Hazmat, short for hazardous materials, refers to substances or goods that can pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during storage, handling, or transport. In logistics, hazmat cargo may include flammable liquids, gases, corrosives, explosives, toxic chemicals, batteries, aerosols, or regulated biological materials. Hazmat shipments often require proper classification, UN numbers, labels, packaging, documentation, trained personnel, and carrier approval before they can move by road, rail, air, or sea.
Hazmat (Hazardous Materials) refers to substances or materials that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during transportation. International transport is governed by IATA regulations for air, the IMDG Code for ocean, and DOT regulations for domestic U.S. road transport.
Hazmat Classes
- Class 1: Explosives
- Class 2: Gases
- Class 3: Flammable liquids
- Class 4: Flammable solids
- Class 5: Oxidizing substances
- Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances
- Class 7: Radioactive material
- Class 8: Corrosives
- Class 9: Miscellaneous hazardous materials
Compliance Requirements
- Proper classification, packaging, marking, and labeling
- Dangerous goods declaration must accompany all hazmat shipments
- Not all carriers accept all hazmat classes; confirm before booking
- Additional surcharges apply for hazmat shipments
For related logistics context, see Dedola’s medical device logistics and glossary entries on Dangerous Goods Surcharge, MSDS, UN Number, and Cargo Insurance.
