Written by: Nathan Steele
Date:

Moving, as-is is quite stressful. You have to worry about a lot of things – some of which you have control over, and others that you do not. The latter ones are what give people the most anxiety. However, that doesn’t mean people don’t worry about things they can control, as well. Quite on the contrary. People obsess about whether they’ve planned their move correctly, and whether or not they’ve dotted every I and crossed every T. In all reality, moving is a lot to handle. Especially, if you need to transport hazardous materials. That’s where the words “moving is stressful” takes a whole other meaning.

However, it doesn’t need to be like that. Let Verified movers lend you a helping hand. Here is our step-by-step guide to help you relocate those dangerous goods in a blink of an eye and without worry.

A word of advice before we begin.

If you are reading this you are probably an adult. So, while there might be no point in saying this, we are still going to issue you the following recommendation. If you are planning on transporting hazardous materials be really careful. Safety should be, above and beyond, anything else. How quickly you relocate is not going to matter if some of the dangerous materials spill not just on your belongings, but also all over the road. It would be extremely irresponsible if you do not prescribe to moving industry standards when relocating hazardous materials. It’s exactly for that reason that we recommend that you…

A person in a space suit typing on a laptop

Don’t forget to take all the necessary precautionary measures. You know, you can never be too safe!

Hire a professional moving company.

While this might sound like a marketing ploy for you to hire long-distance moving company Maine or any other moving company for that instance, we assure you that it’s not. When dealing with hazardous materials, extra safety precautionary measures are necessary. That’s why we recommend that you hire a professional moving company.

Reliable and trustworthy moving companies have a team of professional movers who handle dangerous goods on a daily basis. Not only do they have the proper tools to ensure the safety of those belongings but also the tools to help prevent any accidents from happening in transport. So, while it might be tempting to relocate those belongings by yourself, we strongly advise against such an action. Be safe, be sure – hire a moving company.

How to transport hazardous materials

There are several questions that need to be answered if you decide to relocate dangerous goods. One of the key questions you need to answer before you even think about relocating is choosing the right mode of transportation. Will you rent a truck, plane, or by cargo vessel? Whatever you choose make sure to give the company that’s renting that vehicle a proper heads up a few weeks in advance. We recommend that you inform them about the reason you are going to use their vehicle. This way, you and the company are on the same page about exactly what is going to be transported in the vehicle. In our experience, most companies will be extremely helpful and even share with you some tips and tricks on how to transport hazardous materials seamlessly.

Moving trucks

Research suggests that transportation of hazardous materials is mostly done by trucks, and rarely by plane or other modes of transportation.

Before you transport dangerous goods you need to do the following.

When relocating goods classified as dangerous there are a couple of other things to take into consideration. First, you need to educate yourself about all the risks of transporting hazardous materials. Second, make sure you know exactly what classification your goods belong to. There are several classifications of dangerous goods. The most common one is:

    1. Explosives;
    2. Gases;
    3. Flammable liquids;
    4. Flammable solids;
    5. Oxidizing substances;
    6. Toxic substances;
    7. Corrosive substances;
    8. Mixed class goods;
    9. Elevated temperature liquids.

Third, learn whether or not you need a safety advisor for relocating that type of good. Fourth, find out what type of legal documentation you need for relocating those goods. Fifth, make sure you have the appropriate packing materials.

Transport.

After you’ve made all the necessary arrangements. And made sure that all the aforementioned checkboxes are ticked it’s time to approach relocation. When relocating dangerous items make sure to:

  1. Make sure that the belongings are safely packaged. Packing paper and bubble wrap won’t do it here. You need to make sure that you have a specialized container that is made for storing the items you are transporting.
  2. Make sure that you label the containers properly. Ensure that all the information that is required by law is presented on the containers.
  3. Evenly scatter out the weight in the truck.
  4. Always follow the rules when loading and unloading the truck. Don’t be impatient. Be disciplined. Be careful. Don’t rush.

If you follow these four simple and easy steps we are sure your move will proceed smoothly and effortlessly. However, we would like to outline one important concept. When handling these types of goods we implore you to be patient. Don’t rush the move. Trust us, the cost of losing a few hours in relocation to a potential catastrophe that could happen on the road if you are not being careful is thoroughly worth it.

A person in a hazmat suit meditating.

Patience is a virtue when dealing with hazardous belongings.

How to transport hazardous materials, in conclusion.

All in all, relocating dangerous belongings is risky. Not just for you, but also for the environment. That’s why we recommend that you properly educate yourself on the moving standards for moving these belongings. Also, we suggest that you be extremely careful when handling those items. People say that patience is a virtue for a reason, you know? Sacrifice a bit of time for a slower yet safer move. After all, better to be safe than sorry.

However, if you want the safest move we recommend that you hire long distance moving companies Augusta. A team of reliable professional movers that relocate hazardous materials on a daily basis. That way you can rest assured that all your belongings are safe and out of reach of harm’s way.