What are dangerous goods (DG)?

Dangerous goods refer to items or materials with corrosive, infectious, toxic, flammable, or explosive properties. These goods are hazardous and can pose risks to human safety and the environment if not properly managed. Therefore, their transportation requires strict adherence to safety protocols to mitigate potential hazards.

Passengers are strictly prohibited from carrying these goods in their baggage or in the aircraft cabin. The transportation of dangerous goods is governed by various international and national regulatory laws, which dictate the safe handling, packaging, labeling, and transportation of such goods.

What Items Are Commonly Being Imported/Exported To and From the United States?

Here are some of the most common dangerous goods imported and exported in the United States:

  • Paints
  • Mercury
  • Biological specimens
  • Bleach
  • Car batteries
  • Pesticides
  • Flares
  • Lighter fluid
  • Fireworks
  • Camping gas

Classification of Dangerous Goods (DG) in the United States

Explosives

Explosives include items or materials capable of detonation or rapid conflagration due to chemical reactions. They are classified into divisions based on their hazards:

  • Division 1.1: Mass explosion hazard articles and substances
  • Division 1.2: Hazard articles and substances without mass explosion hazard
  • Division 1.3: Articles and substances with fire hazards, with minor projection or blast hazards
  • Division 1.4: Articles and substances with no significant hazard
  • Division 1.5: Very sensitive substances and those with mass explosion hazards
  • Division 1.6: Extremely sensitive articles with no mass explosion hazard

Examples of explosives include PETN composition, rockets, igniters, airbag inflators, and fireworks.

Gases

Gases are substances with vapor pressure above 50 degrees or 300 kPa, completely gaseous at 20 degrees and standard atmospheric pressure. They are categorized into divisions based on their properties:

  • Division 2.1: Flammable gases
  • Division 2.2: Non-toxic, non-flammable gases
  • Division 2.3: Toxic gases

Examples of gases include ethylene, propane, methane, oxygen, and natural gas.

Flammable Liquids

Flammable liquids are mixtures that produce flammable vapors at temperatures not exceeding 60 to 65 degrees. They can cause severe hazards due to their combustibility and volatility.

Examples include heating oil, turpentine, and diesel fuel.

Flammable Solids

Flammable solids are substances prone to fire through self-reactivity, friction, or spontaneous heating. They can propagate severe conflagrations and require careful handling during transportation.

  • Division 4.1: Flammable solids
  • Division 4.2: Substances predisposed to spontaneous combustion
  • Division 4.3: Substances that emit flammable gases in contact with water

Examples of flammable solids include sodium batteries, metal powders, and sulfur.

Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides

Oxidizing substances initiate combustion by yielding oxygen, while organic peroxides can exude heat and cause rapid combustion. They pose hazards due to their instability and reactivity.

  • Division 5.1: Oxidizing articles
  • Division 5.2: Organic peroxides

Examples include nitrates, peroxides, and chemical oxygen generators.

Toxic and Infectious Substances

Toxic substances cause severe injury or death upon contact with humans, while infectious substances contain pathogens. They require special handling to prevent health hazards.

  • Division 6.1: Toxic substances
  • Division 6.2: Infectious articles

Examples include clinical waste, medical specimens, and toxic chemicals.

Radioactive material

Radioactive materials emit ionizing radiation and require special transportation due to health risks. They do not have subdivisions.

Examples include medical isotopes and enriched uranium.

Corrosives

Corrosives disintegrate or degrade materials upon contact, causing damage to living tissue and surrounding materials.

Examples include acids, bases, and chlorides.

Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

Miscellaneous dangerous goods present hazards during transportation and require careful handling.

Examples include lithium metal batteries, fuel cell engines, and ammonium nitrate fertilizers.

For safe transportation of dangerous goods, contact Express Freight Management.

For precise guidance and regulations regarding the classification and handling of dangerous goods in the United States, it is crucial to consult official sources such as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These organizations provide comprehensive information and guidelines tailored to the specific requirements of each mode of transportation, including air, sea, and road. Additionally, referring to official documentation ensures compliance with national and international regulations, promoting safety and minimizing risks associated with the transportation of hazardous materials. For more detailed information, please visit the following references:

  • U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)
  • International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)

Speak To Our Experts +1 562 283 5440 or nick@expfrt.com

Why Choose Express Freight Management?

Cutting-Edge Technology

At Express Freight Management, we leverage state-of-the-art technology to ensure optimal tracking and transparency throughout the transportation process. Our advanced warehouse management systems provide our customers with real-time visibility into their cargo, offering peace of mind and confidence in the safety and security of their shipments.

Global Reach

With an extensive network spanning the globe, Express Freight Management facilitates the seamless transportation of dangerous goods to and from a diverse range of destinations worldwide. Whether you’re shipping from the US to Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada, Mexico, or beyond, we have the expertise and infrastructure to meet your international shipping needs.

Fast Delivery

We understand the importance of time-sensitive shipments. That’s why Express Freight Management offers expedited transportation services for clients requiring urgent delivery of dangerous goods. With our swift and efficient processes, your cargo reaches its destination promptly and reliably.

Reliability

In challenging situations, you need a partner you can rely on. Express Freight Management prides itself on delivering consistent and dependable services, even in the face of adversity. Our highly trained personnel possess the expertise to make informed decisions and navigate complex scenarios, ensuring the safe and timely delivery of your dangerous goods, no matter the circumstances.

What Sets Express Freight Management Apart From Other DG Warehouses?

Tailored Solutions

At Express Freight Management, we pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled services in the packaging and transportation of dangerous goods. Our approach is centered around meeting the specific needs of each client while adhering to international quality standards and regulatory requirements. Whether you require specialized handling or custom packaging, we tailor our solutions to ensure the safe and secure transportation of your dangerous goods.

Document Compliance

We understand the importance of documentation in maintaining authenticity and transparency throughout the shipping process. Express Freight Management ensures that our clients receive the necessary documentation to meet regulatory standards and facilitate smooth customs clearance. With accurate and comprehensive paperwork, you can trust in the integrity of our services and the compliance of your shipments.

Dedicated Team

Our team of trained professionals is committed to delivering exceptional service and exceeding client expectations. From the moment your cargo enters our facility to its final destination, we prioritize on-time performance and efficiency. With extensive industry knowledge and a customer-centric approach, our employees ensure that your dangerous goods are handled with care and precision, providing you with peace of mind throughout the shipping process.

Are You Aware of the Following Regulations for Hazardous Goods for the united states?

In the United States, hazardous goods regulations are overseen by federal agencies like the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Key regulations include:

  • DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR): These govern the safe transportation of hazardous materials, including packaging, labeling, and transportation modes.
  • EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA): Regulates hazardous waste generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal.
  • OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS): Ensures workplace awareness of hazardous chemicals through information, training, and labeling.
  • Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA): Regulates hazardous materials transportation through pipelines.

Compliance with these regulations is vital to ensure safe handling and transportation of hazardous goods, avoiding fines and legal liabilities.

Express Freight Management

Express Freight Management is your one-stop shipping solutions provider. With a global reach and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we ensure smooth and efficient shipping from start to finish.

Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring your complete satisfaction with our shipping solutions. Our dedicated team goes above and beyond to address your needs, resolve any issues promptly, and ensure a smooth shipping experience from start to finish.

Ensuring your satisfaction every step

Global Reach

By being located in one of the world’s busiest port-of-call with free-trade zone benefits, we have served a multitude of clients from around the world. To do so, we have partnered with many companies worldwide such as sea carriers like NVOCCs and VOCCs. This ensures that you get the most efficient routes at the most competitive prices.

Efficient routes, competitive prices

Personalized Experience

We understand that each of our clients needs is unique. Hence, you will be assigned a personal consultant who will assist you with all your shipping enquiries. The consultant will keep you up to date on the status of your shipments and ensure that your goods arrive at your destination safely and promptly.

Dedicated consultant for your needs

FAQs About Dangerous Goods (DG) Shipping

Dangerous goods are items or materials that have corrosive, infectious, toxic, flammable, or explosive properties. These goods are hazardous and can pose risks to human safety and the environment if not properly managed. Their transportation requires strict adherence to safety protocols to mitigate potential hazards.

Common dangerous goods imported and exported in the United States include:

  • Paints
  • Mercury
  • Biological specimens
  • Bleach
  • Car batteries
  • Pesticides
  • Flares
  • Lighter fluid
  • Fireworks
  • Camping gas

Dangerous goods are classified into nine classes based on their properties:

Class 1: Explosives

  • Division 1.1: Mass explosion hazard
  • Division 1.2: Non-mass explosion hazard
  • Division 1.3: Fire hazard with minor blast or projection
  • Division 1.4: No significant hazard
  • Division 1.5: Very insensitive substances
  • Division 1.6: Extremely insensitive articles

Class 2: Gases

  • Division 2.1: Flammable gases
  • Division 2.2: Non-toxic, non-flammable gases
  • Division 2.3: Toxic gases

Class 3: Flammable Liquids

  • Examples: Heating oil, turpentine, diesel fuel

Class 4: Flammable Solids

  • Division 4.1: Flammable solids
  • Division 4.2: Spontaneously combustible substances
  • Division 4.3: Substances emitting flammable gases when in contact with water

Class 5: Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides

  • Division 5.1: Oxidizing agents
  • Division 5.2: Organic peroxides

Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances

  • Division 6.1: Toxic substances
  • Division 6.2: Infectious substances

Class 7: Radioactive Material

  • Examples: Medical isotopes, enriched uranium

Class 8: Corrosives

  • Examples: Acids, bases, chlorides

Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

  • Examples: Lithium metal batteries, fuel cell engines, ammonium nitrate fertilizers

The transportation of dangerous goods is governed by various international and national regulatory laws. Key regulations include:

  • U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)
  • International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)

These regulations dictate the safe handling, packaging, labeling, and transportation of dangerous goods. Compliance with these regulations ensures the safety of the goods and those involved in their transportation.