A Guide to Transporting Dangerous Goods
Does your business handle hazardous materials? If so, it's essential to understand that the courier services are governed by strict rules and regulations. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to avoid potential issues and fines. While this might seem daunting, rest assured that this guide will provide all the necessary information to assist your business in navigating these regulations effectively!
Note: The content provided here is a guideline only. We suggest speaking to your Account Manager to ensure you are up to date with all the relevant information for your business.
What are Dangerous Goods?
Dangerous goods, also known as hazardous materials or hazardous substances, are substances or materials that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment when transported or handled. These goods can be in various forms, including solids, liquids, or gases, and they may have different properties that make them dangerous, such as flammability, toxicity, corrosiveness, or reactivity.
Examples of dangerous goods include explosives, flammable liquids, gases, corrosive substances, toxic materials, radioactive materials, and infectious substances. Due to their potential to cause harm, dangerous goods are subject to regulations and guidelines governing their transportation, storage, handling, and disposal to minimize risks to people, property, and the environment.
Classes of Dangerous Goods, both Domestic and International
Numerous everyday items contain hazardous materials, so it's crucial to pay close attention to their transportation methods.
Here are some commonplace items that fall into the category of hazardous materials:
- Auto parts
- Barometers
- Batteries
- Camping gear
- Vape and cigarette equipment
- Computer equipment
- Cosmetics
- Dental equipment
- Frozen food
- Machinery parts
- Office supplies
- Pharmaceuticals
- Photography supplies
- Rechargeable tools
- Thermometers
How to ship dangerous goods safely:
Contrary to standard freight, dangerous goods have specific requirements based on the class of hazardous material being shipped. When transporting hazardous materials, it's crucial to keep them segregated. Mixing different types of goods can lead to hazardous reactions such as explosions or the emission of toxic fumes. While separate containers typically suffice, certain hazardous materials may require transportation in entirely separate vehicles.
Packaging Requirements:
Dangerous Goods for Air Transport must meet the Packing Instructions as per the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Dangerous Goods for Road Transport must meet the Packing Instructions as per Land Transport Rule - Dangerous Goods 2005, and as outlined in NZS5433 – Transport of Dangerous Goods on Land.
Dangerous Goods packaged in satchels, envelopes, or bubble bags are insufficient for transport and will not be accepted.
Proper Documentation:
When transporting hazardous materials, accurate documentation is essential. This typically includes details of the consignor (name and phone number) and a comprehensive description of the goods being shipped. Please contact your Account Manager for further information and to assist you with this documentation, and to get the approval process started.
Dangerous Goods Approval:
Once the approval process has been completed, you will need to complete the following steps each time you send these items –
- Tick the DG tick box next to the package (tick each box that will contain dangerous goods as this will determine the number of forms you will be provided)
- Correctly fill out and print your DG Form on GSS
- This will download a DG form shown below (depending on the courier)
- You will need to place one of the following stickers on the consignment (if required) to show what type of dangerous goods are contained.
Please be aware that your business is responsible for ensuring any hazardous materials are sent off correctly. Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in potential fines for which you could be liable.