FAQ
Explore answers to common misconception regarding the shipment and handling of dangerous goods. If your question isn't covered, don't hesitate to reach out for more assistance.
Shipping dangerous goods is highly regulated and often misunderstood. A professional hazmat service provider acts as a compliance partner—helping you navigate complex regulations, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure safe, lawful transportation across all modes and borders.
“If it’s a small quantity, it’s not regulated.”
Reality:
Even small quantities of hazardous materials can fall under strict regulations (e.g., “limited quantity” or “excepted quantity” rules still require compliance).
How Hazpack will help:
We determine the correct classification and applicable exceptions under regulations like U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), International Air Transport Association (IATA), and International Maritime Organization (IMO), ensuring even small shipments meet all requirements.
“Ground shipping rules apply to air and ocean shipments too.”
Reality:
Each mode of transport has different rules. What’s compliant for ground (DOT) may be non-compliant for air (IATA) or sea (IMO/IMDG Code).
How Hazpack will help:
We ensure full compliance, including:
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Shipping papers and declarations
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Hazard labels and markings
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UN specification packaging
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Emergency response information
“If a courier accepts it, it must be compliant.”
Reality:
Carriers may accept shipments in error, but the shipper is legally responsible for compliance—not the carrier.
How Hazpack will help:
We audit shipments before tendering, ensuring compliance with agencies like the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), reducing liability and avoiding enforcement actions.
“Employees don’t need formal hazmat training.”
Reality:
Hazmat training is mandatory under U.S. and international law for anyone involved in shipping dangerous goods.
How Hazpack will help:
We provide certified training programs covering:
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General awareness
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Function-specific duties
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Safety and emergency response
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Security awareness
This ensures compliance with DOT, IATA, and IMDG training requirements.
“Non-compliance just results in small fines.”
Reality:
Penalties can be severe—ranging from thousands of dollars per violation to criminal charges, shipment delays, or even supply chain shutdowns.
How Hazpack will help:
They proactively identify and correct compliance gaps, helping you avoid violations under:
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U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)
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International frameworks like the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods