Dangerous Goods Transport
Hazardous cargo classified, packed and declared for road, sea and air
All nine UN hazard classes under ADR, IMDG and IATA rules, including lithium batteries and Class 1 explosives.
- All nine hazard classes
- ADR, IMDG and IATA
- UN-approved packaging
What Are Dangerous Goods?
Dangerous goods are substances and articles that can harm people, property or the environment if they leak, ignite or react during transport. Everyday products are often included: paint, perfume, aerosols, adhesives, cleaning chemicals, fuel, batteries and some cosmetics.
Every dangerous good is assigned a UN number, a hazard class and, for most, a packing group that shows how dangerous it is. These decide how it must be packed, marked, labelled and documented, and which transport modes can carry it.
The rules differ by mode: ADR for road, the IMDG Code for sea, the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for air and RID for rail. A shipment that is legal by road may be restricted or forbidden by air.
Request a Dangerous Goods Quote
Fast, compliant solutions for hazardous cargo
Dangerous goods at a glance
Watch out for: a safety data sheet is not enough on its own. Section 14 gives the transport details, but the goods still need the right packaging, marks and a dangerous goods declaration. Missing or wrong details are the most common reason shipments are rejected.
Benefits of Dangerous Goods Transport
Legal and accepted first time
Correct classification, packaging and paperwork mean carriers accept the shipment without delays or rejections.
Every mode covered
Road, sea and air, with the rules for each mode applied to your cargo.
Small quantity options
Many products can travel as limited or excepted quantities, with lighter requirements and lower costs.
Specialist cargo
Lithium batteries, Class 1 explosives and other high-risk goods handled with the right carriers.
Less risk for your business
Mistakes with dangerous goods can mean fines, rejected cargo and safety incidents. Getting it right protects you.
Why Choose Qube Cargo for Dangerous Goods Transport
We are a UK freight forwarder, not a call centre. You deal with the same small team from classification to delivery.
Classification checked
We check the UN number, class and packing group against the safety data sheet before booking.
The right mode and carrier
Not every airline, shipping line or haulier accepts every class. We book with carriers that do.
Paperwork prepared
Dangerous goods declarations, container packing certificates and air shipper’s declarations.
Packaging and marking advice
UN-approved packaging, marks and labels checked before collection.
Talk to a person
Call us on 07544 381501.
Dangerous Goods Transport Solutions We Provide
We coordinate compliant dangerous goods transport solutions across all major transport modes, ensuring safe handling, regulatory compliance, and efficient delivery worldwide.
- Dangerous Goods Road Transport (ADR)
Compliant transport across the UK and Europe using ADR-certified vehicles and drivers.
- Dangerous Goods Air Freight (IATA)
Time-critical shipments handled in accordance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).
- Dangerous Goods Sea Freight (IMDG)
Safe transport of hazardous cargo via global shipping routes under IMDG Code compliance.
- Dangerous Goods Groupage & Part Load
Shared transport solutions for smaller consignments, maintaining compliance without requiring full vehicle capacity.
- Classification, Documentation & Labelling
Accurate declaration, UN classification, and compliant labelling to meet international transport regulations.
- Secure Handling & Risk-Controlled Transport
Specialist handling procedures to ensure safe loading, transit, and delivery of hazardous materials.
The nine dangerous goods classes
Every dangerous good falls into one of nine UN hazard classes. The class decides how it is packed, labelled and carried.
Class 1: Explosives
Ammunition, fireworks, flares and pyrotechnics. See Class 1 transport.
Class 2: Gases
Aerosols, gas cylinders, fire extinguishers and refrigerant gases.
Class 3: Flammable liquids
Paints, solvents, adhesives, perfumes, fuels and many inks.
Class 4: Flammable solids
Matches, metal powders and substances that ignite in contact with air or water.
Class 5: Oxidisers and organic peroxides
Some fertilisers, pool chemicals and hydrogen peroxide solutions.
Class 6: Toxic and infectious
Pesticides, some chemicals, and medical or clinical samples.
Class 7: Radioactive
Radioactive materials, which need specialist carriers and approvals.
Class 8: Corrosives
Acids, alkalis, wet batteries and many cleaning chemicals.
Class 9: Miscellaneous
Lithium batteries, dry ice, magnetised materials and environmentally hazardous substances. See lithium batteries.
How We Deliver Dangerous Goods Transport
1. Classification
Send us the safety data sheet. We confirm the UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group and quantity.
2. Mode and carrier
We choose road, sea or air based on the goods, quantity and destination, and confirm carrier acceptance.
3. Packaging and marking
Goods are packed in UN-approved packaging, with the correct marks and hazard labels.
4. Documentation
We prepare the dangerous goods declaration for the mode, plus any certificates the carrier needs.
5. Transport and delivery
The shipment travels with approved carriers, with customs clearance and delivery at destination.
Groupage
Next Day
Hazardous
Drop Shipping
Freight Insurance
Customs Clearance
Rail Freight
Container Haulage
eCommerce
Global Dangerous Goods Transport Coverage
We coordinate compliant dangerous goods transport across the UK, Europe, and worldwide, ensuring safe handling and regulatory compliance in every region.
- Europe – ADR-compliant transport across major routes, including cross-border movements requiring multi-jurisdictional permits.
- Asia & Middle East – Support for hazardous cargo across industrial, manufacturing, and regulated trade regions.
- North & South America – Dangerous goods transport across key logistics corridors, ports, and inland destinations.
- Africa – Specialist coordination for hazardous shipments to ports, industrial sites, and remote project locations.
- Australasia & Oceania – Compliant transport across Australia, New Zealand, and regional island destinations.
Case Study – Explosives Transport for Mining Operations
A mining company required the secure transport of Class 1 blasting agents from Europe to a remote site in West Africa.
A compliant multi-modal solution was arranged, including ADR road transport, IMDG sea freight, and controlled final delivery with appropriate safety measures.
The shipment was delivered safely, on schedule, and in full compliance with all international regulations.
A mining company in West Africa required the safe transport of Class 1 blasting agents from a European manufacturer. Qube Cargo arranged ADR-compliant road transport to port, secured IMDG-compliant sea freight, and coordinated armed security escorts for the inland leg in the destination country.
The cargo arrived securely, on schedule, and in full compliance with all international safety and regulatory requirements.
Dangerous & Hazardous Goods Transport FAQs
Dangerous goods are substances or items that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during transport. They are classified by the United Nations into nine hazard classes, covering explosives, gases, flammable liquids, toxic substances, radioactive materials, and more.
Depending on the transport mode, we operate in accordance with:
- ADR for road transport
- IMDG Code for sea freight
- IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for air freight
We ensure every shipment meets the correct regulatory framework before movement begins.
Yes. We assist with cargo classification, UN numbers, packaging requirements, hazard labelling, and transport documentation, ensuring goods are declared correctly and compliantly.
Absolutely. We regularly coordinate multimodal shipments, combining road, sea, and air freight to suit your timelines, budget, and risk profile, with seamless handling at each stage.
Yes. All carriers we work with hold the appropriate ADR, IMDG, or IATA certifications and employ trained dangerous goods drivers, handlers, and safety advisers (DGSA where required).
Yes. We can arrange freight insurance for dangerous goods shipments. Carrier liability is limited under international conventions, so insurance is strongly recommended for regulated or high-value cargo.
To provide an accurate quotation, we typically require:
- Description of the goods
- UN number and hazard class (if known)
- Quantity, weight, and packaging type
- Collection and delivery locations
- Required transport mode and timeframe
If you’re unsure of any details, our team can advise.
Yes. We regularly handle urgent and time-critical dangerous goods shipments, including next-day and priority services, subject to regulatory approval and safety requirements.