Dangerous Goods: Simplified Logistics Solutions
Expert Handling of Hazardous Materials
Shipping International specialises in the secure and compliant transport of dangerous goods. As a leading UK freight forwarder, we move hazardous materials across all modes of transport, including sea freight, air freight, and road freight. We support procurement teams in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and energy sectors to ensure every shipment meets the high safety standards required by international law.
Our role involves more than simple transport. We verify UN numbers, check packing group compatibility, and manage the customs clearance protocols that apply to restricted substances.
The 9 Classes of Dangerous Goods
Dangerous goods are categorised into nine classes based on the specific risk they pose. Correct classification is the legal responsibility of the shipper, but our dangerous goods safety advisers (DGSA) provide the technical oversight to prevent misdeclaration.
- Class 1: Explosives. Includes fireworks, flares, and blasting caps.
- Class 2: Gases. Divided into flammable, non-flammable, and toxic gases, such as propane or compressed oxygen.
- Class 3: Flammable Liquids. The most common class covers fuels, paints, and alcohols.
- Class 4: Flammable Solids. Substances liable to spontaneous combustion or those that emit flammable gases when wet.
- Class 5: Oxidising Substances. Chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide can produce oxygen and increase the risk of fire.
- Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances. Includes pesticides, cyanides, and medical waste.
- Class 7: Radioactive Material. Specialist transport for medical isotopes or industrial density gauges.
- Class 8: Corrosives. Acids and batteries can cause severe damage to living tissue or transport vehicles.
- Class 9: Miscellaneous. Goods that pose a risk not covered by other classes, such as lithium batteries and genetically modified organisms.
Mandatory Documentation for Hazardous Exports
Incomplete paperwork is the primary cause of delays and fines in dangerous goods logistics. Every shipment leaving the UK must be accompanied by a specific set of data.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
The SDS is the foundational document. It provides the 16-section technical breakdown of the substance, including its UN number, packing group, and emergency response procedures. We use the SDS to determine whether the cargo can be co-loaded with other goods or requires segregation on the vessel.
Dangerous Goods Note (DGN)
For road and sea freight, a DGN is mandatory. It acts as a declaration that the goods are packed, marked, and labelled in accordance with the ADR (road) or IMDG (sea) regulations. For air freight, this is replaced by the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD), which follows strict IATA formatting.
Container Packing Certificate
When shipping via sea, the person responsible for loading the container must sign a certificate confirming that the cargo is secured and that the container displays the correct hazard placards on all four sides.
Packaging and Labelling Requirements
Standard boxes are rarely sufficient for hazardous materials. Most dangerous goods must be held in UN-approved packaging. This packaging has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it can withstand drops, pressure changes, and vibrations without leaking.
Each outer package must display the correct hazard diamond label and the UN number. If you are shipping liquids, orientation arrows must be visible to ensure the package remains upright throughout the journey. Shipping International provides specialist packing services to bring your cargo up to the required standard before it reaches the port or airport.
Cost Drivers in Hazardous Logistics
Transporting dangerous goods is more expensive than general cargo due to the increased risk and administrative burden.
- Hazardous Surcharges: Shipping lines and airlines apply a flat fee per UN number to cover specialised handling and emergency response planning costs.
- Segregation Costs: Certain chemicals cannot be stored near each other. This may limit vessel choice and increase freight rates if a specific route is unavailable.
- DGSA Review Fees: The cost for a qualified expert to audit your paperwork and ensure legal compliance.
- Limited Quantities (LQ): If you ship very small amounts of certain chemicals, you may qualify for Limited Quantity exemptions. This reduces the packaging requirements and surcharges. We help you identify if your cargo meets these thresholds.
Risk Management and HSSEQ
Safety is the core of our dangerous goods operation. We operate under strict Health, Safety, Security, Environment, and Quality (HSSEQ) protocols. This includes conducting site audits and driver training to ensure that everyone in the supply chain understands the risks associated with the cargo. We also provide comprehensive cargo insurance. While insurance cannot prevent an incident, it protects your business from the significant financial liability of a chemical spill or maritime accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship lithium batteries by air?
Yes, but they are strictly regulated. Lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries must meet specific watt-hour limits and be packed in accordance with IATA Section II or Section IB instructions. Most passenger aircraft refuse loose batteries, so we often route these via cargo-only aircraft. Visit our air freight page for more details on battery transport.
What is a UN Number, and where do I find it?
A UN number is a four-digit code that identifies hazardous substances and articles globally. You can find this in Section 14 of your Safety Data Sheet (SDS). It is the most important piece of information for any dangerous goods quote.
Do you provide Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) services?
Yes. Any company involved in the transport of dangerous goods is legally required to have access to a DGSA. We provide this expertise as part of our freight forwarding service, ensuring your labels, documents, and vehicle placards meet the latest ADR and IMDG standards.
What are Packing Groups and why do they matter?
Packing Groups (I, II, or III) indicate the degree of danger a substance poses. Group I is of great danger, while Group III is of low danger. This determines the required packaging strength and the freight cost. High-danger goods often face more restrictions on which vessels or aircraft they can board.
Can I ship different types of chemicals in one container?
Only if they are compatible. The IMDG segregation table dictates which classes can be stored together. For example, acids and alkalis must generally be separated by a certain distance. We use your SDS to create a compliant stowage plan for your sea freight containers.
What happens if my dangerous goods are misdeclared?
Misdeclaration is a serious offence that can lead to large fines, the seizure of goods, and even criminal prosecution. It also puts lives at risk. If an undeclared hazardous item causes a fire at sea, the shipper is liable for the entire loss of the vessel. We audit all documents to ensure this never happens.
