Transport of dangerous goods

Features of the transportation of dangerous goods

Prompt delivery of hazardous substances implies a certain list of rules that are important to remember. In order not to miss the main points, it is recommended to entrust the execution of all tasks to a team of professionals.

Our specialists know everything about the features of such transportation:

• Use of special packaging and appropriate marking, according to the classification of goods.
• Preparation of a package of documents is mandatory.
• Selection of optimal vehicles, their preparation for loading dangerous goods.

During delivery, you should adhere to special conditions of transportation, coordinating future routes with the client.

Classification of dangerous goods

Based on the specific degree and type of danger, all goods are classified into 9 main classes. In addition, each class is divided into subclasses, categories that reflect certain properties, degree of danger.

Dangerous goods categories:

1. Various explosives.
2. All kinds of gases (this list includes liquefied, compressed and dissolved).
3. Liquids that ignite easily and quickly.
4. Solids that ignite easily and quickly.
5. Substances subject to oxidation processes, as well as organic peroxides.
6. Infections, toxins.
7. Radioactive materials.
8. Substances that cause corrosion.
9. Other substances, materials, products with various hazardous properties.

Among the additional classification criteria, various packaging groups are also used. For example, the degree of danger of the substance depends on which packaging group the cargo will belong to. In total, there are three main groups: high, medium and low.  

For the accurate identification of such cargoes, special classification codes are used, which indicate the properties of each substance.

Transportation Requirements

The list of requirements for the transportation of ADR goods is formed taking into account their class. However, some key requirements are noted, which are called mandatory for compliance:

• Organized delivery of hazardous substances must be regulated by international rules, national laws, and norms.
• The vehicle must be allowed to transport such substances, as well as be equipped with special signs and plates. 
• The driver must have an ADR certificate, which indicates the preparation for the transportation of dangerous goods. 
• The packaging must be strong, airtight, resistant to the negative influence of external factors in order to prevent the possibility of hazardous substances entering the air and water.
• The route must be chosen in advance and agreed upon, taking into account all modes of transport that will take part in the transportation.

Knowledge of the classification features of such cargoes, understanding of their main properties and characteristics are critical conditions for ensuring a high level of safety when working with such materials.

Vehicles and equipment

Modern logistics of dangerous goods allows the use of various types of vehicles for safe and prompt transportation. Most often, the capabilities of three main modes of transport are used for this purpose:

1. Railroad.
2. Automotive.
3. Maritime.

In some situations, it is possible to successfully combine several types at once: for example, sea + road or rail + road.

In addition, all modes of transport are divided into the following categories, taking into account the class of cargo:

• Categories EX/II and EX/III are for the carriage of explosives (Class 1).
• Category FL for the carriage of flammable liquids and gases (Classes 2 and 3).
• Category AT is a universal type that is used for the delivery of various types of cargo.

Depending on the class of cargo, an additional list of requirements is imposed on vehicles. For example, all explosives must be transported in a body or container with reinforced walls, and liquids must be transported in appropriate tanks with a high degree of tightness, ventilation and grounding.

Liability and licenses

Cargo transportation of dangerous goods is an area of increased responsibility. The logistics company AGT Cargo is fully responsible for the correct preparation of vehicles, packaging and loading of substances in order to ensure their safe transportation along a pre-planned route. By entrusting all important tasks to a team of professionals, the cargo owner can be sure that each process will be completed quickly and accurately.

In addition, we will help you prepare a mandatory package of documents:

• A consignment note, which contains the hazard class of the substance, its full name, quantity, packaging method and other equally important information.
• Safety certificates for each type of cargo.
• Permission to transport dangerous goods, if necessary (e.g. delivery through built-up areas).

As a result, ADR transportation can be carried out in accordance with the laws of the countries through which hazardous substances are to be delivered. AGT Cargo offers assistance in the preparation of all necessary accompanying documents as part of the turnkey delivery service. Therefore, all issues will be dealt with by one team of professionals, carrying out careful control at each stage.