The constantly shifting nature or regulations and trade compliance mean that shipping hazardous materials can be difficult if not overwhelming. Before you ship, it’s ideal to learn the rules for shipping hazardous products for a smooth shipping process. This article shares tips for shipping hazardous materials for businesses and individuals.
Airpack engages with corporate entities, small companies, and one-time shippers daily to help avoid accidents with the right supplies and ensure safe, compliant shipping across all transport modes – land, water, and air.
Determine if Your Item is Hazardous
First, it’s vital to determine if your products are hazardous. Major couriers such as FedEx and USPS offer a list of hazardous materials they ship and don’t ship. Some hazardous items permitted to ship include lithium batteries, hand sanitizer, and flammable liquids. Improperly prepared or undeclared hazardous items can lead to significant penalties and fines. Additionally, you would be responsible for any accident during transport if something were to happen.
Practice Packaging Protocols
It’s critical to emphasize that hazardous materials require extra care regarding packaging. The courier often will not accept your shipment if it’s inadequately packaged. Consider trying out the following preventive measures for shipping hazardous materials:
- Since hazardous materials can pose a safety risk if not managed properly, don’t hesitate to use additional cushioning or padded materials to make your item extra secure.
- Hazardous materials of various hazard classes must be packaged individually to prevent damage to both items. Some items can react violently when damage or leakage occurs transit.
- Use appropriate corrugated plastic, cardboard, or wooden boxes, depending on your hazardous item.
Note: Since your package can experience moisture, extreme temperatures, or other weather conditions, it’s crucial to properly package your hazardous items so they can tolerate any severe weather.
Follow Specific Packing Instructions
It’s imperative to follow specific instructions because shipping hazardous materials can be a safety risk to not only vehicles and buildings but those handling your package during transit as well. Suppose you want to ship lithium batteries. They must be packaged with very specific limitations to packaging because batteries can trigger fires and toxic smoke if under certain conditions.
Complete Proper Documentation
Make sure to check with your shipping carrier for any specific documentation for shipping hazardous materials. You will probably need to complete a shipping declaration document that states the contents of the package, such as:
- The address details of the shipper and receiver
- Product quantity
- Name of the hazardous product
- Hazard classification
- Net weight of the hazardous item
Are you ready to ship domestically or internationally? Connect with Airpack at 410-768-8155 or by filling out our online form so our shipping experts can develop a shipping strategy suitable for your eCommerce needs.
Choose Airpack as Your Go-To Logistics Specialists
As of 2025, Airpack will have 39 years of industry experience working as Logistics Specialists. From working with warehouse personnel to the regulators themselves, our well-trained warehouse team can step in and take care of the things you may not be sure of. We bring our knowledge, experience, dedication, commitment, and exceptional customer service to many organizations and agencies within Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and the rest of the country. For more information about how Airpack can serve you, please contact us at 410-768-8155 today!