If you plan on shipping any kind of hazardous chemical or other material, there are some hazmat material packaging requirements you’ll need to be aware of. Failure to follow these regulations from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) can result in issues with timely package delivery or even hefty fines. This guide from LPS Industries reviews some important hazmat material packaging requirements you should know.
1. Shippers Are Responsible for Package Integrity and Safety
You, the shipper, are responsible for package integrity and safety – the carrier such as UPS or FedEx does not hold responsibility. You must do everything in accordance with DOT and ITA requirements and meet ISTA (International Safe Transit Association) Procedure 3A test protocol requirements.
Specification packaging may be required for some types of hazardous materials. This is a package that includes markings that certify that all regulatory requirements have been met when packaging the material. Typically, these must have both inner packaging, a primary container for the hazardous material, as well as strong outer packaging, an exterior layer that helps protect the inner container from damage during transit.
2. Performance-Oriented Combination Packages are Ideal for Hazmat Shipping
We highly recommend the use of certified Performance-Oriented Combination Packages when shipping with FedEx and UPS. Specialized manufacturers design these packs around a primary container that holds the hazardous material. This type of packaging uses a strong outer layer of packaging as well as an inner layer of packaging that cushions and stabilizes the primary container. They meet all applicable hazardous packaging requirements, making it easy for you to ship hazardous materials.
3. General Guidelines for Shipping Hazmat Materials
These general guidelines typically apply for shipping any kind of hazmat material and are useful to know:
New Packaging – New packaging is always required for regulated items. Used or reused packaging is not allowed.
No Mixing – Regulated items of different hazard divisions or classes cannot be mixed in the same outside container, unless specifically permitted by applicable regulations.
Limits on Material Types – Most parcel companies like UPS will only allow 3 compatible hazardous materials in a single package. This does not apply to Excepted Quantities shipments.
DOT Special Permit Packaging – Some types of hazardous materials will need to be in DOT Special Permit Packaging to be accepted by parcel companies like UPS.
Reactive Chemicals – All highly reactive chemicals must be packaged alone and can’t mix with other products, whether unregulated or regulated.
4. Where Do I Find the Regulations for Hazmat Material Packaging?
If you want some basic information about hazmat packaging requirements, review the frequently asked questions created by our team at LPS Industries. If you want to look at the entire set of hazardous material regulations, you can consult US DOT 49CFR Parts 100 – 185, as well as the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. In addition, websites like FedEx and UPS provide instructions and information about shipping hazardous items, which can be helpful.
Need Help Meeting Hazmat Packaging Requirements? LPS Industries is Here for You!
Hazmat regulations can be hard to understand, but are essential for safety when shipping hazardous materials. If you have more questions about hazmat requirements or are ready to ship a hazmat item – but don’t know where to start – LPS Industries can help!
LPS Industries was awarded the DOT 8249-SP exemption for the manufacture, marking, and sale of specially designed combination packaging- another reason to contact the pros! We’re experts in hazmat regulations and hazmat shipping, so we can work with you throughout the entire process. Contact us online or call us at 1-800-275-4577 to get the hazmat packaging solutions you need.
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