From time to time, you might need to ship so-called "HAZMAT" materials, ranging from oil to industrial waste. While HAZMAT shipping is readily available, it's typically more expensive than your standard type of package.
With specific packaging requirements, specific training on how to pack and ship, and much more, there is a ton of additional information involved with HAZMAT shipping. You need to familiarize yourself with the concept to keep HAZMAT employees safe and keep your company from incurring civil penalties.
Let's break down HAZMAT shipping rates, so you know what to plan for in your business budget.
What Does HAZMAT Stand For?
"HAZMAT" is a shortening of the term "hazardous materials." Hazardous materials are substances or items in quantities or forms that can be risky for people's health, the environment, or personal property.
Hazardous materials, or "dangerous goods" according to the US DOT, include but are not limited to:
- Any articles or objects that contain liquid mercury, such as thermometers
- Lithium batteries
- Aerosols, like spray-can products
- Oxidizing substances such as organic peroxide
- Fragrances and flammable liquids, flammable solids, and flammable gas
- Nail polish and remover
- Paint and paint thinners or removal products
- Dry ice
- Corrosive materials
- Combustible materials
- Materials that are dangerous when wet
- Radioactive materials
- Infectious substances
- Hazardous waste
You can consult the DOT (US Department of Transportation) hazardous materials table within the Code of Federal Regulations to learn more about hazardous substances, staff training requirements, and even emergency response information for the worst-case scenario.
The transportation of hazardous materials is highly regulated internationally as well as locally. Some substances fall into special packing groups, and others are only permitted to be shipped in limited quantities.
Odds are you've shipped or received some hazardous materials in the past without even knowing it. But when you have to handle the shipping of HAZMAT materials, you need to understand how much it will cost you and what steps you need to take to avoid being fined by the government.
What Does HAZMAT Mean in Shipping?
HAZMAT in shipping means that the shipping provider or carrier must take special precautions.
For example, a shipping provider may request that you package all of your HAZMAT materials in unique, more durable boxes or containers. Or they may ask that you label all your HAZMAT boxes with specific stickers so that shipping specialists can load them correctly and with extra care and attention.
Shipping providers also often take specific steps to minimize the likelihood of dropping or breaking HAZMAT containers or materials. The International Air Transport Association handles hazard classes and transport matters for international goods shipments.
What Are the Shipping Requirements for HAZMAT?
The US Department of Transportation requires all organizations to classify and package materials with proper hazard communications.
- First, the shipping organization must classify the hazardous materials in question.
- Next, they must select suitable inner and outer packaging.
- Then they have to package the HAZMAT materials according to regulations or instructions.
- Next is marking and labeling the packages.
- Each carrier must prepare a special shipping paper or shipper’s declaration that describes the hazardous material(s) in question with the proper shipping name and identification number.
Shipping organizations like RPM can carry out these steps, though some businesses may choose to handle the brunt of the steps themselves. Shipping carriers may refuse to move hazardous materials if these steps are not followed knowingly.
Partially, that's because the fees for violating hazardous material shipping requirements or regulations can be up to $500,000. Additionally, shippers often undergo additional safety training, such as how to review the cargo’s safety data sheet (SDS) before shipping, incurring extra costs and time.
What Are the Average HAZMAT Shipping Rates, and Why?
Average HAZMAT shipping rates can vary heavily based on a variety of factors. Generally, however, shipping hazardous materials will cost you more than shipping standard non-hazardous materials. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that median truck driver pay is $48,310 annually. Meanwhile, HAZMAT drivers earn about $63,234 per year.
Let's take a look at the factors that can affect HAZMAT shipping rates.
Number of Regulations
For starters, if your hazardous materials are regulated by a more significant number of rules or restrictions, your carrier or shipping partner will have to take extra steps to make sure those regulations are followed.
In short, the more significant the number of regulations that apply to your cargo, the more you'll pay to ensure those regulations aren't broken intentionally or accidentally.
More regulations often require:
- More stops at truck weigh-in stations
- More steps to secure or double-check cargo, which cuts down on time spent driving
- More care and attention are paid to packaging or boxes
Risk of Danger
In addition, hazardous material transportation often leads to higher prices due to the increased risk of danger to the driver or the shipping company. Shipping organizations must have insurance to cover the cost of accidental damage to people or property, of course.
But many carriers have insurance and fees, which can impact prices for their clients. They may charge higher rates for transporting hazardous materials due to the risk of damage to their trucks or bodies.
The greater the risk of danger related to the hazardous materials being shipped and the quantity of material, the more you'll pay compared to a standard load of the same weight or a shipment that traverses the same distance.
Possible Contamination
Lastly, average HAZMAT load rates are higher than standard because of possible contamination risks. Simply put, the risk of contamination to the environment or other cargo means that carriers take on additional risk by accepting HAZMAT loads in the first place.
The Bottom Line
So, how much can you expect to pay for HAZMAT shipping? It depends on what you ship, where, and other factors.
You can expect to pay about 15% to 50% more for a HAZMAT load than a load of non-hazardous materials of comparable size or distance.
You need experienced shipping professionals to handle your hazardous material loads. Only the right transportation company can ensure that your shipments arrive on time and with as few delays or problems as possible.
That company is RPM. As one of the world's top logistics providers, we have over a decade of experience in the industry and an extensive network of over 40,000 carriers. Each of our carriers is certified and well-trained in transporting hazardous materials.
No matter what your needs are, our carrier network can meet your shipping requirements. We have the right equipment, people, and logistics network for you to rely on. Contact RPM today to learn how we can help you ship or receive hazardous materials at affordable prices.
Sources:
How to Comply with Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations | FMCSA
Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers : Occupational Outlook Handbook | Bureau of Labor Statistics
Salary: Class A Cdl Driver Hazmat Tanker (September, 2022) | Glassdoor
