Hazardous Cargo

Import and Export Hazardous Cargo Services at ALPS Global Logistics

At ALPS Global Logistics, we understand the critical nature of transporting hazardous goods, commonly known as dangerous goods (DG). Our hazardous cargo services ensure that your dangerous goods are handled and transported in strict accordance with international and national regulations.

With years of experience in handling hazardous materials, we offer a one-stop logistics solution for all your hazardous cargo needs, providing you peace of mind and the assurance that your goods are in safe hands.

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What Are Hazardous Goods?

Dangerous goods are items or materials that are corrosive, infectious, toxic, flammable, or explosive. These goods are hazardous in nature, and if not properly controlled, they may endanger the safety and health of humans and the surrounding environment. To reduce the likelihood of risks, these goods should be transported in a very safe manner.

One of ALPS’s professional services is to handle hazardous cargo (Dangerous Cargo) for all Air, Sea, and Land freight services locally and internationally. With many years in handling dangerous goods, ALPS Global Logistics is committed to providing a one-stop logistics solution for hazardous cargoes (Dangerous Cargo) to all our clients. With our extensive network agency around the world, we can handle most of the Dangerous goods (DG) around the world.

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Compliance and Safety Standards of Dangerous Goods Shipping

When it comes to hazardous cargo, compliance with regulations is non-negotiable. Our team at ALPS Global Logistics is well-versed in the complex web of international and national regulations governing the transportation of dangerous goods. From the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code for sea freight to the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air freight, we ensure that every step of the shipping process is properly followed. From handling to stowage and emergency response, we always adhere to stringent safety standards.

Our commitment to safety is what creates reassurance in you. To ship your hazardous goods with care, we use specialised equipment and trained personnel. We provide regular training to our team members, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary expertise to handle hazardous materials with the utmost care and precaution.

What Is Classified As Dangerous Goods (DG)?

Every harmful good will fit into at least one of the nine classes established by the UN to categorise them. Correct classification of dangerous items is crucial for communicating the risks posed along the transport chain. The following are the classes of harmful goods:

Class 1 - Explosives

This class includes materials that pose a high hazard due to their explosive nature, such as fireworks, ammunition, and blasting agents. Due to the extreme risks involved, dangerous logistics transportation of Class 1 items requires strict adherence to packaging, segregation, and stowage protocols.

Class 2 - Gases

Compressed, liquefied, or dissolved gases such as LPG, oxygen, and aerosols fall under Class 2. These substances can be flammable, toxic, or oxidising—posing both health and logistics challenges during transit.

Class 3 - Flammable Liquids

Items like petrol, ethanol, and paints are part of this class. These liquids emit vapours that can ignite easily, making them highly dangerous during handling and storage in bulk shipping environments.

Class 4 - Flammable Solids; Substances Liable to Spontaneous Combustion; Substances which, in Contact with Water, Emit Flammable Gases

This class includes substances that can ignite through friction or react dangerously with moisture. Substances Liable to Spontaneous Combustion and Substances which, in Contact with Water, Emit Flammable Gases are key concerns. Proper insulation and dry containment are essential for minimising hazard risks in dangerous logistics transportation.

Class 5 - Oxidising Substances and Organic Peroxides

These chemicals can cause or intensify fires when in contact with other materials. Fertilisers, bleaching powders, and certain resins fall into this category of dangerous goods requiring isolation from flammable cargo and highly controlled transport conditions.

Class 6 - Toxic and Infectious Substances

This includes poisons, pesticides, and biological materials that can cause illness or death. Given their hazardous nature, Class 6 items demand airtight containment and strict logistics handling procedures.

Class 7 - Radioactive Material

Materials used in medical, industrial, or energy applications such as uranium or isotopes are extremely dangerous if mishandled. Shielded containers, route planning, and trained personnel are mandatory in all movements.

Class 8 - Corrosives

Acids, alkalis, and battery fluids fall into this group. These substances can corrode metals or cause severe skin burns. Hazardous cargo in Class 8 must be stored in non-reactive containers and clearly labelled.

Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances and Articles

This broad category includes environmentally sensitive materials, such as lithium batteries and genetically modified organisms. Many are classified as Environmentally Hazardous Substances, posing unique risks in dangerous logistics transportation due to their diverse and unpredictable characteristics.

What Is Categorised Under Dangerous Goods (DG)? 

Rules and Regulations on Hazardous Cargo Services 

Each step of the shipping process is subject to stringent regulations when it comes to dangerous commodities, including handling, packaging, labelling, marking, stowage, segregation, transport, and emergency response. These exist in the form of international agreements, which, though not legally binding, are closely aligned with the UN recommendations. National regulations are another thing. Various types of transportation have different regulations governing the transit of hazardous materials.

Sea Freight of Dangerous Goods / Hazardous Cargo

According to the IMDG Code's own definition, it serves as "the standard guide to all elements of handling dangerous commodities and marine pollutants in sea transit." Protecting human lives, preventing maritime pollution, and facilitating the free movement of harmful products are three of its main goals. It was created by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and is updated every two years to apply to all cargo-carrying ships. It reportedly applies to 3,500 packaged dangerous commodities that are transported. However, there are a lot more hazardous products that are carried in bulk in the form of solids, liquids, and gases. With the exception of grain, solid bulk cargo must be transported in accordance with the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code. The International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk governs grain transportation. Similarly, bulk transportation of liquefied gases is governed by the International Code on the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Glasses in Bulk (IGC Code). Oil spills are a significant hazard while shipping by water. The construction and operation of oil tankers are governed by MARPOL Annex 1 to minimise the inadvertent release of oil into the ocean.

Air Freight of Dangerous Goods / Hazardous Cargo

The Dangerous Products Regulations (DGR) are "the only norm recognised by airlines for carrying dangerous goods by air," according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It describes the obligations of the shipper/operator, transport and storage capacities, and prohibited commodities. It also includes provisions for reporting incidents, security, and training. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions are the second set of rules that aim to ensure that dangerous commodities are transported by airlines without endangering the aircraft or its passengers.

Land Freight of Dangerous Goods / Hazardous Cargo

The transportation of dangerous products by road is subject to national regulations in many nations, including Singapore, in contrast to the international regulations that apply to air and marine travel. With years of experience and up-to-date knowledge of government regulations, we can assure you that we are able to ship your freight categorised under dangerous goods via land with excellent care.

Hazardous Logistics Transportation: Key Regulations Governing Hazardous Cargo Shipping

IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code)

Issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the IMDG Code sets the international standard for transporting hazardous cargo by sea. It covers packaging, classification, stowage, segregation, and documentation to prevent marine pollution and protect lives at sea.

IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations)

Published by the International Air Transport Association, the IATA DGR is the only globally recognised manual for transporting dangerous goods by air. It outlines packaging specifications, handling procedures, prohibited items, and training requirements.

ICAO Technical Instructions

Complementing IATA’s DGR, the ICAO Technical Instructions are issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization. They govern the safe transport of dangerous goods by air, focusing on aircraft safety and international consistency.

ADR (European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road)

While not directly applicable in Singapore, ADR influences many national road regulations. It sets out guidelines for classification, labelling, vehicle requirements, and driver training for hazardous cargo moved by road.

Singapore’s Local Regulations

In Singapore, dangerous logistics transportation is governed by strict national laws, including the Fire Safety Act and Environmental Protection and Management Act. Local compliance is critical, especially for land freight and cross-border shipments.

Benefits of Partnering with ALPS Global Logistics for Dangerous Goods Shipping

We help you ship your goods in the most convenient way. With us onboard, here are the benefits you can enjoy:

Packaging and Labelling: 

Proper packaging and labelling are essential for the safe transportation of hazardous goods. Our team ensures that your dangerous goods are appropriately packaged, labelled, and marked to meet regulatory requirements.

Documentation and Permits: 

Navigating the paperwork for hazardous cargo can be complex. Our experts handle all the necessary documentation and permits required for shipping hazardous materials, ensuring a smooth and compliant shipping process.

Specialised Equipment: 

Transporting hazardous materials requires specialised equipment to ensure the safety and integrity of the cargo. We have a fleet of vehicles and containers designed to handle hazardous goods securely.

Benefits of Partnering with ALPS Global Logistics for Dangerous Goods Shipping

What Hazardous Cargo Services Do We Offer?

At ALPS Global Logistics, we offer a comprehensive range of hazardous cargo transportation services tailored to meet the unique requirements of each hazardous material class. Our wide spectrum of services includes:

  • Dangerous Goods / Hazardous Cargo Packaging for Air and Sea freight cargo
  • Dangerous Goods / Hazardous Cargo Declaration for Air and sea freight cargo
  • Dangerous Goods / Hazardous Cargo Direct loading or Direct delivery for FCL container
  • Dangerous Goods / Hazardous Cargo Local Transportation (Locally)
  • Dangerous Goods / Hazardous Cargo FCL Trucking (Orange Plate / Normal DG Container Trucking)
  • Air/Sea freight Dangerous Goods / Hazardous Cargo packaging
  • Hazardous Cargo Material Disposal
  • Dangerous Goods / Hazardous Cargo Storage
  • Dangerous Goods / Hazardous Cargo Transshipment/Cross trade
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FAQ Related to Dangerous Goods Shipping 

We can transport a wide range of hazardous materials, including flammable liquids, toxic substances, corrosive materials, and more. Our experts will guide you on the proper handling and transportation of your specific cargo.

Proper packaging and labelling are crucial for hazardous cargo. Our team ensures that your goods are packaged securely and labelled according to the applicable regulations.

We have stringent safety measures in place, including the use of specialised equipment and trained personnel, to ensure the secure transport of hazardous materials.

In the event of an emergency or spill, our team is trained to handle the situation promptly and effectively, minimising risks and ensuring the safety of all involved.

Hazardous cargo transportation is subjected to various restrictions and regulations. Our experts will guide you on the specific restrictions related to your cargo.

Shipping hazardous cargo may require specific insurance coverage. Our team will advise you on the appropriate insurance considerations for your cargo.

Ship Your Hazardous Goods with ALPS Global Logistics

At ALPS Global Logistics, all of our DG Packaging activities are performed in accordance with global safety standards such as IATA/ICAO/IMDG/IMO regulations for the safe handling and transport of Dangerous Goods. We are always kept up-to-date with the latest regulatory environment to ensure the safe and timely transportation of Dangerous cargo.

Winning the trust of many clients over our years of operation, we have been leading the industry in Singapore with sheer dedication. Our goal is to ship your freight to the destination safely and responsibly. Trust your freight with ALPS Global Logistics and get a quotation today!

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