I have written about this couple of years ago andRead more…
Labelling Your Cargo Part 2
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Guide to Shipping Dangerous Goods By Air Freight or Sea Freight
Posted on March 2, 2014 by cargotonigeria in UncategorizedGuide to Shipping Dangerous Goods on Air Freight or By Sea Freight
Shippers should understand the real meaning of dangerous goods to avoid confusion or potential legal implications in the freight process. Hazardous commodities refer to any tangible item which should be covered by proper controls. Otherwise, this presents a danger to human safety, health, infrastructure, and the mode of conveyance. Transport of said goods are administered and regulated by various regulatory agencies (globally).
It is worth reviewing regulatory agenda of international bodies such as the United Nations, International Civil Aviation Organization, International Maritime Organization, and International Air Transport Association. There are very strict laws on handling, packaging, marking (labels), and transportation of dangerous products. Among the most common hazardous items are explosives; flammable liquids and solids; gases; infectious/poisonous substances; corrosion compounds; radioactive materials; and miscellaneous goods. Customs agencies of different countries are also trained to be strict on incoming consignment.
All packages have to be marked clearly as an identification of hazardous commodities by the shipper or the freight forwarder sending the goods This will serve as warning to the authorities and general public in cases of emergency. The markings normally include the UN number, correct shipping information (name), and warning label in the form of a diamond shaped and red-colored sticker. There are also special markings like products that are toxic to marine environments or any other warning information that will notify other people.
Individuals or companies shipping any of these items across the globe have to be familiar with related legislation. It is mandatory for them to know these regulations, categories and compliance. Controls are essential since these will prevent possible accidents to human beings, domestic pets, damage to property, and destruction of the environment. There should be a level of consistency and coordination among these control institutions. In fact, the UN has created procedures to harmonize hazard categorization standards, transport provisions and hazard communication instruments for all likely carriers.
It is possible to acquire the services of transport companies with a good track record, extensive experience and vast international network for this delicate task. You will have to outsource to a competent agent that can oversee every single process until the dangerous goods reach their ultimate destination. See to it that you complete all documentation imposed by different governments as well as the UN, IATA, IMO, and ICAO. Obtain the services of a well-rounded safety adviser to guide you through this complex process. This includes complete understanding and fulfillment of multiple national and overseas trade or legal agreements.
Governments maintain their own certification authorities for this matter. For instance, the United Kingdom has an accreditation body which is the Vehicle Certification Agency for packaging and transporting of unsafe merchandise. Ask for a copy from your supplier of this particular certificate datasheet for packaging and test reports for the chosen packaging. The dangerous goods safety advisor is a requirement unless the shipment is done rarely or you are the consignee or receiver.
Compliance is the first concern in this task. At the same time, shipper should be responsible enough to follow all international laws prescribed in the transportation of dangerous goods.
Cargotonigeria is a reputable website own and managed by sure man ventures Ltd. We specialize in moving of freight to all parts of Nigeria from the UK. Visit us today at www.cargotonigeria.com, if you have any goods to Cargo. We do car shipping, Sea freight and air cargo at a cheaper rate.
I have a package of two 400ml plastic sprays, both together weighing around 1 Kilogram, to send to Nigeria, inevitably, by sea. I have read and understood your article, about the dangers involved in sending such products accross the globe. As such and as required, I will label the package properly to fully comply with international shipping requirements and stipulations.
Please let me know as soon as possible, if your company can ship this package.
Hello Mr Lawaye,
Labelling the spray as being a dangerous goods is not all that has to be done. The items has to be fully screened by an approved scanner to make sure is safe to be freighted either by sea or by air. Considering the quantity of it, sea freight is not the ideal method you could use. You would need to send it by air freight method as I would advise. Well as a matter of your choice, if you choose to go that route of sea cargo, then so be it. As far as my company is concerned the unit is too small for us to quantify how much to charge you for it on sea freight.
I hope this explain it to you explicitly? Click on the highlighted link here, Wikipedia you will taken to a Wikipedia page that explain the regulatory requirements for dangerous goods in the UK.