Tips for Dangerous Goods Freight Shipping

During dangerous goods freight, shipment needs more attention to detail than the transportation of regular goods. The changes in the procedures and paperwork have further complicated the process of shipping these goods.

Nothing disrupts a supply chain more than rejected shipments, especially if your business needs a cargo of sensitive items to be delivered urgently. Dangerous goods freight is subject to strict customs and regulatory requirement. As a matter of fact, even a small typographical error in the documentation can lead to the rejection of the cargo by the transport authorities, hence it’s important to partner with a 3PL provider who will take care of all  your requirements from moving the consignment to completion of formalities with the respected authorities.

Few tips to keep in mind during the dangerous goods freight process:

Pack the Goods Properly

The port, as well as the airport staff, inspects every hazardous or dangerous good for breakages, leaks, and prospective breaches of the container or package’s integrity. This is the reason you need to check the dangerous goods packages before it leaves. Also, do not forget to brief the international freight services Inc. regarding what has to be done if some damage occurs in the transit. There are some companies that have experienced staff who handle medical, chemical, and hazardous cargos during dangerous good freight process.

Use the Right Markings

Each and every dangerous cargo transport requisites several marking which includes the UN numbers which are four digits code that indicates the type of dangerous goods that are being shipped. It should also contain names and addresses of the shippers and consignees along with the shipping name. Make sure that you have included all the relevant marking during dangerous goods freight process and also check if there are any typographical or factual errors.

Fill Out Everything in Dangerous Goods Declaration

Every dangerous goods shipment should travel along with the DGD (Dangerous Goods Declaration). Even if a single field contains error or is not filled out properly then your shipment is most likely to be rejected on spot. You should complete every field in DGD as per the requirement of IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and include all the required additions such as Material Safety Data Sheets.

Place the Labels Facing Upwards

Dangerous goods no doubt needs a wide range of labels like Hazard level for different kinds of dangerous goods, handling label such as Air Way Bill and Cargo Aircraft only for air freight for proceeding on to the consignees. However, you need to make sure that you have placed the label on the outward-facing sides of containers or packages during dangerous goods freight process so that the handling staff is able to see them all the time.

Understand the Airline and the Trade Restrictions

Embargoes and other trade restrictions are often applied when goods have to be shipped to different countries. Moreover, the airlines have their own safety requirements which exceed the international bodies. You need to work closely with the freight forwarder to get an idea about the restrictions that you might have to face when you deal with a specific transport provider or country during dangerous good freight process. You need to adjust the supply chain whenever you can.

20Cube Logistics is a leading freight forwarding company and also deals with dangerous goods freight forwarding. We have experienced staff having full knowledge of hazardous goods or dangerous goods fright process.

By abiding by the above regulations, your business will not only be able to achieve reliable and fast shipments but will also help you to improve the security and the safety of the global transport system.