Dangerous Goods Policy

1. Overview

SafeTransit EXPRESS handles the transportation of dangerous goods (also known as hazardous materials) in strict compliance with international and national regulations. This policy outlines our procedures for the safe classification, packaging, labeling, documentation, and transport of dangerous goods across all modes of transport.

All shippers, employees, and subcontractors involved in the handling of dangerous goods must comply with this policy and the applicable regulatory frameworks including IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, ADR (European road transport), and 49 CFR (US Department of Transportation).

2. Regulatory Compliance

SafeTransit EXPRESS complies with the following regulatory frameworks:

• IATA DGR: International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations (air freight)
• IMDG Code: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (sea freight)
• ADR: European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road
• RID: Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail
• 49 CFR: US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49 (Transportation)
• UN Recommendations: United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods
• Local regulations: National and regional requirements in all operating jurisdictions

3. Classification of Dangerous Goods

Dangerous goods are classified according to the UN system into nine classes:

• Class 1: Explosives (Divisions 1.1 through 1.6)
• Class 2: Gases (flammable, non-flammable, toxic)
• Class 3: Flammable liquids
• Class 4: Flammable solids, spontaneously combustible, dangerous when wet
• Class 5: Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides
• Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances
• Class 7: Radioactive materials
• Class 8: Corrosive substances
• Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous goods (lithium batteries, dry ice, etc.)

Proper classification is the responsibility of the shipper. SafeTransit EXPRESS will verify classification accuracy and refuse shipments that are improperly classified or undeclared.

4. Packaging Requirements

4.1 General Requirements

All dangerous goods must be packaged in UN-certified packaging appropriate for the substance and mode of transport:

• Packaging must bear valid UN marking and certification
• Inner packaging must be secured against movement within outer packaging
• Absorbent material required for liquid dangerous goods
• Packaging must withstand normal transport conditions without leakage
• Compatibility between packaging material and contents must be verified
• Packaging must meet performance testing requirements for its Packing Group

4.2 Packing Groups

Dangerous goods are assigned Packing Groups based on hazard severity:

• Packing Group I: High danger — requires the most robust packaging
• Packing Group II: Medium danger — requires intermediate packaging strength
• Packing Group III: Low danger — requires standard packaging protection

5. Labeling & Marking

All packages containing dangerous goods must display:

• Proper shipping name of the substance
• UN number preceded by the letters "UN"
• Hazard class label(s) of appropriate size and format
• Handling labels (orientation arrows, "Cargo Aircraft Only" where applicable)
• Shipper and consignee information
• Net quantity of dangerous goods
• Overpack marking where inner packages are combined
• Limited Quantity or Excepted Quantity marks where applicable

6. Documentation

6.1 Shipper's Declaration

Shippers of dangerous goods must provide a properly completed Dangerous Goods Declaration (Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods) containing:

• Shipper and consignee details
• Proper shipping name and UN number
• Class, division, and Packing Group
• Quantity and type of packaging
• Emergency response information
• Certification that contents are properly classified, packaged, marked, and labeled

6.2 Safety Data Sheets

Current Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must accompany all dangerous goods shipments and be available to all personnel handling the goods. SDS must be in the language(s) of the origin, transit, and destination countries.

7. Prohibited & Restricted Items

7.1 Absolutely Prohibited

SafeTransit EXPRESS will not transport under any circumstances:

• Explosives classified as Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 (mass explosion/projection hazard)
• Chemical weapons or biological warfare agents
• Radioactive materials (Class 7) exceeding Type A package limits
• Undeclared or fraudulently declared dangerous goods
• Damaged, leaking, or improperly packaged dangerous goods
• Items prohibited by applicable national or international law

7.2 Restricted (Prior Approval Required)

The following require advance written approval from our Dangerous Goods Compliance team:

• Flammable liquids exceeding 100L per package
• Toxic substances (Class 6.1, Packing Group I)
• Infectious substances (Category A)
• Large lithium battery shipments (Section II quantities)
• Temperature-controlled dangerous goods
• Dangerous goods requiring segregation from other cargo

8. Training & Competency

All personnel involved in dangerous goods handling must be trained and certified:

• Initial dangerous goods training before handling any hazardous shipments
• Recurrent training every 24 months (12 months for air transport personnel)
• Function-specific training based on role (acceptance, handling, loading, documentation)
• Training records maintained for minimum 3 years and available for regulatory inspection
• Competency assessments required before certification is issued
• Emergency response training for all warehouse and transport personnel

9. Emergency Procedures

SafeTransit EXPRESS maintains comprehensive emergency response procedures:

• 24/7 emergency response hotline staffed by trained hazmat specialists
• Spill containment equipment and PPE at all handling facilities
• Emergency response plans specific to each class of dangerous goods
• Regular emergency drills conducted at all major facilities
• Agreements with specialist hazmat response contractors for major incidents
• Incident reporting and investigation within 24 hours of any occurrence

10. Shipper Responsibilities

Shippers entrusting dangerous goods to SafeTransit EXPRESS must:

• Accurately classify, package, mark, and label all dangerous goods
• Provide complete and accurate documentation
• Declare the full nature and quantity of dangerous goods
• Ensure packaging is in good condition and appropriate for the transport mode
• Comply with all applicable regulations and this policy
• Maintain valid dangerous goods training certification for their staff

SafeTransit EXPRESS reserves the right to refuse, return, or dispose of any shipment that does not comply with this policy or applicable regulations. Costs associated with non-compliance will be charged to the shipper.

11. Contact

For dangerous goods inquiries, approval requests, or emergency reporting:

• DG Compliance Team: dangerousgoods@safetransitexpress.com
• 24/7 Emergency Hotline: +1-800-SAFE-DG1
• General Inquiries: Visit our Contact Page