Dangerous goods through licensed handlers
Dangerous goods are cargo that can harm people, property or the environment. They move under strict rules. We arrange these shipments through licensed handlers and carriers that accept them, and we tell you early if the cargo will not be accepted.
What it is
Dangerous goods (DG) are substances and articles listed by the international transport rules. Each is given a UN number, a hazard class and, for most classes, a packing group. Sea transport follows the IMDG Code. Air follows the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Road and rail have their own rules, and Hong Kong has its own rules for some goods.
Ayer Shipping does not handle DG itself. We arrange the move through licensed handlers and carriers. They check, pack where needed, declare and carry the cargo. We coordinate the booking, the documents and the trucking around them.
When to use it
- Your safety data sheet (SDS) lists a UN number or a hazard class.
- You ship batteries, paint, aerosols, adhesives or cleaning chemicals.
- You ship products that contain lithium batteries.
- You are not sure whether your cargo counts as dangerous.
- A carrier or a booking has already refused the cargo.
What we handle
- Checking the cargo details with the licensed DG handler and the carrier
- Booking with carriers that accept the class
- Coordination of DG declarations and labels by the licensed handler
- Trucking by licensed carriers
- Early notice if the cargo will not be accepted
- Coordination of packaging that carries the right UN specification
How it runs
- Quote: you send the SDS and the cargo details. The licensed handler and the carrier review them.
- Acceptance: the carrier says whether it accepts the class, the quantity and the route. We tell you early if it does not.
- Booking: we book with an accepting carrier and confirm the cut-off for DG cargo.
- Packing and marking: the licensed handler checks that packaging, marks and labels match the class.
- Declaration: the DG declaration is prepared and signed by the party licensed and responsible for it.
- Carriage and delivery: the cargo moves by licensed carriers. We tell you by email when it is delivered.
What to send us for a quote
| Detail | Why we ask |
|---|---|
| Safety data sheet (SDS) | Gives the UN number, class and hazards. |
| UN number, class and packing group | Carriers accept or refuse cargo on these. |
| Net and gross weight | Sets the quantity limits and the packaging. |
| Packaging type and UN specification | Packaging for DG must be approved for the class. |
| Whether the cargo is limited quantity or fully regulated | Changes the rules and the paperwork. |
| Origin and destination | Not all routes accept all classes. |
| Ready date | DG cargo often has earlier cut-offs. |
Good to know
- Lithium batteries are common DG. Typical UN numbers are UN3480 and UN3481 for batteries alone or packed with equipment, and UN3090 and UN3091 for lithium metal. The safety data sheet and test summary confirm which applies.
- Many carriers refuse some classes on some routes. Ask before you promise a delivery date to a buyer.
- DG surcharges and earlier cut-offs are common. The quote lists them.
Questions
Can you tell me if my cargo is dangerous?
The SDS is the starting point. The licensed handler makes the final call on classification for the shipment.
Can I ship DG by air?
Some can, with limits on quantity and packaging, and some cannot. The handler and carrier confirm.