Hazmat shipping is the transportation of goods designated as hazardous by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). FMCSA details nine different classifications of hazardous goods.
- Class 1: Explosives, such as ammunition or gunpowder
- Class 2: Gases, such as spray paints or bathroom cleaners
- Class 3: Flammable liquids and combustible liquids, such as gasoline, lighter fluid, or nail polish
- Class 4: Flammable solids, spontaneously combustible, and anything dangerous when wet, such as coal, matches, and certain types of batteries)
- Class 5: Oxidizers and organic peroxides, such as bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or fertilizer
- Class 6: Poisons, toxic, or infectious substances, such as pesticides or blood samples
- Class 7: Radioactive materials, such as medical isotopes or X-ray machines
- Class 8: Corrosives, such as paint or drain cleaner
- Class 9: Miscellaneous, such as lithium-ion batteries or dry ice
Hazmat shipping applies to interstate, intrastate, and cross-border transportation for hazardous materials within FMCSA’s classifications. The U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) requires carriers to be trained and certified to move dangerous materials.
Responsibilities of hazmat carriers
One of the reasons why Hazmat carriers can charge higher rates is that hazardous materials require special handling. Carriers must correctly classify hazardous materials and ensure it is packaged and appropriately marked. This includes:
- Determining the specific classification
- Using the proper shipping designations
- Ensuring the proper I.D. numbers and warning labels are used
- Ensuring proper packaging and marking for safety and transport
- Training employees in safe handling and transportation
While shippers use a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to define the specifications of the hazardous material and any specific handling instructions, carriers are ultimately responsible for ensuring the designations are accurate before shipping.
Carriers and drivers have to go well beyond the responsibilities of general freight handling. These duties often include:
- Preparing and having the right paperwork
- Marking vehicles and placing placards
- Loading and unloading
- Proper equipment for transportation
- Blocking and bracing
- Incident reports
- Security plan