When you think of shipping Hazardous Cargo Services, you might think of a truck or shipping crate. But the logistics behind hazardous materials shipping are much more complex. There are several regulations companies must follow when operating within the industry. Hazardous materials can be found in everything from household cleaners to industrial solvents to medical supplies like vaccines and diagnostic specimens. These products present unique risks if not handled properly during shipping. It is important that these shipments meet regulatory standards before they leave your warehouse or facility to ensure the safety of all those involved. Anyone who ships hazardous materials should understand the five factors that affect hazardous cargo services: volume, distance, time, type and documentation. Let’s take a look at what each one means to your company and how you can optimize each factor for greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness in your shipping process.
Volume
The volume of your shipment will affect the type of packaging you select. For example, a full truckload of smaller packages may require less expensive, less specialized packaging than a single unit on a pallet. When shipping large quantities of a particular product, you may also want to consider using a unit load device, which is designed to hold a specific product on a pallet while preventing movement within the shipment. Hazardous materials must always be packaged according to regulatory standards. Your hazardous materials team can help you select the appropriate packaging and determine if you need to hire a shipper who specializes in packaging and materials like a logistics company.
Distance
The farther your shipment travels, the more likely it is to encounter issues that can delay the delivery. Issues such as inclement weather or problems at one of the facilities along the route can delay your shipment and even cause it to be canceled. If your shipment is time-sensitive, these delays can put you in a difficult situation. One way to reduce the likelihood of a delay is to ship when the demand for space on the route is lower. For example, if you are shipping a perishable product, you might want to avoid the holiday rush. When selecting a shipping route, you also need to consider the availability of hazardous materials handling and storage at each facility on your route. Your hazardous materials team can help you determine which routes are appropriate for your shipment based on the volume, distance, and type of your product.
Time
For some industries, especially healthcare, time is of the essence. Delays in shipping can cost lives. Certain products must be shipped as quickly as possible. If your business is one of these industries, you will want to select a carrier that has a proven track record of expediting shipments. Healthcare providers or laboratories that ship diagnostic specimens, blood, or immunization materials are a few examples of businesses that must ship quickly. In addition to finding an expediting carrier, you will also need to arrange for special handling at each facility along your route so that the shipments are not delayed. For example, your shipment may require special refrigeration if it contains blood products. A good way to determine whether a carrier can deliver your shipment quickly is to ask for references. You can also check a carrier’s online reviews to see how it is rated for expedited service.
Type
The type of product you are shipping can affect the type of carrier you select, the packaging required, the route you take, and even the documentation you need to complete your shipment. For example, if your product is a flammable liquid, you will need to select a specialized carrier, hire a certified packaging company and use DOT-approved packaging. Your hazardous materials team can help you determine the appropriate type of product you are shipping and which types of carriers and shipping documentation are required based on that product.
Documentation
The last factor that affects hazardous cargo services is documentation. Many industries are regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) including road, rail, and sea transportation. Each one requires specific documentation to prove that your shipment was handled properly. For example, a DOT bill of lading (BOL) must be completed for all shipments containing hazardous materials that are being transported by road. Your hazardous materials team can help you determine what documentation is required for your shipment. If you do not have the appropriate paperwork, your shipment may be delayed or even canceled. In some cases, you may even be fined for non-compliance.
Conclusion
Hazardous materials shipping is not a simple process. There are many factors that affect how a shipment is handled. Your Hazardous Cargo Services materials team can help you determine which factors are most important to the shipment and how they can be optimized. Whether you are shipping a perishable product or a container full of laboratory specimens, it is important to understand the logistics behind hazardous cargo shipping.
