UPS expands dangerous goods shipping options

With growing demand to ship dangerous goods within the United States and across the globe, UPS recently expanded its dangerous goods shipping program to allow customers a one-stop shipping solution. More than 400 new commodities can now be accepted into the UPS global air network, and the allowable quantity of select dangerous goods has also been increased significantly.

Customers in many different industries have the need to ship dangerous goods. In healthcare, these commodities can include laboratory cleaning agents or oxygen tanks. For industrial manufacturers, those commodities frequently are paint and batteries. For retailers, aerosols and perfume are considered dangerous goods. In automotive, air bags and carburetors can qualify.

Dangerous goods can be shipped using any UPS service level. So, if your shipment isn't urgent, you can opt for UPS 2nd Day Air^® service or UPS 3 Day Select^® delivery within the United States, instead of choosing a next-business-day service. For international, you also can choose the service level that bests suits your deadline and your budget. This flexibility can reduce your overall costs for shipping dangerous goods. Compare costs

What's required?

To ship dangerous goods, you have to have a special contract with UPS. Your dangerous goods shipments, though, can be processed much like your other packages, using your WorldShip^® system or another UPS shipping tool. UPS technology will help you meet guidelines issued by the International Air Transport Association, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the European Dangerous Goods Accord and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

What countries?

UPS accepts international dangerous goods to 36 countries and territories. The new expansion currently benefits these 29 nations in Europe and the Americas, with efforts under way to expand this list in the near future:

Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Vatican City.

Americas: Canada, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the United States.

Where can I learn more?

There is an extensive section of ups.com devoted to dangerous goods transportation. The site includes information on proper package preparation and labeling, plus links to regulatory resources. UPS offers hazardous materials training at sites across the country. If you have a specific question about a shipment, you can call the UPS Hazardous Materials Support Center at 1-800-554-9964.