So you call in a shipment that has some Dangerous Goods (DG) in it, and you start getting the third degree. What class is it? Can you send us a copy of the Dangerous Goods documents? Is it limited quantity? Your head starts spinning wondering what some of this even means, and why the extra hassle! You just want to get this stuff picked up and out of your warehouse - it's just a few boxes after all! We get it! Here's a few things we want you to know:
Transport Canada and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE) are constantly on the lookout for possible infractions (and issuing fines) to ensure the safe transportation of Dangerous Goods.
Infractions can be as small as listing an abbreviation instead of the full name, and can cost in the hundreds of thousands for each offence on each document.
Shippers, carriers, and receivers are all responsible for keeping accurate documentation for at least two years.
If an accident occurs while improperly documented or labelled Dangerous Goods are on board a vehicle, it can cause serious and (in some cases) catastrophic results for the driver and first responders.
So what can you do to help us stay in compliance and keep everyone safe?
Aside from sending us your Dangerous Goods documentation in advance, and appropriately signing documentation for our drivers, here are a few things that we're looking for on your documentation to help things run smoothly:
Consignor's Certification Statement,
Unit of measure in Kilograms or Pounds for each item listed, as well as a total for the shipment,
24-hour Emergency Response phone number,
Full shipping name of the Dangerous Goods with associated UN (abbreviations not accepted), Primary and Subsidiary Class, Packing Group (if applicable), and the words "toxic by inhalation" (if applicable),
Any non-Dangerous Goods items listed separately,
Printed Company Name, Shipper Name, and Shipper Signature, as well as a spot for the Carrier and Receiver to provide their Company Name, Printed Name, and Signature.
We know we're asking a lot. Our promise to you is that our Drivers, Owner Operators, and Office Employees are Dangerous Goods certified, and are working with your best interest in mind.
If you have any questions, or would like more information, our office lines are always open, and there is a wealth of information available online here.