How to Ship Dangerous Goods

At Day & Ross, we make shipping easy for our customers – even some of those hard-to-ship items like dangerous goods (DG). We’re here to help you learn what you need to ship DG safely and in compliance with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) regulations.

Before you start shipping DG with us, check out the list of restricted articles for domestic and transborder shipments to ensure we move your commodity.

Shipping Multiple DG Items?

If you create a shipment online and you have multiple DG items as one handling unit (i.e. box or skid), please enter the required details for the first item in the mandatory fields, and only the UN numbers for the additional items in the Special Instructions field.

Shipper’s Responsibilities

If you ship dangerous goods, you should provide the appropriate shipping documents and complete a proper declaration of any DG product, in compliance with Transport Canada Regulations.

Product classification labels

Before you ship, review this checklist:

  • Ensure the product is properly classified, packaged, and labelled.
  • Check that your means of containment/packaging is appropriate for the type of DG.
  • Review your shipping document to ensure it’s correctly completed and dated.
  • Provide a complete set of placards and UN numbers (if required) and affix them to your freight before the goods are loaded.

Shipper's Declaration

A shipper’s declaration is a mandatory statement on the shipping document confirming that the dangerous goods have been properly classified, packaged, and labelled with safety marks according to the TDG Regulations. The certification must be made by the shipper (consignor) or by a person acting on their behalf. The name of the shipper or representative must be also printed and clearly indicated on the shipping document.

Example of shipper’s declaration:

“I hereby declare that the contents of this consignment are fully and accurately described above by the proper shipping name, are properly classified and packaged, have dangerous goods safety marks properly affixed or displayed on them, and are in all respects in proper condition for transport according to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations.”

The certification appearing on the shipping document must be one of the five proposed certifications in the subsection 3.6.1(1) of TDG Regulations, Transport Canada.

Firearms & Ammunition: Shipper’s Obligations

Firearms and ammunition are regulated products that ship according to government regulations. All shipments containing firearms or ammunition follow our Chain of Signature (COS) procedure. As the shipper, you should understand your obligations before you ship these items with us. Failure to provide the appropriate documentation may result in us refusing your shipment.

  • For online shipments, include "COS" in the Special Instructions field. If you complete a BOL by hand, declare all firearms and ammunition by selecting Chain of Signature (COS). If you're calling to request a pickup, let our Customer Care team know. 
  • Download the Chain of Signature (COS) document available on our Forms page and complete Section 1.
  • Print two copies of the COS document: keep one signed copy and give the duplicate to the pickup driver.
  • Attach the Day & Ross COS stickers to all COS shipments. If you don’t have any, our driver will apply at pickup. 
  • Secure and package your shipment based on the requirements outlined in the Firearms Act: a black container that cannot be readily broken into or opened during transportation with no markings indicating what is inside.
  • If your shipment contains ammunition, make sure you complete the DG Shipping Document available on our Forms page, and provide all the necessary DG information and placards if applicable.

chain of signature sticker
Shipping Document

A shipping document identifies the dangerous goods being transported. In some cases, the quantity of dangerous goods being shipped may not require placards, but the shipping documents must contain all the required information. The shipper must complete the shipping document before allowing the Day & Ross driver to take the dangerous goods.

 

It is the shipper’s responsibility to create their own shipping document. There is no specific form that a shipper must use. The shipping document must list the required information as shown in the fillable template posted on our Forms page, provided by Transport Canada. This includes:

 

  • Order of Description (UN# always comes first)
  • Shipper’s Declaration (mandatory)
  • Labelling/Packaging (clearly and visibly indicating DG)

If you’re new to shipping dangerous goods or have any questions, we can help. Get in touch with one of our experts for more information.

gototopGo To Top