Freight forwarders are specialists in international shipping, with a wealth of contacts and experience across the board. They are some of the most suitable people to help you when trying to move unusual or challenging goods to other countries. Dangerous goods and shipments are some of the most intricate and document-heavy to ship. And having the right freight forwarder on your side is one of the best ways to do this smoothly. But, how do they support you with this?
What Are Dangerous Goods?
The term dangerous goods refer to any items or substances where care needs to be taken during shipping or packaging. They post a threat or ‘unreasonable’ risk, if not properly shipped. There are 9 classifications for dangerous goods in international shipping:
- Explosives.
- Flammable Gases.
- Flammable Liquids.
- Oxidising.
- Toxic & Infectious.
- Radioactive.
- Corrosive.
If the goods you need to ship fall into these categories, there are additional requirements you will need to complete to move them from country to country. So, what can a freight forwarder do?
Ensure Documentation Is Available and Correctly Filled
Documentation and declarations for dangerous goods need to be filled incorrectly. The right terminology must be used and accurate descriptions are vital. Any confusion over what has been packaged or what is contained within your freight can result in delays and/or additional fines. You will also need to pay certain duties and taxes, depending on the goods in question. If you’re looking to maintain good levels of customer service and short delivery fees, a freight forwarder will minimise the issues caused by incorrectly filed paperwork.
Engages in Clear Communication
Many declarations for dangerous goods go through an HMRC portal. While the process of this can be easily learnt, a freight forwarder will already know how to effectively communicate with these programmes. This way, you will get a clearer understanding of payments and they’ll have access to detailed reports, identifying whether their existing set-up is working smoothly.
Advice on Packaging
Dangerous goods need to be properly packaged to minimise the risk to those involved in the movement of freight. You also need to ensure that they arrive at their end destination in the same quality as when they left. The right choices, including padding, materials and boxes, can be advised upon by an experienced freight forwarder. There are also international legislations on some woods that are used in packaging – the right contact will be able to advise on this too.
Radius Warehouse and Logistic Services has been supporting businesses through international trade since 1996. If you would like more information about shipping dangerous goods or would like to request a quote from our team, please get in contact here today.
