What You Need to Know About Shipping Dangerous Goods in the U.S.

Handling dangerous goods/hazardous materials (HAZMAT) can be complicated and expensive for e-commerce businesses. Many sellers feel overwhelmed with the specialized training requirements and expensive storage required for HAZMAT, and turn to vendors for help. A knowledgeable 3PL HAZMAT fulfilment warehouse that understands the regulations, classifications, and best practices for transporting dangerous goods can be a lifeline for businesses looking to grow their business while protecting their reputation, ensuring compliance, and prioritizing safety.

What Are Classified as Dangerous Goods?

Dangerous goods, also known as hazardous materials, are substances or materials that pose a risk to health, safety, or property during transportation when not handled correctly. The United Nations classifies these materials into nine distinct classes:

• Class 1: Explosives

• Class 2: Gases

• Class 3: Flammable liquids

• Class 4: Flammable solids, substances that can spontaneously combust, or substances that emit flammable gases when in contact with water

• Class 5: Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides

• Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances

• Class 7: Radioactive materials

• Class 8: Corrosives

• Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous goods, including environmentally hazardous substances

Some examples of dangerous goods include airbags, alcohol, ammunition, bleach, camping equipment like kerosene stoves, car batteries, dry ice, lithium batteries, and aerosol whipped cream.

Steps for Safe Transportation

To reduce the risks that can occur when transporting dangerous goods, businesses should:

1. Identify the Dangerous Goods. It is vital for dangerous goods to be properly classified so that the risk they pose is communicated throughout the transportation chain. Use the "Transportation Information" on a product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer.

2. Classify Correctly. Assign a UN number and a proper shipping name to each material.

3. Package and Handle Properly. Ensure all dangerous goods are packaged according to regulations and handled safely.

4. Communicate Hazards. Label and document shipments to inform all handlers about the potential risks of the materials being shipped.

5. Store Securely. Store dangerous goods in compliance with safety standards to reduce the risk of injury.

What Happens When Dangerous Goods Are Shipped Incorrectly?

Improperly handling or shipping hazardous materials can lead to serious accidents, injuries, and financial penalties. For example, if dangerous goods are labeled incorrectly, the people handling the shipment might be unaware of the risks, which can lead to catastrophic outcomes like injuries and environmental disasters. In addition, shipping errors can result in regulatory fines and damage to a company’s reputation.

Federal Laws Governing Hazmat Shipments

The United States has stringent regulations for shipping hazardous materials, outlined in Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). These regulations require that all hazardous materials shipments be properly packaged and prepared. Businesses must:

• Provide a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) upon request.

• Submit packages under a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) special permit, including a copy of the permit paperwork when delivering shipments to shipping companies.

• Ensure full compliance with DOT, EPA, and OSHA requirements.

Note: shipments prepared under International Air Transport Association (IATA) or International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations are not accepted under U.S. regulations.

Non-compliance with these laws can result in delays, fines, and restrictions on future shipments. Businesses must stay on top of all regulations to avoid expensive mistakes and ensure their hazardous materials reach their destination safely.

Expert Solutions for Hazmat Fulfillment

Partnering with a reliable hazmat fulfillment center can alleviate the challenges involved in shipping hazardous materials. G10 Fulfillment’s specialized Hazmat Fulfillment Services offer comprehensive solutions for businesses that sell hazardous materials.

Why Choose G10 Fulfillment?

• Expertise in Hazmat Handling
  Our trained HAZMAT professionals are very knowledgeable about hazmat regulations, always staying on top of the most recent regulations to ensure our customers stay compliant with the latest safety standards.

• Compliant Storage and Shipping
  We operate specialized facilities that are equipped to handle hazardous materials safely and in compliance with DOT, EPA, and OSHA regulations.

• Strategic Warehouse Locations
  With warehouses strategically located across the country, we are able to reduce storage and shipping costs for our customers while offering faster delivery times.

• Cost Savings
  We negotiate competitive shipping rates to save businesses money on their fulfillment needs.

• Enhanced E-commerce Performance
  G10 Fulfillment supports fully regulated dangerous goods shipping with a Prime badge, boosting Amazon conversion rates with free shipping and allowing our sellers to sell their dangerous goods in Prime-only events.

Tailored Solutions for Unique Needs

At G10 Fulfillment, we understand that every business selling dangerous goods has unique requirements. Our customized solutions address the specific needs of hazmat wholesale and retail fulfillment for your business with practical ecommerce solutions. By partnering with us, businesses can:

• Save time and resources on hazmat training.

• Ensure compliance and safety for shipping dangerous goods.

• Increase Amazon sales

Rely on a dependable retail and wholesale fulfillment solution for hazardous goods.

When shipments with dangerous goods aren’t properly managed, they can be disastrous, but the right help can make the process easier. G10 Fulfillment's Hazmat Fulfillment Services provide businesses with reliable storage, order fulfillment, and shipping of their dangerous goods, ensuring that all federal regulations are followed, so they can rest easy knowing their business is in full compliance.

Contact us today to learn more about how our specialized HAZMAT services can help your business navigate the complexities of hazmat fulfillment and compliance. Whether you’re looking for ecommerce wholesale solutions or shipping services for retail products, we’re here to help your business succeed.