Hazmat (Hazardous Materials)

Hazardous materials — flammables, corrosives, compressed gases, lithium batteries, and more — are regulated by the DOT’s PHMSA under 49 CFR. Each is assigned a UN number and a hazard class that dictate how it must be packaged, labeled, and documented.

Shipping hazmat requires a properly prepared bill of lading with the correct proper shipping name, hazard class, and packing group, plus trained handling and, for many shipments, vehicle placarding. Not every carrier accepts every hazard class.

Because the compliance burden is high, hazmat shipments are quoted and booked with extra care and often carry additional accessorial fees.