DANGEROUS GOODS
Dangerous Goods Shipping USA, Certified Hazmat & DG Services
Shipping dangerous goods requires more than a carrier, it requires a certified partner who understands IATA, IMDG, and DOT regulations inside and out. Freight180 specializes in hazardous materials shipping by ocean, air, and inland freight across the USA, ensuring your DG shipments are classified, packaged, labeled, documented, and delivered in full compliance.
Delivering secure, compliant, and efficient logistics for all hazardous materials
DG Classification & UN Number Assignment
Every dangerous goods shipment begins with accurate classification. Freight180’s certified DG specialists identify the correct hazard class, packing group, and UN number for your products in accordance with IATA, IMDG, and DOT regulations. Correct classification is not just a regulatory requirement, it determines how your cargo must be packaged, labeled, and handled throughout the entire transport chain. Misclassification is one of the most common causes of carrier rejection, customs holds, and regulatory penalties. We get it right from the start.
Dangerous Goods Documentation
Accurate documentation is mandatory for every DG shipment. Freight180 prepares all required dangerous goods documents, including the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (air), the DG Manifest and Multimodal Dangerous Goods Form (ocean), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and any additional certificates or permits required by the destination country. Errors or omissions in DG documentation can result in shipment rejection at origin, detention at destination, or significant fines. Our team ensures every document is complete, accurate, and compliant before your cargo moves.
Compliant Packaging & Labeling
Dangerous goods must be packed in UN-certified packaging appropriate for the hazard class, packing group, and transport mode. Freight180 selects and sources the correct packaging for your cargo and ensures all required labels, marks, and placards are applied in full compliance with IATA (air), IMDG (ocean), and DOT (road) standards. This includes primary and secondary hazard labels, orientation arrows, limited quantity marks, and shipper/consignee identification. Proper packaging and labeling are the first line of defense against incidents during transport, and the first thing carriers and customs authorities inspect.
Carrier Coordination & Prior Approval
Many dangerous goods require prior approval from airlines or ocean carriers before they can be accepted for transport. Freight180 manages all carrier communications and approvals on your behalf, including special cargo acceptance requests (CAR) for air shipments and booking confirmations for DG ocean freight. We work with a vetted network of carriers experienced in handling hazardous materials across all major trade lanes, ensuring your cargo is accepted, properly stowed, and segregated from incompatible goods throughout the journey.
Hazmat Customs Clearance
Dangerous goods shipments face additional scrutiny at customs. Many hazardous materials require coordination with Partner Government Agencies beyond CBP, including the EPA (chemicals and pesticides), DOT/PHMSA (regulated materials), FDA (pharmaceutical substances), and ATF (explosive precursors). Freight180 manages the full customs clearance process for hazmat imports and exports, ensuring all agency requirements are met, permits are in place, and your shipment clears without holds or penalties. Our customs team works in close coordination with our DG specialists for end-to-end compliance.
Emergency Response & Incident Planning
Regulatory compliance for dangerous goods does not end at the point of shipment, carriers, handlers, and emergency responders must have access to accurate emergency response information throughout the transport chain. Freight180 ensures all DG shipments include the required Emergency Response Telephone number, SDS documentation, and emergency contact information as mandated by IATA, IMDG, and DOT regulations. For high-risk or high-volume DG shippers, we also assist in developing shipment-specific contingency plans to minimize risk exposure and ensure rapid response in the event of an incident.
We Handle the Compliance, You Stay in Control
The Results You Get
- Our team is trained in IATA, DOT and IMDG regulations.
- Access to carriers and facilities authorized to handle DG cargo.
- From classification and packing to shipping and delivery.
- Minimize delays, penalties, and safety issues.
- Dedicated specialists available to resolve DG shipping challenges.
We are here to help you
Questions & Answers
What are the 9 classes of dangerous goods?
Dangerous goods are classified into 9 hazard classes under international regulations (IATA, IMDG, and DOT): Class 1 – Explosives; Class 2 – Gases (flammable, non-flammable, and toxic); Class 3 – Flammable Liquids; Class 4 – Flammable Solids; Class 5 – Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides; Class 6 – Toxic and Infectious Substances; Class 7 – Radioactive Material; Class 8 – Corrosive Substances; and Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods (including lithium batteries, dry ice, and magnetized materials). Each class has specific packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements that vary by transport mode. Freight180’s certified specialists determine the correct classification for your products before every shipment.
Can dangerous goods be shipped by air?
Yes, but with significant restrictions. IATA regulations govern the air transport of dangerous goods and classify them into three categories: permitted on passenger and cargo aircraft, permitted on cargo aircraft only, and forbidden on all aircraft. Some substances, such as certain flammable liquids, corrosives, and infectious substances, are strictly prohibited from air transport regardless of packaging. Others, like lithium batteries and dry ice, are permitted under specific quantity and packaging limits. Freight180 is a TSA-approved Indirect Air Carrier (IAC) with certified DG handling expertise, ensuring your air DG shipments are compliant, accepted by the carrier, and delivered safely
What is a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods?
The Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (also known as the DGD) is a mandatory document required for all dangerous goods shipped by air. It certifies that the cargo has been properly classified, packaged, marked, labeled, and declared in accordance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. The declaration must be completed and signed by the shipper or their authorized agent before the cargo is accepted by the airline. Errors or omissions on the DGD are grounds for immediate rejection and can result in significant fines. Freight180 prepares and reviews the Shipper’s Declaration for every air DG shipment to ensure full compliance.
What is the difference between IATA and IMDG regulations?
IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations govern the transport of dangerous goods by air, while IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) regulations govern transport by ocean vessel. Both are based on the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods but differ significantly in packaging requirements, quantity limits, labeling specifications, and segregation rules. A product that is permitted under IMDG may be forbidden or restricted under IATA, and vice versa. For inland transport, DOT (Department of Transportation) regulations apply in the United States. Freight180’s DG team is certified under all three regulatory frameworks, ensuring your shipment is fully compliant regardless of the transport mode.
Does Freight180 ship lithium batteries?
Yes. Lithium batteries, including lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries, are classified as Class 9 Dangerous Goods and are among the most regulated cargo types in international shipping. IATA regulations restrict lithium batteries to specific state-of-charge levels, packaging requirements, and quantity limits per package, with different rules depending on whether batteries are shipped alone, with equipment, or contained in equipment. Some lithium battery shipments are forbidden on passenger aircraft and may only travel on cargo aircraft. Freight180 has extensive experience handling lithium battery shipments by air and ocean, ensuring full compliance with IATA, IMDG, and carrier-specific requirements.
What happens if dangerous goods are not properly declared?
Failing to properly declare dangerous goods is a serious violation of international and U.S. federal regulations with severe consequences. Carriers that discover undeclared or misdeclared hazardous materials can immediately reject the shipment, remove it from the aircraft or vessel, and report the violation to regulatory authorities. Penalties under IATA, IMDG, and DOT regulations can reach up to $84,425 per violation per day in the United States, and criminal charges may apply in cases of willful concealment. Beyond fines, an undeclared DG incident that causes injury, fire, or environmental damage can expose the shipper to unlimited civil liability. Freight180’s DG specialists ensure every shipment is accurately classified, fully declared, and compliant before it moves, eliminating your exposure to these risks entirely.
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