Hazmat

What is hazmat?

Hazmat means "hazardous materials."

Hazardous materials include but are not limited to:

• Batteries
• Magnets
• Chemicals (e.g. lighter fluid, hand sanitizers, etc)
• Fertilizer
• Gases
• Poisonous substances
• Explosives and flammable substances

The supplier should know whether a product is hazmat and how to ship a hazmat product. The supplier should also be able to provide all dangerous goods paperwork.

All shipments must comply with hazmat regulations.

Why does hazmat need special handling?

Hazardous materials can create safety risks during transport, so carriers and regulators set rules for how to classify, pack, label and document them. Requirements vary by mode, so ocean, air and ground shipments each follow their own regulations. Air carriers are often the strictest.

What do you need before shipping hazmat?

Start by asking your supplier for the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), which lists the product's hazards and handling requirements. Share it with your freight provider before booking, since many carriers need to approve hazmat cargo in advance. Mislabeled or undeclared hazmat can lead to refused cargo, fines or delays, so declare it accurately every time.

Related terms: Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and Carrier.

Back to the full glossary.