Packaging for Paint Materials & Other Hazardous Freight

Shipping hazardous material (hazmat) through an LTL carrier requires specific precautions, labels and documentation. The below information dives into packaging requirements specifically for paint material, but can easily be applied for other hazmat products moving through an LTL network.

Understand the minimum requirements 

When shipping items that may be classified as hazardous, the shipper has a legal obligation to package that substance properly to protect themselves, the carrier and anyone who is involved in the handling process. These minimum requirements can be found online or from your vendor and illustrate how to safely handle the product.

Determine The Proper Packaging For Each Material

When shipping hazardous material through an LTL network, hazmat material should still be packaged on a pallet or in a crate, but additional steps must be taken to product the product. 

For paint materials, it is required that all inner packaging is leak-proof and absorbent to soak up any potential spills without releasing any of the spill during transport. Shippers should include the marking "Paint, UN1263" and the Class 3 Hazard Label in a visible place on the outside of the pallet.

Additional information on how to comply with shipping hazardous material can be found here.

Additional Precautions

The proper packaging will include a large amount of inner-packaging material per individual package, along with closure and reinforcement on the pallet or crate. Pre-packaged paint material from the Original Equipment Manufacturer typically meet DOT HazMat standards, but it is recommended to add additional padding inside of the pallet or crate.

Inform Your Carrier

Open communication with your carrier is the key to proper HazMat LTL shipping. The consignee is required to declare a product being shipper as a hazardous material. If not declared, pickups may be refused or the number of days in transit may increase.

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