Shipping hazardous materials can be a stressful business. Most carriers can accommodate some kinds of hazardous materials, but have specific policies and pricing for shipping HAZMAT. It’s common for carriers to outright refuse service for certain package contents.
Which carriers allow HAZMAT shipping?
If you are in a business of shipping hazardous materials, it’s best to get in touch with your carrier representative. They will help identify if the carrier allows shipping of the items you’re trying to transport as well as set up a process to do so safely and legally.
To help you get started with your research, read on for more information about these carriers’ policies:
FedEx:
FedEx offers a fairly extensive HAZMAT shipping service.
They have representatives to assist you with filling out all of the proper paperwork for your HAZMAT. In addition, they offer training for shipping HAZMAT, how they each treat hazardous materials, and more pertinent information.
UPS:
The UPS has a fairly extensive list of prohibited items. The list includes alcohol, animals furs, articles of “Exceptional value” and most HAZMAT items.
The UPS has semi-regular seminars and tutorials for sending hazardous materials. Check with the UPS hazardous support contact to determine if what you want to ship is on the approved HAZMAT list.
USPS:
The United States Postal Service has a list of domestic and internationally banned items.
These items absolutely cannot be shipped under any circumstances with USPS. The list includes:
- Ammunition
- Air bags
- Explosives
- Gasoline
- Marijuana
Despite these restrictions, however, you can still send many other hazardous materials. The best way to ensure the material you are sending is not restricted is to contact your local USPS.
How to: Ship HAZMAT with ShippingEasy
ShippingEasy provides support for the shipment of HAZMAT when shipped using your One Balance account.
Currently, HAZMAT labels are only available for users with a One Balance account, shipping domestic shipments.
IMPORTANT: ShippingEasy is only able to provide a label for your HAZMAT shipment. It is your responsibility, as the shipper, to ensure that your shipment meets the requirements imposed by USPS or UPS, as well as federal, state, and local laws. Penalties can be harsh, so do your research.
Check out the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Hazardous Materials Safety FAQs.
When shipping HAZMAT via ShippingEasy be sure that you:
- Have a One Balance account
- Designate your shipment as containing hazardous materials
- Confirm that they allow shipping the items in the package
- Confirm with federal, state, and local laws that the package contents can be shipped
To print a HAZMAT label:
- Navigate to the READY TO SHIP page and select your domestic shipment.
- Select the USPS Carrier and Carrier Service option you would like to use.
- Tick the box next to Contains Hazardous Materials.
- A message will appear alerting you to the restrictions of shipping hazardous materials.
- When you have finished your selections, a label will be generated that indicates the packages contains hazardous materials.Source: support.shippingeasy
