Seven Unexpectedly Hazardous Items

Common items may be hazardous! This development comes as a surprise to many people because we do not think of products we use every day as containing dangerous materials. If you distribute these products, you must take additional precautions to stay in legal compliance. Fortunately, the evolution of drayage technology and smart containers makes this easier, although you still need to be aware. Here are seven unexpectedly hazardous items that require additional drayage and technology considerations in North Charleston, SC:

• Camping gear: Your tent and sleeping bag are likely safe, but that does not apply to all camping gear. Camp stoves may ship with propane, which is a flammable gas. The ones who like to rough it more use fire starters, heat-producing packs and lighters, which can all explode under pressure. If your shipping plans include camping gear, read orders carefully so you do not miss hazardous items and inadvertently mishandle them.
• Cosmetics: The biggest offender in this category is nail polish. It is combustible and releases toxic fumes, so, if you ship it, you need to package and label it correctly. However, nail polish is not alone in this category. Aerosols must be packaged and handled differently, as well as any hair dyes and perfumes.
• Frozen food: The popularity of meal kits also places an additional hazard in shipping logistics in the form of dry ice. This material helps food stay fresh as it lingers on customers’ front porches, but it is also a shipping risk. If frozen food ends up on your shipping list, chances are it also comes with dry ice. Treat it appropriately to remain in compliance.
• Laundry supplies: Detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets frequently contain bleach and oxidizing fabric treatments. These ingredients are flammable and sometimes dangerous if leaked. They may also explode under pressure.
• Medical supplies: Many life-saving medications are also dangerous. Radioactive treatments for cancer patients must be in special packaging and only handled by the patient once they arrive. Make sure these are properly labeled for safety. Other treatments may include flammable or corrosive chemicals or infectious diseases.
• Office supplies: Your typical pens and paper will not be dangerous, but printing ink and any devices containing lithium-ion batteries are fair game for hazmat regulations. Also, like cosmetics, aerosols like canned air, spray glue or air fresheners must undergo careful handling in shipping. Any of these products may burst with extreme temperature changes or pressure.
• Thermometers: When COVID-19 started and everyone needed to monitor their temperatures, thermometers sold out on websites everywhere. What many people did not realize was that this essential tool was also potentially hazardous. Even today, some thermometer models contain mercury, which requires special handling in shipping.

All Points Transport in North Charleston, SC stays current on the developments and evolution of drayage technology. This commitment gives us an advantage when it comes to shipping hazardous items. Our drayage and technology supplies include smart containers to make this job easier. Call us today to learn more and schedule your next hazmat shipment.

Categorised in: Hazmat Shipping