Hazmat Cargo Classification For Transport

Shipping hazardous cargo in the United States requires carriers to hold a valid hazmat license. It ensures that all safety measures are met by the carrier when moving any hazmat items. When hiring a trucking company to move hazardous material you must ensure they hold a hazmat license. But how do you know which items require hazmat classification and which items don't? We put together this article to help you understand which items are considered hazardous, and which class they fall under. 

Here are the items that may fall under hazmat classification and can require a hazmat license to transport:

• Adhesives that contain flammable solvents

• Aerosol Products due to their explosive nature

• Airbags that contain non-flammable compressed gas or explosive propellant

• Alcohol 140 proof (70%) or higher alcohol

• Alcohol-based Perfumes due to their flammable nature

• Barometers that contain mercury

• Dry Ice because it forms carbon dioxide and, when released, reduces the amount of oxygen in the air

• First Aid Kits that contain bio-hazardous materials

• Household Goods that contain strong bleaches, flammable liquids, acids and oxidizers

• Mouthwash that contains alcohol

• Nail Polish that contains acetone

• Power Tools that contain hazardous batteries or dangerous liquids

• Pressurized Caulking due to its explosive nature

• Shock Absorbers that contain hydraulic fluid and compressed gas

• Speakers that contain magnetized material

Hazmat materials fall under 9 classifications:

Class 1 – Explosives
Class 2 – Gases
Class 3 – Flammable Liquids
Class 4 – Flammable Solids
Class 5 – Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides
Class 6 – Toxic Materials and Infectious Substances
Class 7 – Radioactive Materials
Class 8 – Corrosive Materials
Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

If you are unsure which classification your cargo falls under please contact your carrier, or the Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHSMA).