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Large amounts of dangerous goods are transported along German roads, waterways and railroad lines every year – the figure was approximately 312 million metric tons in 2018.1 These goods include many products that are common in everyday life like perfumes, paints or lithium batteries – items that appear to be quite normal for us, but require special care. In order to transport them safely, those involved along the entire supply chain – ranging from the warehouse to the road transport companies and even air and ocean services – need to cooperate seamlessly.
The main issue here involves important dangerous goods classes, safety standards when dealing with goods, which have been classified as dangerous, and the special logistics requirements associated with them. It is not only about safely transporting dangerous goods and how they make their way from the warehouse to their recipient using the different means of transport, but also strict compliance with statutory regulations, which are designed to support the entire process and ensure that absolutely no risk is posed to human beings or the natural world.
Dangerous goods classes: an initial glance
Dangerous goods are divided into nine different classes in line with the hazards that they pose. They include:
- Explosive substances and items containing explosive material (e.g., fireworks, high explosives)
- Gases (e.g., propane, oxygen)
2.1. Flammable gases
2.2. Non-flammable, non-toxic gases
2.3. Toxic gases - Flammable liquids (e.g., gas, alcohol)
- Flammable solids
4.1. Flammable solids, self-reactive substances, polymerizing materials and solid desensitized explosives (e.g., sulfur, matches)
4.2. Spontaneously flammable substances (e.g., charcoal)
4.3. Substances that develop flammable gases when they come in contact with water (e.g., substances containing potassium, sodium or lithium) - Oxidizing agents and organic peroxides
5.1. Oxidizing substances (e.g., bleaching agents, oxygen-based disinfectants)
5.2. Organic peroxides (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) - Toxic substances
6.1. Poisonous substances (e.g., pesticides)
6.2. Infectious substances (e.g., medical waste containing hospital germs) - Radioactive substances (e.g., medical isotopes)
- Corrosive substances (e.g., battery acids)
- Different dangerous substances and items (e.g., airbags, lithium-ion batteries)
Dangerous Goods Regulations for international and national operations
The strict safety regulations when transporting dangerous goods are based on a comprehensive set of rules consisting of international and national standards and they take into consideration all the special features of the dangerous goods classes. They ensure that transporting dangerous goods takes place in a way that complies with safety and environmental standards. The following international regulations apply for the different means of transport, for example:
- ADR (Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) for the international transportation of dangerous goods by road
- RID (Règlement concernant le transport international ferroviaire de marchandises dangereuses) for transporting dangerous items by railroad
- IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) for the safe transportation of dangerous goods at sea
- ADN (Accord européen relatif auf transport international de marchandises dangereuses par voide navigation intérieure) for inland waterway shipping
- IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations of the International Air Transport Association) for transporting dangerous goods by air
Transporting dangerous goods is an integral part of everyday life
The subject of transporting dangerous goods is not only relevant for industry – it is often closer than you think. Even in the case of a private house move, e.g., when somebody emigrates, the e-bike stored in an overseas container is classified as a dangerous item because of its lithium battery. This example illustrates how common the topic of dangerous goods is in everyday situations.
Storing dangerous goods safely, however, requires more than just providing efficient and secure warehouse and transport solutions. Service providers must have the necessary certificates and permits to meet the statutory requirements. What is particularly important is that dangerous goods warehouses have to report the type and volume of the substances that are being stored to the fire department and local public authorities. It is also important to have all the relevant insurance policies available and maintain insurance protection meticulously.
Safety for transporting dangerous goods already starts at the warehouse
Before the dangerous goods are transported by truck, railroad or ship, their safe storage is crucial for the entire supply chain. International regulations and national standards regulate the transportation of dangerous goods in Germany.
Specialist teams and the dangerous goods safety advisers guarantee that the goods are stored and handled correctly in line with their dangerous goods classes – and that the relevant hazardous goods markings are displayed. In the case of long-term projects, the balance between safety and efficiency requires rapid decisions – for example, when preparing products for the Christmas season, when perfume has to be classified as a hazardous item too.
Dangerous goods on the move: safe transport services on the highways
Many types of dangerous goods only really start moving after they have been safely stored – by truck! Drivers and logistics experts like Rhenus play a crucial role here. Handling hazardous goods from different classes of dangerous items may be part and parcel of daily operations for specialist service providers, but the challenges are still demanding. It is not only a question of complying with the strict ADR Dangerous Goods Regulations and other directives, but also ensuring that the goods reach their destination safely and reliably.
One of the greatest challenges when transporting dangerous goods by truck involves securing the load correctly. Different shapes and sizes have to be stowed in such a way that they meet the highest safety standards and remain stable during the entire transport operation – what we might call life-size Tetris. Extensive know-how and the experience of the drivers and employees are crucial here. Securing the load incorrectly is one of the top 5 violations found most frequently during checks on dangerous goods.
Most frequent violations when transporting dangerous goods
The German Federal Logistics and Mobility Office (BALM) performed 8,113 checks on services that were transporting dangerous goods last year. The most frequent violations in 2023 were:2
- Documentation/papers (587),
- Equipment (573),
- Dangerous goods markings and labels (505),
- Securing the load (330),
- Packaging (205).
Transporting dangerous goods safely on the water too
Transporting dangerous goods on the water is an important part of global logistics chains, particularly in the breakbulk sector. Chemicals, oil, gas and industrial garbage are transported over large distances in loose form or in barrels and tanks by ships – and the substances are often highly flammable, corrosive or poisonous. Handling these goods is therefore particularly challenging.
This is why: If substances that pose a threat to the environment make their way into a river from an inland waterway vessel, the consequences can become serious and far-reaching. The spectrum of threats ranges from significant environmental pollution to serious health risks that pose a risk to human beings and animals. Those responsible can also expect legal consequences and face enormous monetary fines and claims for compensation.
Experience plays the crucial role when transporting dangerous goods
Experience is vital when transporting dangerous goods. The complex requirements of this challenging segment of logistics operations are easy to manage if you have a well-coordinated team and extensive expertise. A thorough understanding of the general legal conditions, special transport regulations and safety standards is particularly valuable here. Experts like Rhenus know exactly what kind of information the customer needs to provide, how packages for dispatch need to be marked and which measures are essential for the safety of the transport operations.
Special importance should also be placed on continually training the relevant teams. Transporting dangerous goods not only calls for the highest levels of precision, but also the ability to constantly adapt to new regulations and technologies. All the employees – ranging from the drivers to the planning and safety team – must attend instruction sessions and training courses at regular intervals. Dangerous goods safety advisers and those involved in air traffic even have to pass an examination.
Let’s wrap it up: safe operations when transporting dangerous goods
Each new delivery of dangerous goods raises a large number of questions about safe handling and they affect both the warehousing process and the transport services. Transporting hazardous items and handling them are some of the most challenging tasks within the logistics sector. Transporting dangerous goods is and remains a central, highly specialist part of the global logistics landscape. Numerous statutory regulations (e.g., ADR) and comprehensive safety measures related to the different classes of dangerous goods have to be followed, ranging from their safe storage to actually transporting the dangerous substances and even their international handling. It is therefore far better if those involved can demonstrate on a daily basis that even these complex processes related to the dangerous goods can be implemented safely and efficiently through careful planning work and close cooperation.
Thanks to having specialist teams, trained dangerous goods safety advisers and continually optimizing procedures, the entire supply chain is organized in such a way that risks are minimized and customers’ individual requirements are met at the same time.