Class 1
Explosives
- 1.1–1.3 Explosives
- 1.4 Minor explosion hazard
- 1.5 Blasting agents
- 1.6 Extremely insensitive
Examples: Fireworks, ammunition, blasting supplies.
Services · Hazardous materials
Hazmat Freight
Chemicals, fuels, batteries, paints, aerosols and other regulated goods. HAZMAT is one of my certifications: I book your load with hazmat-endorsed drivers, check the paperwork and make sure the truck is placarded correctly.
- Hazmat-endorsed drivers
- Placarded & documented
- Truckload and LTL
- Placards on both sides and both ends of the truck
- Hazmat-endorsed driver (CDL H or X)
- Shipping papers and emergency information within the driver’s reach
- Load secured and kept apart from incompatible materials
The rules
Moving hazardous materials safely and legally
Hazardous materials on U.S. roads fall under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171–180). The driver needs a CDL with a hazmat endorsement, and most loads must be placarded: any amount of the highest-hazard materials, and most other hazmat once the load reaches 1,001 lb.
Landstar’s network includes many hazmat-qualified owner-operators, and every hazmat load I book has Landstar’s safety standards behind it. Tell me the hazard class and UN number, and I’ll confirm the right equipment and carrier for it.
Hazard classes
The nine hazard classes
Every hazardous material belongs to one of nine classes, and the class decides the placards, packaging and handling. These are the placards you’ll see on the truck.
Class 2
Gases
- 2.1 Flammable gas
- 2.2 Non-flammable gas, oxygen
- 2.3 Poison gas (inhalation hazard)
Examples: Propane, aerosols, compressed and refrigerated gases.
Class 3
Flammable & combustible liquids
- Flammable: flash point up to 60 °C (140 °F)
- Combustible: flash point 60–93 °C (140–200 °F)
Examples: Fuels, paints, solvents, alcohols, adhesives.
Class 4
Flammable solids
- 4.1 Flammable solid
- 4.2 Spontaneously combustible
- 4.3 Dangerous when wet
Examples: Matches, some metal powders, sodium.
Class 5
Oxidizers & organic peroxides
- 5.1 Oxidizer
- 5.2 Organic peroxide
Examples: Pool chemicals, hydrogen peroxide, ammonium nitrate fertilizer.
Class 6
Toxic & infectious
- 6.1 Toxic (poison)
- 6.1 Inhalation hazard
- 6.2 Infectious: labeled, not placarded
Examples: Pesticides, certain chemicals, medical waste.
Class 7
Radioactive
- Placarded for packages with the Radioactive Yellow-III label
Examples: Medical isotopes, industrial gauges.
Class 8
Corrosives
- Acids and alkalis that damage skin or metal
Examples: Wet batteries, acids, alkaline cleaners.
Class 9
Miscellaneous
- Hazards not covered by classes 1–8
- Placard optional for domestic shipments
Examples: Lithium batteries, dry ice, environmentally hazardous substances.
Simplified drawings of the placards in 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart F. Real placards are at least 250 mm (9.84 in) on each side; some also show a compatibility group letter (Class 1) or a UN number. GASOLINE and FUEL OIL placards may be used instead of FLAMMABLE or COMBUSTIBLE for those products.
Typical loads
Hazmat freight I arrange
- Industrial chemicals
- Fuels & oils
- Paints & coatings
- Adhesives & solvents
- Aerosols
- Batteries
- Cleaning products
- Fertilizers
- Compressed gases
- Pool & water-treatment chemicals
Shipper responsibilities
What the shipper provides
Federal rules make the shipper responsible for classifying, packaging, marking and documenting hazardous materials. Before the truck arrives, have these ready:
- Shipping papers with the UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class, packing group and quantity
- A 24-hour emergency response phone number on the shipping papers
- Emergency response information, such as the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Packages marked and labeled for their hazard class
- A full list of what’s in the load, so incompatible materials aren’t loaded together
Request a quote
What I need for a quote
- UN number and proper shipping name
- Hazard class and packing group
- Quantity, packaging and total weight
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Pickup and delivery addresses and dates
- Temperature control needs, if any
- Whether the load mixes hazmat and non-hazmat freight
Do all hazmat loads need placards?
Most do. Placards are required for any amount of certain high-hazard materials, and for most other hazmat once the load’s total weight reaches 1,001 lb. Smaller amounts of some materials can move without placards but still need correct papers and markings.
What is a hazmat endorsement?
An H endorsement on a commercial driver’s license (or X, which combines hazmat and tanker) shows the driver passed the hazmat knowledge test and a TSA security threat assessment. It’s required to drive a placarded load.
What does the shipper need to provide?
Shipping papers with the UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class, packing group and quantity; a 24-hour emergency response phone number; and emergency response information such as the SDS. Packages must be marked and labeled correctly.
Can lithium batteries move by truck?
Usually, yes. Lithium batteries are Class 9 hazardous materials and can move by truck when they’re packaged, marked and documented correctly. Share the battery type, size and packaging so I can quote the right service.
Can hazmat ship LTL?
Often, yes, as long as the materials can travel with other freight and the packaging meets the rules. Some materials need a dedicated truckload.
This page is general information, not regulatory advice. Shippers remain responsible for classifying, packaging and documenting hazardous materials under 49 CFR.
More services
Other freight I move
Request a quote
Have a hazmat load to move?
Send the UN number, class, quantity and SDS, and I’ll confirm the equipment and give you a rate.