In a highly industrialized society, dangerous goods are frequently used and of course also need to be moved from A to B. Due to the dangerous nature of the goods the transport is subject to a range of special regulations and considerations that makes the transport different to other logistical missions and we understand that our clients have special requirements and need the best possible support. We discuss these points further to help you with your next dangerous goods transportation.
Know your dangerous goods
It is important for you to know and understand the nature of the goods you are handling as well as the risks and regulations that are connected so that we can best service you. Dangerous goods are categorized in the following way: Goods or substances that are a risk to health, wellbeing, safety, property or the environment. Hazardous goods are substances, solids, liquids, or gases that are radioactive, flammable, explosive, corrosive, oxidizing, asphyxiating, biohazardous, toxic, pathogenic or allergenic and can harm people, other living organisms, property, or the environment. Also included are physical conditions such as compressed gases and liquids or hot materials. These are the 9 Classes of Dangerous Goods:
- Explosives
- Gases
- Flammable Liquids
- Flammable Solids
- Oxidizing Substances
- Toxic and Infectious Substances
- Radioactive Materials
- Corrosives
- Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Due to the danger of the materials and with so many classes, sub-classes and divisions, shipping the various types of hazardous goods around the world can be quite tricky. That’s why the transportation of dangerous goods is controlled internationally and nationally by various regulatory authorities depending on the transport mode (by air, by sea, by road).
As far as air freight is concerned, the internationally agreed regulations for transporting dangerous goods are covered by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Dangerous Goods Regulations is the trusted source to help you prepare and document dangerous goods shipments.
Have the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) available
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a safety data sheet, material safety data sheet, or product safety data sheet that lists information relating to occupational safety and health for the use of various substances and products. A compulsory document to have for the transportation of any kind of dangerous goods. It contains the full product information, instructions and the requirements for the handling of this cargo and is provided by the manufacturer of the product. It helps any other provider in the logistics chain as well to act in the right way.
Choose an experienced cargo charter company
It is of particular importance to find a reliable and experienced cargo charter supplier for these projects to ensure your goods arrive safely.
We at Air Partner have extended experience with the handling of dangerous goods via cargo charter. Our staff is specially trained and certificated to IATA standards to ensure that your cargo is handled safely, and a seamless transportation can be guaranteed. We find out for you if a cargo charter is a suitable option for your consignment and guide you through the whole process.
Your hazardous freight is being categorized by the MSDS sheet into the categories OK PAX which means that your goods can be transported by a passenger aircraft, CAO that implies that your goods need to be transported by cargo aircraft, or F/F (forbidden/forbidden) which means that none of both is possible or it needs a separate permission through diplomatic channels. If your goods are categorized as F/F we know if special permissions can be granted or approved by the government so your cargo can anyway be delivered by cargo charter to arrive on time.
In case your flight is crossing several countries, our 24/7 global flight support can help to organize overflight permissions. Most developed countries have similar regulations and requirements, however MSDS formats can vary from source to source within a country depending on national requirements. Our experienced OPS team can quickly organize permissions for diplomatic channels of other countries as well.
Our good relations to airlines and operators enable us to find the best suitable aircraft for the dangerous goods you need to move. We have access to a big range of cargo aircraft and know the specific requirements an aircraft needs to have for the transport of each hazardous good. Get in touch with us for your next dangerous goods delivery.