Shipping dangerous goods

You may not be aware your item is dangerous. That’s why it’s important to check the different classifications and ensure your shipment is safe and compliant.

What’s considered dangerous?

It’s anything which, if not handled correctly, could harm you, the driver, receiver, other shipments or the environment.

If you’re not sure whether your shipment is dangerous or not, ask the manufacturer or supplier for a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). If it contains a UN number, it’s dangerous goods. Alternatively, you can just contact us.

Examples of dangerous goods

Some goods that are classified as hazardous materials may surprise you, such as aerosols, perfume or anything containing lithium batteries – like phones or laptops.

Lithium batteries

If packed incorrectly or damaged in transit, lithium batteries can short-circuit, causing them to overheat and catch fire.

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Sprays and aerosols

The compressed gas that makes these items work is hazardous and can explode if packed incorrectly.

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Paints and varnishes

Oil-based paints, spray paints and some varnishes can overheat and catch fire in certain conditions.

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Perfumes

Alcohol, which is a flammable substance, is also a crucial ingredient in almost all perfumes and colognes.

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What are the different classifications?

There are nine classes of dangerous goods, plus a few sub-classes. The class your shipment falls under will affect how you pack, label and transport it.

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What you need to know

It’s your responsibility

It’s the shipper’s responsibility to ensure dangerous goods are correctly declared, packed and labelled with the right documentation for the countries of origin, transit and destination.

Extra surcharges

Shipping dangerous goods requires special transport and handling services. This means extra charges will be added to your shipping costs.