Is your ecommerce product lineup venturing into hazardous territory? There’s no need to stress. If you’re unsure whether your goods are classified as hazardous materials (hazmat) or how to ship them, we’ve got your back. Hazmat shipping doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right know-how and a trusted partner like ShipMonk, you can handle it confidently while scaling your business seamlessly.
From aerosols and lithium-ion batteries to flammable liquids and cosmetics, this guide will walk you through how to simplify hazmat shipping, step by step.
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First, what makes a product hazardous?
Hazardous materials are substances that are flammable, combustible, pressurized, corrosive, radioactive, or infectious. While explosives or car batteries may not be part of your inventory, many everyday products like hair sprays, perfumes, or rechargeable electronics fall into the hazmat category. These items require special packaging, storage, and compliance to ensure safe handling and transport.
Hazmat shipping regulations can sound complicated, but ShipMonk simplifies the process, ensuring your products reach their destination safely and on time. Here’s what every ecommerce merchant needs to know.
Meet the Hazmat rule makers
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) oversees hazmat regulations to ensure safe handling and shipping. Five key agencies under the USDOT focus on specific forms of transport. Whether your goods travel by air, land, or sea, there are regulations to ensure safety at every step.
The most relevant to ecommerce merchants is the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which governs training, certifications, and shipping standards. With ShipMonk’s expertise, you won’t have to wade through dense regulations alone—we handle the heavy lifting so you can stay focused on growing your business.
Step 1: Understanding common ecommerce hazmat products
Many products in the ecommerce world are classified as hazardous materials. Here are the most common ones ShipMonk expertly handles and the related classifications:
- Aerosols (Class 2): Think hairspray, spray paint, or cleaning products. These items often require special ground shipping and precise compliance procedures.
- Lithium-Ion Batteries (Class 9): Whether contained in devices like smartphones or sold standalone, these must meet both federal regulations and carrier-specific guidelines.
- Cosmetics: Perfumes over 30ml are hazmat items, while those under 30ml are often treated as non-hazardous, simplifying shipping. Items like nail polish or aerosol sprays also fall under hazmat classifications.
Not sure if your products qualify? If it’s something you wouldn’t drink (like certain liquids) or something that powers a device, there’s a good chance it’s considered hazardous.
Step 2: Safe packing and labeling
Proper packaging and labeling aren’t just necessary; they’re required. ShipMonk uses performance-oriented packaging and ensures compliant UN markings and safety labels for all hazmat shipments. Our team reviews everything, including packaging filler and emergency response details, so nothing is left to chance.
Labeling specifics vary, depending on the product. For instance:
- Lithium-ion batteries may require a UN38.3 certificate for international shipments.
- Perfumes and other flammable liquids must be clearly marked with hazard class identifiers.
Keep compliance simple with ShipMonk’s expert oversight. Our teams flag each product, match it with the correct shipping options, and provide clear step-by-step instructions for hassle-free preparation.
Step 3: Certified storage solutions
Proper storage is critical for hazmat products. ShipMonk’s certified warehouses comply with NFPA 30 rules for flammables and OSHA 29 CFR worker safety standards. Our facilities are equipped to safely store aerosols, essential oils, and other hazardous goods using regulated shelving, spill containment, and climate-controlled zones where necessary.
With certified hazmat-trained personnel, we ensure your inventory is always handled with care, giving you peace of mind.
Step 4: Choosing the right carriers
Not all carriers are equipped for hazmat shipping, and each has its own requirements and restrictions. For example:
- UPS, FedEx, USPS, and DHL each have different rules about what they’ll ship, from aerosols to batteries.
- Some products require special contracts or quantity caps, especially for international transport.
ShipMonk’s partnerships with hazmat-certified carriers take the guesswork out of logistics. From labeling requirements to safety contracts, we coordinate everything to keep your shipments compliant.
Step 5: Streamlined paperwork
Documentation plays a huge role in hazmat shipping. From SDS documents to product classifications and emergency contact information, ShipMonk ensures all the paperwork for your shipment is accurate and complete.
Each shipment includes details like:
- Product ID and hazard class.
- Total quantity and packaging type.
- Emergency information and certifications.
Why ShipMonk?
When it comes to hazmat and dangerous goods shipping, ShipMonk stands out as a partner merchants trust. Here’s why:
- Smarter technology: Our proprietary platform classifies, tracks, and matches your goods with the best carriers, taking the headaches out of compliance.
- Built for safety: From federal regulations to carrier-specific rules, we’ve designed every process to prioritize compliance.
- Merchant-first support: We simplify the process by breaking things down into accessible steps while keeping you in the driver’s seat.
- All-in-One Solutions: Aerosols, batteries, cosmetics—we’ve got it covered. We’ll help you scale without worrying about logistics roadblocks.
What we don’t handle
While we’re equipped for nearly all hazmat essentials, we make safety our top priority. Here are items we don’t ship:
- Oversized batteries (e.g., car batteries)
- Lighters and flammable liquids like certain fuels
- Acids, pesticides, and wet wipes
If you’re unsure, just ask! We’ll gladly point you toward the right solution.
Whether it’s aerosols, rechargeable batteries, or your bestselling perfumes, ShipMonk is here to handle the logistics so you can focus on scaling your business. Get started today and experience worry-free hazmat shipping like never before.
