Efficient 1-1 Meeting
When people talk about Dangerous Goods Transportation, three words come up a lot: “complicated,” “expensive,” and “troublesome.”
But here’s the truth: the real pain often comes from misunderstandings and false assumptions. In this post, we’ll unpack common mistakes that even experienced shippers and logistics teams fall into—so you don’t have to.
Mistake #1: Dangerous goods = Explosives or Toxic Substances
It’s a common myth that only highly explosive or poisonous materials count as dangerous goods.
In fact, under the UN classification system, anything flammable, corrosive, oxidizing, infectious, or radioactive can fall under dangerous goods. Examples include:
- Alcohol (flammable liquid)
- Bleach powder (oxidizing agent)
- Batteries (contain corrosive electrolytes)
These may seem harmless in daily life but must be handled as dangerous goods in international shipping.
Mistake #2: The freight forwarder handles everything—I’m off the hook
Many shippers think, “My forwarder booked the shipment, I’m good.”
But legally, the shipper bears the primary responsibility for DG compliance. That includes:
- Proper packaging
- Labeling
- Providing accurate documentation
- Declaring the goods properly
If anything goes wrong—wrong label, improper packaging, customs hold—you’re still accountable.
Mistake #3: Strong packaging = Safe packaging
Another common belief is, “As long as the box is sturdy, we’re fine.”
Wrong. Dangerous goods must be packaged in UN-certified containers with specific labeling and construction standards. No matter how tough your box is, if it’s not certified, the shipment could be:
- Rejected
- Returned
- Fined
- Or worse, blacklisted
Trying to sneak DG items through as regular cargo? Don’t. It’s illegal and dangerous.
Mistake #4: Any MSDS will do
The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is key to classification, and using a generic one just doesn’t cut it.
Some companies grab an MSDS online “that looks similar,” which leads to:
- Mismatched info → incorrect classification
- Outdated version → no longer valid
- Missing key fields → like UN number or hazard class
The safest bet? Get one directly from the manufacturer or a qualified testing agency.
Mistake #5: Delivery complete = job done
Not quite. Dangerous goods transportation doesn’t end when the shipment arrives.
You still need to ensure:
- Trained personnel for unloading
- Safe disposal of any residual material
- Complete shipping records and emergency plans
Authorities often inspect these “post-delivery” details, and missing them can lead to compliance issues.
Conclusion: Dangerous Goods Transportation isn’t just about spending more—it’s about thinking smarter
Avoiding these common pitfalls isn’t hard:
- Know your cargo
- Choose experienced partners
- Stay detail-focused
If you've ever dealt with a rejected DG shipment, you already know: fixing problems later costs way more than preventing them early.
So stay sharp, stay informed, and ship safe.
