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 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
Learn more about Dedola’s medical device logistics. Related terms: Dangerous Goods Surcharge, MSDS, UN Number, Cargo Insurance.
