Common terms used in ocean freight for shipping DG | Dangerous Goods Declaration | Hazardous Cargo Request | Segregation

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING OF DANGEROUS GOODS FROM THE USA USING OCEAN FREIGHT SERVICES (HAZARDOUS MATERIALS)

In respect of international shipping using ocean freight services, shipping Dangerous Goods means international shipping of substance or material, which has been determined to be capable of posing a risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce. In respect of U.S. domestic cargo transportation, the equivalent term Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) used. The shipping term Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) used almost exclusively in the United States. Then in respect of international shipping of ocean freight, Hazardous Materials will be classified as Dangerous Goods when transported by an international ocean freight carrier from or to the USA.

In international shipping of Dangerous Goods, everything  is strictly regulated: the shipping documents, labeling, packing, marking etc.

Dangerous Good in ocean freight require an approval from an international ocean freight carrier prior to scheduling an international ocean freight shipment.  Dangerous Good may only be shipped after the approval AND subject to surcharges on the ocean freight.

International shipper is always held responsible to identify, declare and provide all necessary documents related to international shipping of dangerous goods, in proper form acceptable by international ocean freight carrier, in advance. Any delays and/or increasing of ocean freight shipping costs due to improper identification, classification and/or incorrect or missing documentation related to an international shipping of Dangerous Goods in ocean freight  will be responsibilities of the shipper. International ocean freight shipments containing hazardous goods may require more transit time than regular international ocean freight shipments (export or import) from or to the USA.

Most international ocean freight carriers will NOT approve acceptance of dangerous goods other than IMO Classes 3, 8 & 9. International shipping of dangerous goods other than classes 3, 8 & 9 requires a special ocean freight carrier with a specialized equipment used to transport dangerous goods of particular classes.

COMMON TERMS USED IN INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING OF DANGEROUS GOODS USING OCEAN FREIGHT SERVICES

UN NUMBER - stands for United Nations number. The UN number is a four-digit number assigned to a potentially hazardous material (such as gasoline, UN 1203) or class of materials (such as corrosive liquids, UN 1760). Firefighters and other emergency response personnel use these numbers during transportation emergencies. UN (United Nations) numbers are internationally recognized.

IMO CLASS - International Maritime Organization dangerous goods class

Class 1. Explosives
Class 2. Gases
Class 3. Flammable Liquids
Class 4.1. Flammable Solids or Substances
Class 4.2. Flammable solids
Class 4.3. Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases
Class 5.1. Oxidizing substances (agents) by yielding oxygen increase the risk and intensity of fire
Class 5.2. Organic peroxides - most will burn rapidly and are sensitive to impact or friction
Class 6.1. Toxic substances
Class 6.2. Infectious substances
Class 7. Radioactive Substances
Class 8. Corrosives
Class 9. Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles

FLASH POINT - is the lowest temperature at which the material can catch fire.

PACKING GROUP - grouping according to the degree of danger presented by hazardous materials. Packing Group I indicates great danger; Packing Group II, medium danger; Packing Group III, minor danger.

DECLARE DANGEROUS GOODS TO AN INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING COMPANY USED IN YOUR OCEAN FREIGHT SHIPMENT IN ADVANCE!

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPERS MUST DECLARE DANGEROUS GOODS TO BE SHIPPED USING OCEAN FREIGHT SERVICES, AND GET AN APPROVAL FORM THE OCEAN FREIGHT CARRIER, BEFORE CARGO WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING.

To declare Dangerous Goods for the international ocean freight shipment, before scheduling the shipment, shippers must complete and submit to an international shipping company used for the shipment a Dangerous Goods Declaration in a proper form acceptable by the international shipping company. Then, upon the approval, it will be submitted along with the international shipment to the international ocean freight carrier. In order to submit a Dangerous Goods Declaration properly, we suggest you requesting a manufacturer or seller of your shipped goods for necessary information.

Here is a sample of form of Dangerous Goods Declaration used in international shipping of ocean freight.

HAZARDOUS CARGO REQUEST IN INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING USING OCEAN FREIGHT SERVICES

In respect of dealing with an international SHIPPING COMPANY (ocean freight freight forwarder, nvocc), at a time of requesting a quotation on an ocean freight shipment congaing Dangerous Goods, in addition to general cargo description always provide at least:

• UN#
• IMO Class
• Flash point 
• Packing group

It is a good idea to prepare a HAZARDOUS CARGO REQUEST in advance and submit it along with your import or export quote/booking request.   

Here is a sample of HAZARDOUS CARGO REQUEST form:

SEGREGATION OF PACKAGED DANGEROUS GOODS / HOLD HARMLESS LETTER

I respect of international shipping of sea freight, many dangerous goods are incompatible with other substances.

They may react with other dangerous goods shipping internationally or chemicals, or with apparently harmless substances, such as dust, air or water. Dangerous goods can easily come into contact with incompatible substances through spillage or leakage, and may liberate toxic gases, or cause a fire or an explosion. It is a legal requirement that international shipping dangerous goods not compatible with other substances are stored and handled separately so that a loss of containment or interaction cannot cause a serious incident. This can be achieved by use of an impervious barrier or a suitable separation distance.

If dangerous goods prior/during its international shipping have to be segregated by the international seafreight carrier, then the consigner/international shipper must furnish a HOLD HARMLESS LETTER under consigner’s letterhead.

This HOLD HARMLESS LETTER must clear stating:

1. That international seafreight carrier and other parties involved in the segregation will not be responsible for any damages, loss of cargo etc when the international seafreight carrier/warehouse does the segregation.
2. Instructions on exactly what is to be segregated and
3. That the international shipper guarantees to pay to the international seafreight carrier segregation charges.

For more information related to international shipping of dangerous goods from the USA please refer to 49 CFR Parts 100 – 185. The Hazardous Material Transportation Regulations (HMR) at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html#page1

Notice: International moving companies most likely will not accept responsibilities on international shipping of Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials.

Common terms used in ocean freight for shipping DG | Dangerous Goods Declaration | Hazardous Cargo Request | Segregation