7 Ways to Label Your Hazardous Goods Correctly for Trucking

Transporting hazardous materials requires strict adherence to safety protocols and regulatory standards. 

Among these requirements, properly labeling dangerous goods is one of the most critical aspects of ensuring safe and efficient transportation. 

Incorrect or incomplete labeling can result in penalties, delays, and, more importantly, serious safety risks.

Below, we explore seven proven strategies to label your hazardous goods correctly for trucking operations.

1. Familiarize Yourself with Regulatory Standards

Every country enforces specific regulations for transporting dangerous goods, such as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines or Transport Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act. 

These rules dictate label requirements, including the size, color, and placement for each type of hazardous material.

For example, labels must display the hazard class, division number, and corresponding symbols. Classifications range from Class 1 (Explosives) to Class 9 (Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials).

Knowing the specific requirements for each category ensures that your shipments meet legal standards and avoid costly violations.

2. Utilize Durable and Standardized Labels

Hazardous goods labels must conform to international standards like the United Nations (UN). These labels provide crucial information at a glance, often using color-coded designs and symbols for easy identification.

When selecting labels, ensure they are durable enough to withstand exposure to water, chemicals, UV light, and other harsh conditions during transit.

Substandard materials can lead to faded or illegible labels, increasing the risk of compliance issues and accidents.

For trucking companies like us, maintaining the integrity of labels during shipment is non-negotiable. This attention to detail helps build trust with clients and ensures smooth delivery.

3. Ensure Compatibility with Packaging

Your labels must align with the type of packaging used to transport hazardous materials. 

  • For example, liquid chemicals stored in drums require labels that indicate their flammability or toxicity. 
  • Similarly, pressurized aerosols must carry labels specifying their potential explosion risk.

Packaging must also meet UN specifications for transporting hazardous goods. This includes containers capable of withstanding mechanical stresses and preventing leaks during transit. 

Incorrect labeling paired with inappropriate packaging can result in significant safety hazards.

4. Verify Placarding Requirements

While labeling individual packages is essential, don’t overlook the importance of placards. Placards are more prominent, diamond-shaped signs displayed on trucks carrying hazardous goods:

  • These signs provide critical safety information to handlers, first responders, and law enforcement. 
  • Each placard must correspond to the hazardous material being transported. 

For instance, a shipment containing flammable liquids requires a Class 3 placard, while toxic substances would use a Class 6 placard. Ensuring correct placards are displayed on your truck can prevent regulatory fines and enhance overall safety.

5. Conduct Regular Audits for Accuracy

Even minor errors in labeling can lead to significant disruptions. Before dispatching shipments, double-check that all labels match the shipping documents, including the correct UN number, proper shipping name, and hazard classification. 

Inaccurate or incomplete information can result in delays, penalties, and potential safety risks.

At ET Transport, our team incorporates rigorous checks into every shipment to ensure compliance with hazardous materials regulations. 

These audits are integral to maintaining our reputation for safe and reliable transportation of dangerous materials.

6. Invest in Team Training

Proper labeling requires specialized knowledge, and your team is responsible. Conduct regular training sessions to ensure employees are up-to-date on the latest regulations and best practices. 

Training should cover not only the technical aspects of labeling but also the importance of accuracy and its impact on safety and compliance.

Consistent education is key to staying ahead of the ever-changing nature of transportation laws. 

A well-trained team minimizes the risk of errors, ensuring smooth operations and the safety of all parties involved.

7. Partner with a Trusted Hazardous Materials Expert

Navigating the complexities of hazardous materials transportation can be challenging, especially for businesses new to the industry. This is where partnering with a company like ET Motor Freight can make a difference.

We can handle hazardous shipments and provide expert compliance, labeling, and safety guidance. 

By leveraging their experience, businesses can focus on their core operations while ensuring their goods are transported safely and efficiently.

Why Proper Labeling Matters

Accurate labeling is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s a cornerstone of safe and efficient transportation. 

Labels ensure that everyone involved in the shipping process, from drivers to emergency responders, has the critical information to handle hazardous goods appropriately. 

Moreover, proper labeling reduces the likelihood of accidents, delays, and financial penalties.

Labeling Done Right

By following these seven steps, you can significantly improve the safety and efficiency of your hazardous goods transportation. 

Proper labeling protects your team, ensures compliance, and guarantees that your shipments reach their destination without incident.

For companies managing complex shipments, simplifying this process by working with experienced providers like ET Motor Freight can provide peace of mind. 

Our comprehensive hazardous materials services include transportation and regulatory compliance support. Contact us now to request a quote. 


Why Ship With ET Motor Freight?

  • Asset-Based: We are a USA-based company with locations in Georgia, USA, and 2 locations in Canada.
  • Dry, cool, heated, and flatbed: We provide heating, cooling, and custom delivery services to meet all your shipping needs.
  • Fully Certified: Ensuring your goods are delivered without delays, hidden fees, or unnecessary inspections.
  • Over 100 trucks: Our modern fleet can transport your goods throughout the USA and over the border.
  • We own over 200 trailers to ship your perishable and non-perishable goods.
  • 98% On-time delivery: We continually innovate our trucks to guarantee the most precise and reliable delivery times.
  • 24/7 Customer Service: Our support team is available around the clock.