Hazmat Shipping Quotes From the Best Hazmat Trucking Companies
A hazardous material is any product that contains solid or liquid goods that can be potentially dangerous for humans, animals, or the environment.
What are Hazardous Materials?
Hazardous materials (hazmat) are any products that contain solid or liquid goods that can be potentially dangerous for humans, animals, or the environment.
In transportation, hazardous materials are classified by different classes and packing groups and you need to properly classify your shipment. The information will depend on the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) placard, or the United Nations (UN) number, which are the digits identifying what type of dangerous goods (such as explosives, flammable liquids, toxic substances, etc.) are being transported.
This UN number, along with the hazmat class and packing group, will provide carriers with a clear idea of how they must handle every hazmat item and ensure shipping for all hazardous materials. For proper shipping, this information must be noted on the paperwork and the bill of lading (BOL) that shippers provide to the drivers / carriers upon the pick up of an item.
9 hazard classes explain the different types of risks that hazardous materials may pose. Check out our hazardous materials table to learn more. These classes are:
- Explosives
- Gases
- Flammable and Combustible Liquids
- Flammable Solids, Spontaneously Combustible, and Dangerously Reactive Materials
- Oxidizing Agents and Organic Peroxides
- Toxic and Infectious Substances
- Radioactive Materials
- Corrosive Substances
- Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Class 1 - Explosives
Explosives are hazardous materials that have been designed to create a rapid release of energy or pressure. They can be in the form of solids, liquids, or gases. Examples of common explosives include dynamite, firecrackers, and propane.
Class 2 - Gases
Gases are hazardous materials that are in a gaseous state at standard temperature and pressure (STP). They can be flammable, poisonous, or otherwise dangerous. Examples of common gases include methane, chlorine, and carbon dioxide.
Class 3 - Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Flammable and combustible liquids are hazardous materials that can easily catch fire and burn. They are often used as solvents or fuels. Examples of common flammable and combustible liquids include gasoline, kerosene, and alcohol.
Class 4 - Flammable Solids, Spontaneously Combustible, and Dangerously Reactive Materials
Flammable solids are hazardous materials that can easily catch fire and burn. They can be in the form of powders, flakes, or crystals. Examples of common flammable solids include charcoal, gunpowder, and magnesium.
Spontaneously combustible materials are hazardous materials that can catch fire and burn without a source of ignition. They can be in the form of solids, liquids, or gases. Examples of common spontaneously combustible materials include acetylene and butane.
Dangerously reactive materials are hazardous materials that may explode or catch fire under certain conditions. They can be in the form of solids, liquids, or gases. Examples of common dangerously reactive materials include chlorine and hydrogen.
Class 5 - Oxidizing Agents and Organic Peroxides
Oxidizing agents are hazardous materials that can cause other materials to catch fire and burn. They can be in the form of solids, liquids, or gases. Examples of common oxidizing agents include oxygen and nitric acid.
Organic peroxides are hazardous materials that can explode or catch fire under certain conditions. They can be in the form of solids, liquids, or gases. Examples of common organic peroxides include acetone peroxide and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide.
Class 6 - Toxic and Infectious Substances
Toxic substances are hazardous materials that can cause death or serious injury if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. They can be in the form of solids, liquids, or gases. Examples of common toxic substances include arsenic and cyanide.
Infectious substances are hazardous materials that can cause infection in humans or animals. They can be in the form of solids, liquids, or gases. Examples of common infectious substances include bacteria and viruses.
Class 7 - Radioactive Materials
Radioactive materials are hazardous materials that emit radiation. They can be in the form of solids, liquids, or gases. Examples of radioactive material include uranium and plutonium.
Class 8 - Corrosive Substances
Corrosive substances are hazardous materials that can eat away at other materials. They can be in the form of solids, liquids, or gases. Examples of common corrosive substances include acids and bases.
Class 9 - Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Miscellaneous dangerous goods are hazardous materials that don't fit into any other hazard class (other hazardous materials). They can be in the form of solids, liquids, or gases. Examples of common miscellaneous dangerous goods include dry ice and mercury.
The packing group represents the degree of danger presented:
- Packing Group l: Great danger
- Packing Group ll: Medium danger
- Packing Group lll: Minor danger.
What Does Safety and Hazmat Transportation Have to Do with One Another?
“Safety is First” when moving hazmat loads of course. Transporting hazardous materials can be accomplished without issues when the correct packaging and equipment are used, the correct product information is declared, and all the procedures that regulate the transportation of the hazmat product are followed (federal hazardous materials regulations). Besides having the necessary information about UN numbers, all paperwork provided by shippers must contain a good emergency number the carrier can call in case anything happens.
Most important to hazmat trucking companies is the protection of humans and the environment. They usually have to put placards on the outside of their truck that declares the Class of hazardous material they have inside. Further, the driver has to be Hazmat Certified and the Hazmat Endorsement should be on the driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL). If all the proper safety steps are followed and all people in the supply chain are properly trained and certified, hazardous materials shipping can be done safely and with no extra delay to your shipment.
Who Regulates Hazmat Shipping - Hazardous Materials Regulations?
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates hazmat shipping. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has strict rules, the hazardous materials transportation act, and hazardous materials regulations that must be followed to ensure the safe transportation of hazardous materials. These rules and hazardous materials regulations are designed to protect both the public and the environment from the potentially harmful effects of hazmat materials.
One of the most important aspects of hazardous materials shipping is proper labeling and packaging. All hazmat shipments must be properly labeled with the appropriate hazard class and identification number. The labels must be placed in a visible location on the package so that they can be easily seen by anyone who comes into contact with the shipment.
Another important aspect of hazmat shipping is proper documentation. Transporting hazardous materials must be accompanied by a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods. This document must contain information about the hazardous materials being shipped and the proper procedures for handling and transporting the materials.
The DOT also requires that all hazmat shippers have a current Hazardous Materials Safety Permit. The DOT issued this permit and allows the holder to ship hazmat materials within the United States. The permit must be renewed every three years and is only valid for the specific hazmat materials that are listed on the permit.
The Best Hazmat Trucking Companies
We cannot say that one particular carrier is better than the other on ALL hazmat loads, cause there are many different major carriers that provide these services. Even the best carriers often perform terribly between certain terminals and with each shipment there are different factors and circumstances. But we can advise based on a general review of how most hazmat trucking companies handle transporting hazardous materials. We recommend you try different hazmat carriers, choose your hazmat carrier for transporting hazardous materials from the list below, and see which ones are best and have the best availability in your area.
Choose your Hazmat Carrier
When you are choosing a hazmat carrier, it is important to make sure that they have the proper certifications. Not all carriers are created equal, so it is important to do your research and find one that meets your specific needs. You can ask the carrier for their certification information, as well as their insurance information.
It is also important to find out what types of hazmat the carrier is certified to transport. This will help ensure that your shipment arrives at its destination safely and on time. Some carriers specialize in certain types of hazmat while others are more general in their services.
Finally, be sure to ask the carrier about their experience transporting hazmat. They should be able to provide you with examples of past shipments and how they were handled. This will give you a good idea of the level of experience and expertise the carrier has.
These hazmat carriers have generally met our customers’ expectations in the past when moving hazardous materials
R & L carriers
XPO logistics
Estes Express
ABF Freight
Old Dominion (good moving hazmat but will not move the ones that belong to hazmat class 1 /explosives)
Saia
NEMF
New Penn
Hazmat Shipping Step-by-Step Guide
There are many items that require special care when shipping, and hazmat items are no different. Here is a quick guide on how to properly ship hazmat items.
- First, you will need to choose the right type of container for your item. There are many different types of containers available, so make sure to select one that is specifically designed for hazmat shipping.
- Next, you will need to properly label your container. This includes putting the proper warnings and instructions on the label as well as the proper shipping name. Failure to do so could result in serious penalties.
- Finally, you will need to pack your item securely. Make sure that it is well-protected so that it does not leak or spill during shipping.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your hazmat items are shipped safely and correctly.
5 Tips for Shipping Hazmat
Read the MSDS – the Material Safety Data Sheet – especially Section 14 for Transportation. Make copies and put them into sleeves on every skid of your shipment.
Extra heavy-duty packaging and protection are necessary when moving hazardous materials. If your shipment leaks you may be held responsible, and you may be responsible even if your shipment is in an accident.
Make sure the dispatcher sends you a hazmat-certified driver. Protect your company by inspecting its CDL for the hazmat endorsement and making a copy of it. Make sure the driver placards the truck with the proper Class of your hazmat freight and provide the driver with an MSDS.
Add a 24/7 telephone number onto the Bill of Lading for any emergency issues.
Call ahead to your customer or receiver and make sure to email them an MSDS and point out Section 7 Handling and Storage. Make sure they have a safe way to remove your freight from the truck.
Shipping Hazardous Materials FAQs: Get Answers to the Most Popular Questions
Hazardous Materials vs Dangerous Goods: What is the Difference?
There is a lot of confusion around the terms "hazardous materials" and "dangerous goods". In short, hazardous materials are materials that pose a risk to people, property, or the environment if not handled correctly. Dangerous goods, on the other hand, are materials that are classified as such according to their chemical properties.
While all dangerous goods are hazardous, not all hazardous goods are dangerous. It's important to understand the difference so that you can properly handle and store these materials.
Hazardous materials are defined by their physical and chemical properties. These include things like flammability, corrosiveness, and reactivity. If a material has one or more of these properties, it is considered hazardous.
Dangerous goods, on the other hand, are classified according to their chemical properties. These include things like flammability, corrosiveness, and reactivity. If a material has one or more of these properties, it is considered dangerous. Learn more about shipping dangerous goods in our blog. Ship dangerous goods easily with FreightRun!
There are many materials that are both hazardous and dangerous. For example, gasoline is both a flammable liquid and reactive. This means that it poses a risk to people, property, and the environment if not handled correctly.
What are Some Examples of Hazardous Materials?
There are many examples of hazardous materials, but some of the most common include:
- Toxic chemicals
- Flammable liquids
- Explosives
- Radioactive materials
- Hazardous waste.
These hazardous materials can pose a serious threat to public health and safety if they are not properly controlled and managed. That's why it's important for businesses and individuals who work with these hazardous materials to take proper precautions and follow all safety regulations.
Examples of hazardous materials: hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, depleted uranium, compressed gases, lighter refills, medical waste, organic peroxide, cryogenic liquids, sodium batteries, medical isotopes, medical waste, etc.
Does UPS Ship Hazardous Materials?
Yes, UPS ships hazardous materials. However, there are some restrictions and requirements that must be followed in order to ensure the safety of both the shipper and the receiver while shipping hazardous materials. All hazmat shipments must be properly labeled and packaged according to DOT hazardous materials regulations as well as have a proper shipping name. In addition, the shipper must provide a detailed description of the contents of the package, as well as any special instructions for handling. UPS also requires that all hazmat shipments be accompanied by a signed declaration from the shipper stating that the shipment is in compliance with all applicable laws (federal law) and regulations.
Does USPS Ship Hazardous Materials?
The United States Postal Service does not accept hazardous materials for transport. This includes items that are flammable (flammable liquid), corrosive, or poisonous. These items must be shipped using a private carrier that specializes in shipping hazardous materials.
Some common examples of hazardous materials include:
- Flammable liquids and solids, such as gasoline, kerosene, lithium batteries (lithium-ion batteries), and fireworks
- Corrosive chemicals, such as acids and bleach
- Poisonous hazardous substances, such as insecticides and weed killers.
If you are interested in shipping hazmat through the USPS, your package will be returned to you.
Does Fedex Ship Hazardous Materials?
Yes, FedEx does ship hazardous materials. There are certain regulations that must be followed in order to do so, but it is possible. Hazardous materials include things like corrosive chemicals and explosives. Shipping these kinds of materials can be dangerous, so it's important to make sure that all the proper precautions are taken.
Some hazmat items are restricted from being shipped by air, so it's important to check with FedEx before sending anything. In general, however, FedEx is able to handle most hazmat shipments safely and securely.
Is Paint a Hazardous Material?
Paint is considered a hazardous material by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and should be disposed of properly. Paint (spray paint) can contain lead, mercury, and other harmful chemicals that can be released into the environment if not disposed of properly. Lead is a known neurotoxin that can cause learning disabilities, behavior problems, and even death in children. Mercury is a toxic metal that can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and brain. Other harmful chemicals found in paint include cadmium, chromium, and nickel. These chemicals can cause cancer, birth defects, and other health problems. Improperly disposing of paint can also contaminate water supplies and harm wildlife.
Who is Responsible for the Packaging of Hazardous Materials?
The person initiating the transportation of a hazardous material is responsible for ensuring that the material is properly packaged for proper shipping. The packaging must be designed and constructed to withstand the conditions encountered during transportation, including normal handling, accidental impacts, and emergencies such as fire or collision. All packaging must be in good condition and free of any damage that could potentially cause the release of hazardous materials.
If you are using a commercial shipping container that was not specifically designed for the hazardous materials being shipped, you must ensure that it is compatible with the material and that it can adequately protect the contents from potential hazards. Never reuse a container that has already been used to ship hazardous materials, as it may not provide adequate protection for subsequent shipments.
