• All lighters or lighter refills identified as UN 1057 must have the appropriate "LAA" number listed on the shipping form.

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Most batteries and equipment containing batteries are regulated in some way when shipped via highway transport. Shippers should refer to the most current U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations to ensure compliance with marking, packaging and labeling requirements.

Anytime a battery is shipped, the terminals must be protected against short-circuiting, and must be completely covered. In addition, batteries must be individually packaged in nonconductive materials. Ensure there is no movement of the battery within the packaging, and that no contact with metal objects is possible.

Special regulations apply to lithium-battery shipments. Refer to 49 CFR 173.185 and 49 CFR 172.102 Special Provisions 188 and 189. Additional restrictions may apply for FedEx Ground lithium-battery shipments between the contiguous U.S. and Alaska and Hawaii.

For more information, call 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800 463.3339 and say "hazardous materials" to reach the Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Hotline.

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Get the hazardous materials training you need. The Ship Safe. Ship Smart. online training course teaches hazardous materials awareness requirements as outlined in Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) 172.704(a)(1) and shipping practices that are required when shipping hazardous materials with FedEx Ground. For more information, download this brochure (7.21 Mb PDF). To register, go to shipsafeshipsmart.com. For more information on the course, call 1.800.762.3744 ext. 6753.

To read PDF files, you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader or plug-in.

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In order to ship hazardous materials via FedEx Ground, you first must complete an approval process. Start by contacting your FedEx account executive, who can assist you through this process. Or call FedEx Customer Service at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 (say "hazardous materials").

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