Shipping hazardous materials via air freight involves a distinct set of rules designed to keep these shipments safe in transit. The regulations are also aim to protect the aircraft and its crew as they move dangerous cargo to its destination.

Incorrectly packaged or improperly stowed hazardous materials can create catastrophic conditions in an airplane within a very short period of time, e.g. fire in an aircraft is extremely dangerous and calls for quick action to bring the risk under control. Undeclared flammable liquids or improperly packaged and labelled lithium batteries and chemical oxygen generators have been known to cause fires on aircraft.

In compliance with regulations

The United Nations (UN) classification system lists nine classes of dangerous goods. These must be indicated with specific UN numbers on the declaration form, packaging, marking and labelling to facilitate their safe shipment. Dangerous goods are also subject to quantity limits, which may not be exceeded to ensure safe transport.

Because air freight is a global activity that affects companies across different industries, the regulations for hazardous air cargo were defined through the collaboration of several organisations. The two main organisations responsible for these safeguards and regulations are:

• International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): a specialised agency of the UN that was set up to create standards and practices to ensure safety, security and efficiency in aviation.
• International Air Transport Association (IATA): a trade association of the world’s airlines that represents around 82% of world air traffic. The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) set the global standard for the transport of dangerous goods by air and this is used by the entire supply chain: shippers, freight forwarders, ground handlers and airlines.

ICAO and IATA work in conjunction with local governments at origin and destination points. The DGR integrates ICAO’s technical specifications, IATA’s airline procedures and any additional requirements needed for the highest level of safety for transporting hazardous air cargo.

Get expert insights on what you need to know when shipping dangerous goods and hazardous materials.

Temperature-controlled transport

For dangerous goods and hazardous materials that require temperature-controlled environments, DSV provides correct handling with end-to-end cold chain cargo services.

You can expect temperature control at every stage of the shipment:

• Across multiple modes of transport, including air, sea, road and rail
• Cold storage facilities
• Full visibility to track your shipments using our IT systems
• Proactive temperature monitoring, control and documentation

Find out more about shipping chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

DSV’s experts are trained to handle all types of hazardous air cargo. Speak to us about any specialised solutions for your industry.