Transporting hazmat freight by freight shipping companies is more complicated than merely sending it on its way then being done with it. Hazardous transportation is extremely regulated and will come with many regulations which shippers and carriers have to comply with.
A freight shipping business which ships, as well as transports hazardous materials is going to require that their employees be trained and informed on the matter. Additionally, adequate protocols and processes are a requirement for safe shipping.
In order to send a shipment that has hazardous materials, a shipper should offer the carrier the following details:
- Shipping name: Typically, this is the chemical’s name.
- Hazard class: It informs a carrier inside which of 9 categories the hazard material will belong (classes are listed below).
- Packing group: Informs which group a material falls under. III is considered minor danger, I is considered great danger, and II is considered medium danger. But, specific commodities do not have any assigned package groups.
- ID number: That may be found upon the Hazardous Materials Table.
- Phone number: The telephone number provided ought to be checked around the clock as the material that is hazardous is being shipped.
- Volume/Mass: It’ll indicate the amount of hazardous material that is covered within the description, which is followed by an accurate measurement unit.
- Emergency response details: It includes all immediate hazard threats of a material, the threat of explosion or fire and any precautions that must be acted upon in the instance there is a leak, spill, etc.
- Other descriptive details: This may involve specialized permits, a notice that says a substance is toxic or poisonous, amongst other details.
The United States Department of Transportation will categorize hazardous materials into these 9 classes:
- Combustible liquids and flammable liquids
- Explosives
- Corrosive Materials
- Gases
- Flammable solids, spontaneously combustible and dangerous when wet
- Oxidizers and organic peroxides
- Poisons (toxic) and poison inhalation hazards
- Radioactive materials
- Miscellaneous
Shipping hazardous materials may be just that – hazardous. However, with the proper procedures in place, all accidents may be prevented, and ensure the safety of all involved.
What’s Considered Hazardous Material?
Any material or substance which is considered to have the ability to lead to an unreasonable risk to the health or safety of humans or the environment while transported in commerce, incorrectly used, or if not contained or stored properly is considered hazardous materials. Hazardous materials involve pharmaceuticals, bio-chemicals and fuels.