Shipping Chemicals and Hazardous Materials
FreightCenter makes shipping hazardous materials easy, safe, and compliant. Our experts ensure your shipments meet all regulations, from proper packaging to secure transit. Get a reliable solution for your chemical and hazmat freight—without breaking the bank!
Shipping Chemicals and Hazardous Materials
Shipping chemicals and hazardous materials requires careful handling, strict adherence to regulations, and a deep understanding of safety protocols. Agencies like the U.S. Department of Transportation and the International Maritime Organization have strict protocols that must be followed when transporting chemicals and hazardous materials. Even minor mistakes in packaging, labeling, or transportation can pose serious risks to people, property, and the environment.
At FreightCenter, we recognize the importance of safe and compliant hazmat shipping. Our team of experts is well-versed in the complex regulations governing hazardous materials transport, ensuring every shipment is handled with precision and care. Whether by land, air, or sea, we work with trusted carriers who follow industry best practices, so you can have confidence that your freight will reach its destination safely and in full compliance with all applicable laws.
Thousands of businesses trust FreightCenter to move their freight faster, smarter, and cheaper! From unbeatable rates to top-notch service, our customers are raving about their shipping success.
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Award-Winning Service, Trusted by Shippers Everywhere!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Why Choose FreightCenter for Shipping Chemicals and Hazardous Materials?
Comprehensive Solutions: Shipping hazardous materials requires specialized solutions, and FreightCenter delivers just that. We connect you with trusted carriers for ground, air, or sea freight, ensuring safe and efficient handling of chemicals. Whether it’s small parcels or large bulk shipments, our team offers customized logistics from pickup to delivery.
Safety Education: Transporting hazardous materials requires strict safety measures to prevent spills and leaks. FreightCenter partners with carriers that adhere to top safety protocols, including proper classification, secure packaging, and accurate labeling. We also offer best practices for loading and unloading to ensure safe transportation.
Compliance Assistance: Shipping chemicals and hazardous materials requires strict compliance with evolving regulations to avoid delays and fines. FreightCenter stays up to date with federal and international guidelines, ensuring full compliance with DOT, EPA, OSHA, IATA, and IMDG standards. Our experts simplify the process, offering documentation assistance and proper carrier selection for hassle-free compliance.
What Counts as Chemicals and Hazardous Materials?
Chemicals and hazmat are both substances that require careful packaging and labelling for shipping. However, not all chemicals are hazardous. Some may be safe enough to ship without additional considerations and permits, only requiring the shipper to package it correctly if it is a liquid.
Hazmat, however, require much more stringent protocols and regulations. These substances can be dangerous if exposed to external factors during transport. The materials could ignite, causing fires and explosions that put the safety of the driver and other vehicles and pedestrians at risk.
Hazardous materials include:
- Flammable liquids
- Radioactive substances
- Toxic materials
- Explosives
- Corrosive chemicals
Shippers must determine whether the substances they are transporting are classified as hazardous materials (hazmat). To assist with this, manufacturers are required to prepare a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). The SDS includes the product’s hazard classification in the “Transportation Information” section. You can find the SDS on the manufacturer’s website or by searching for “[product name] SDS” in a web search engine.
Regulations for Shipping Chemicals and Hazardous Materials
Shipping hazardous materials is a highly regulated process in both the U.S. and internationally. Strict guidelines are in place to ensure that hazardous shipments are transported safely, minimizing risks to people, property, and the environment.
Shippers must adhere to federal, state, and global regulations to remain compliant and avoid penalties, delays, or rejected shipments. Understanding these regulations is essential for any business that handles hazardous materials.
Domestic Regulations
In the U.S., the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA) governs the movement of dangerous goods. Enforced by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and its Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), these regulations set clear guidelines for packaging, labeling, handling, and shipping hazardous materials across roadways, rail, air, and waterways. Key requirements include:
- Proper Classification: Shippers must correctly identify and classify hazardous materials based on their chemical properties and risk factors.
- UN Packaging Standards: Hazardous materials must be shipped in UN-certified packaging designed to withstand handling and transit conditions.
- Labeling & Placarding: All shipments require hazard class labels and placards to indicate the type of materials being transported.
- Shipping Papers & Emergency Response Info: Shipments must include a Bill of Lading (BOL) and Emergency Response Information (ERI) to assist first responders in case of an accident. You may need additional documentation for the carrier you are shipping with; your FreightCenter agent can help you find out all the papers you’ll need before your carrier arrives.
Failure to comply with DOT regulations can result in heavy fines, shipment delays, or even legal action. FreightCenter helps shippers navigate these requirements, ensuring every hazmat shipment is fully compliant, so they are fully prepared for their freight shipping experience and can instead focus on their business objectives.
International Standards
For businesses shipping hazardous materials across borders or overseas, international regulations add another layer of complexity. The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), governs the transport of hazardous materials by sea. This code outlines strict guidelines for packaging, labeling, storage, and emergency response procedures for chemicals and hazardous substances moving through global shipping lanes.
For air freight, the International Air Transport Association (IATA)‘s manual on Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) sets industry standards for handling, packaging, and labeling hazardous materials in compliance with international aviation safety laws.
Additionally, the United Nations (UN) Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, also known as the UN Model Regulations, provide a globally recognized framework for classifying and transporting hazardous goods across different modes of transportation. Many countries base their national regulations on these guidelines, ensuring consistency when handling dangerous materials worldwide.
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
LTL shipping involves combining multiple small shipments from different customers onto one truck, allowing each customer to share the shipment cost. Trust the experts at FreightCenter to give you the best prices and the most comprehensive options for all your LTL freight shipping needs.
Truckload shipping, also known as full truckload (FTL), is a transportation option for freight that requires the entire trucks trailer space. Unlike LTL shipping, FTL shipping is reserved for larger commodities that exceed LTL weight and size limits, typically weighing more than 20,000 pounds or having dimensions that exceed 12 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8 feet in height. We deliver optimized solutions for full or partial truckloads and competitive dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated freight pricing. We can cover your full truckload shipping needs.
Nationwide Expedited Trucking services move your freight securely and rapidly. Your freight requires fast delivery; our freight shipping experts can get your shipment fast, whether in one large box or a full truckload. Expedited shipping is a transportation option that prioritizes the speed of delivery for freight that needs to be shipped quickly. This can be especially important for urgent situations, such as engine repairs or replacements for critical machinery.
Specialized is a transportation option for items that require specialized handling, equipment, or shipping conditions. Specialized shipments may include high-value cargo, oversized cargo, or cargo that require temperature-controlled transportation. The most reliable Specialized Freight Services rates from all the top carriers are just a few steps away. From white glove service to international shipping, we've got you covered.
Packaging Your Chemicals and Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials (hazmat) shipments must be properly packaged to prevent leaks and exposure to dangers. They must comply with regulations from the Department of Transportation (DOT), OSHA, IATA for air transport, and IMDG for ocean transport. Proper packaging is crucial for safety and regulatory compliance.
Packaging Requirements for Hazardous Chemicals
UN-Rated & DOT-Approved Containers: Hazardous materials must be packed in UN-certified containers that meet specific durability and performance standards. These containers undergo rigorous testing to withstand pressure changes, impact, and leakage risks.
Secondary Containment: Many hazmat shipments require an additional protective layer, such as absorbent materials, sealed plastic liners, or overpack drums, to contain leaks in case of a primary container failure.
Proper Sealing & Closure Methods: All containers must be securely sealed using DOT-approved closures, such as pressure-tested drum lids, tamper-evident seals, or threaded caps, to prevent accidental spills during transit.
Cushioning & Stability: Inner packaging, like dividers, padding, or shock-absorbing materials, may be required to prevent container movement and breakage, especially for fragile or reactive chemicals.
Temperature & Environmental Protection: Some hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids or perishable chemicals, must be shipped in temperature-controlled or insulated packaging to prevent dangerous reactions.
Packaging Requirements for Non-Hazardous Chemicals
Regular, non-hazardous chemicals have less stringent packaging and labeling requirements than hazardous materials, but still require careful handling to avoid spills, contamination, or product loss, especially for liquids, powders, and sensitive compounds. Best practices include:
Sealed Containers: Liquids should be stored in leak-proof, impact-resistant containers such as plastic or metal drums, jugs, or secure glass bottles, depending on the chemical’s properties.
Secondary Containment: While not always required, using a secondary layer of containment (such as a plastic liner inside a box) helps prevent leaks if the primary container is damaged.
Cushioning Materials: For fragile or breakable containers, foam inserts, bubble wrap, or absorbent padding help minimize movement and reduce the risk of breakage.
Moisture & Temperature Protection: Some chemicals are sensitive to temperature or humidity, requiring insulated or temperature-controlled packaging.
FreightCenter Ships Chemicals and Hazardous Materials Safely!
Shipping chemicals and hazardous materials requires expertise and strict adherence to regulations, which is where FreightCenter excels. We connect you with a network of certified carriers ready to transport hazmat products safely, whether by ground, air, or sea. Our team customizes solutions to suit both your business needs and adhere to regulatory compliance.
Safety is our top priority, and we collaborate with carriers that follow the highest safety standards to prevent leaks and spills. We assist you with the necessary classification, packaging, and labeling, ensuring your shipments move without delays or compliance issues. Navigating hazardous materials regulations can be complex, but FreightCenter simplifies compliance. Our hazmat specialists stay updated on the latest DOT, IATA, and IMDG requirements, handling everything from carrier selection to paperwork. Trust FreightCenter to streamline hazmat shipping and keep your supply chain moving.
Get a fast, competitive quote today using FreightCenter’s online quote tool, or call 800-716-7608 to speak with a hazmat shipping expert.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping Chemicals and Hazardous Materials
Q. What qualifies as hazardous materials for shipping?
Hazardous materials, or hazmat, are substances that pose a risk to health, safety, or the environment during transportation. These can include flammable liquids, corrosive chemicals, explosives, radioactive materials, and toxic substances. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) categorizes hazardous materials into nine classes, each requiring specific handling and compliance measures.
Q. What are the packaging requirements for shipping chemicals and hazardous materials?
Proper packaging is crucial for hazardous material shipments. Packaging must meet DOT and international standards, including the use of UN-rated containers, leak-proof secondary containment, and secure closures. Labels and placards indicating the type of hazardous material must also be clearly displayed. FreightCenter can help you understand and meet these packaging requirements.
Q. How do I ensure my hazardous materials shipment complies with regulations?
Compliance depends on proper classification, packaging, labeling, and documentation. FreightCenter ensures compliance by guiding shippers through regulatory requirements, working with certified hazmat carriers, and verifying that shipments adhere to DOT, IATA (air), IMDG (ocean), and other relevant regulations.
Q. What documentation is required to ship hazardous materials?
Hazmat shipments require specific documentation, including a Bill of Lading (BOL), a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), hazardous materials shipping papers, and emergency response information. Depending on the material, additional permits or certifications may be required.
Q. Are there additional fees for shipping hazardous materials?
Yes, hazmat shipments often incur additional fees due to the extra precautions, specialized handling, and compliance requirements involved. These fees vary based on the material, transportation mode, and destination.
Q. Can hazardous materials be shipped internationally?
Yes, but international shipments must comply with additional regulations, including those set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for air freight and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code for ocean freight. FreightCenter works with carriers experienced in international hazmat shipping to ensure compliance with all necessary laws and guidelines.
Q. What happens if my hazardous materials shipment is rejected or delayed?
Rejections and delays often occur due to incorrect documentation, improper packaging, or non-compliance with regulations. If this happens, FreightCenter assists in identifying the issue, making necessary corrections, and working with carriers to get your shipment back on track as quickly as possible.
Q. How do I find out if my shipment requires special permits or carrier restrictions?
Some hazardous materials require special permits, carrier approval, or additional handling measures before they can be transported. You can learn more about special permits from the DOT’s website and carrier restrictions directly from your carrier (from their website or by calling and emailing them). Your FreightCenter agent will also know what materials will require permits and special regulations.
Q. Do I need special training or certification to ship hazardous materials?
If you’re regularly shipping hazardous materials, you or your team may need hazmat training to comply with DOT, OSHA, or international regulations. Shippers must understand classification, packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements. While FreightCenter does not provide training, our experts can guide you through the process and ensure you meet all necessary requirements before shipping.
Q. Can FreightCenter ship all types of hazardous materials?
FreightCenter works with a network of specialized carriers equipped to handle a wide range of hazardous materials. However, certain highly restricted or prohibited substances may require additional approvals or special permits.
Three Advantages of Using FreightCenter for Shipping Chemicals and Hazardous Materials
25+ Years of Service
We have over 25 years of experience, as evidenced by our large network of professional carriers. Our knowledgeable team of shipping experts is ready to help you optimize your shipping experience.
Customizable Shipping Options
Need a liftgate? No problem! Need to ship your products quickly? We got you covered! Our FreightCenter agents can offer tailored solutions for your specific shipping needs while offering affordable rates you can’t find anywhere else.
Friendly Customer Support
Our customer support team has the answers to many of your shipping questions and concerns. We’re here to help you through every step of the shipping process, from initial inquiries to post-shipment issues.
