Hazmat Shipping

 

Hazardous material shipping requires specialized expertise, proper certification, and strict adherence to safety regulations. Led by Diana Stinson, a Hazmat-certified freight forwarder with 22 years of experience, and her professional team at Texas Global Services, we handle dangerous goods shipments by air and ocean from Houston and major ports worldwide.

Whether you’re shipping flammable liquids, corrosive chemicals, compressed gases, or other regulated materials, we manage the complex documentation, packaging requirements, and compliance standards so your hazmat cargo moves safely and legally. Transporting dangerous goods demands meticulous planning, proper classification, and a commitment to safety at every step.

Why Choose Texas Global Services

Hazmat Certified – We understand the regulations and handle shipments of dangerous goods correctly.

22 Years of Experience – We have handled hazmat shipments across all nine UN hazard classes, from explosives to miscellaneous dangerous goods.

Responsive Communication – We respond to phone calls and emails seven days a week, including weekends. 

Global Agent Network – Trusted freight agents in Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Asia, and Latin America.

Single Point of Contact – Work directly with Diana or Leslie throughout the entire shipping process.

Understanding Hazardous Materials Classifications

Hazardous materials are substances that pose risks to health, safety, property, or the environment during transportation. These materials can be solids, liquids, or gases. They may be flammable, toxic, corrosive, explosive, or radioactive.

The United Nations established a globally harmonized system dividing hazardous materials into nine classes:

Class 1: Explosives Class 2: Gases (flammable, non-flammable, toxic) Class 3: Flammable liquids Class 4: Flammable solids Class 5: Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances Class 7: Radioactive materials Class 8: Corrosive substances Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous goods

Each class has specific packaging, labeling, and handling requirements. We help you determine the correct classification for your materials and ensure compliance with all regulations.

Hazmat Shipping Regulations & Requirements

International Regulations

International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code governs ocean shipments. International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions govern air shipments. European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) governs ground transport in Europe.

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations

Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) govern domestic transportation in the United States. These regulations specify packaging types, labeling requirements, marking standards, and emergency response information.

Packaging Requirements

Proper packaging prevents leaks, spills, and incidents during transportation. Packaging must meet strict specifications based on the hazard class and the specific material being shipped. We coordinate with packaging suppliers and ensure your hazmat cargo meets all packaging requirements.

Documentation Requirements

Hazmat shipments require specialized documentation including hazardous materials declarations, safety data sheets (SDS), proper shipping names, UN numbers, and emergency contact information. We prepare all required hazmat documentation for your shipments.

Our Hazmat Shipping Services

Hazmat Air Freight

We book space on cargo aircraft approved for dangerous goods, prepare hazmat air waybills and declarations, coordinate with airlines, and ensure compliance with ICAO Technical Instructions. We handle shipments to and from Houston and major international airports.

Hazmat Ocean Freight

We book container space on vessels approved for dangerous goods, prepare hazmat bills of lading and IMDG declarations, coordinate with steamship lines, and ensure compliance with IMDG Code. We handle shipments to and from Houston and major international ports.

What We Handle

Hazmat documentation and declarations, proper classification and UN number assignment, coordination with Hazmat-approved carriers, packaging requirement guidance, customs documentation for hazmat cargo.

What You Provide

Safety data sheets (SDS) for all materials, commercial invoices, packing lists, information about the material (what it is, how much, concentration).

How Hazmat Shipping Works

Step 1: Provide Material Information

Contact us with details about your hazardous material: what it is, quantity, concentration, origin, destination, and timeline. Include safety data sheets (SDS) if available.

Step 2: Classification & Documentation
We determine the proper UN hazard class, identify packaging requirements, and prepare all required hazmat declarations and documentation.

Step 3: Carrier Coordination
We book space with carriers approved for dangerous goods and confirm they accept your specific hazmat class.

Step 4: Packaging Verification
We verify your packaging meets all regulatory requirements for your hazard class. If needed, we can coordinate with packaging suppliers.

Step 5: Labeling & Marking We ensure all hazmat labels, markings, and emergency contact information are correct and visible on the packaging.

Step 7: Customs Clearance & Delivery

We coordinate customs clearance for hazmat cargo and arrange delivery to your destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials require hazmat shipping?
Any material classified under the nine UN hazard classes requires hazmat shipping. This includes flammable liquids, corrosive chemicals, compressed gases, oxidizers, toxic substances, and many industrial products. If you’re unsure, contact us with your safety data sheet.

How much does hazmat shipping cost?
Hazmat shipments cost more than standard cargo because of special handling, documentation, and carrier requirements. Cost depends on hazard class, weight, destination, and whether you’re shipping by air or ocean. Contact us for a detailed quote.

Can I ship hazmat by air?
Yes, but not all hazmat classes are approved for air transport. Some materials are restricted to cargo-only aircraft. We verify whether your material qualifies for air freight and book accordingly.

What documents do I need?
You provide safety data sheets (SDS), commercial invoices, and packing lists. We prepare hazmat declarations, proper shipping names, UN numbers, and emergency response information.

Do you handle all hazard classes?
Yes. Diana is Hazmat certified for air and ocean freight across all nine UN hazard classes.

Who is responsible for proper packaging?
You are responsible for ensuring packaging meets regulatory requirements. We provide guidance on packaging specifications and can coordinate with packaging suppliers if needed.

Do you only serve Houston-area businesses?
No. We’re Houston-based, but we serve clients across Texas, Louisiana, and beyond. We also handle international hazmat shipments through our global agent network.

Hazmat Training & Certification

Personnel involved in hazmat transportation must complete specialized training covering classification, packaging, labeling, handling, and emergency response. These programs provide a comprehensive understanding of risks and safety measures.

Diana Stinson maintains current Hazmat certification for both air and ocean freight. Our team stays updated on changing regulations and ensures every hazmat shipment meets all compliance requirements.

Transporting hazardous materials safely requires expertise, proper certification, and strict adherence to international and domestic regulations. At Texas Global Services, we have the knowledge and experience to handle your dangerous goods shipments correctly.

Hazmat by Rail