Safe, compliant transport of dangerous goods across all 9 DOT hazmat classes. Certified drivers, proper documentation, and zero-compromise safety protocols.
Hazmat shipping is the transport of dangerous goods regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). These materials pose risks to health, safety, property, or the environment during transportation and require specialized handling at every stage.
Hazmat freight demands more than just a truck and a driver. It requires carriers with specific certifications, drivers with hazmat endorsements on their CDL, proper placarding on the vehicle, detailed shipping papers, emergency response information, and compliant packaging — all verified before a single mile is driven.
SwiftLink maintains a network of hazmat-certified carriers and drivers who meet the stringent requirements of DOT, FMCSA, and EPA regulations. We handle the complexity so you can ship dangerous goods with confidence and full regulatory compliance.
The primary federal regulation governing hazmat transport — covers classification, packaging, marking, labeling, placarding, and shipping papers.
Carriers must hold proper operating authority and safety ratings. Drivers require hazmat endorsement (H) with TSA background check.
Required in every hazmat vehicle — provides first responders with immediate guidance for handling hazmat incidents during transport.
Environmental protection and worker safety regulations that apply to hazmat handling, storage, and spill response.
SwiftLink arranges compliant transport for all nine DOT hazardous materials classes, each with its own unique handling and safety requirements.
Dynamite, detonators, fireworks, ammunition, and blasting agents. Divided into six divisions (1.1-1.6) based on blast and projection hazard levels. Requires specific separation distances and route restrictions.
Flammable gases (propane, acetylene), non-flammable compressed gases (nitrogen, CO2), and toxic gases (chlorine, ammonia). Requires pressure-rated containers and proper ventilation protocols during transport.
Gasoline, diesel, acetone, alcohols, paint, adhesives, and solvents. One of the most commonly shipped hazmat classes. Requires ground straps, no-smoking protocols, and specific loading/unloading procedures.
Matches, magnesium, lithium batteries, sulfur, and self-reactive substances. Includes spontaneously combustible materials and substances that are dangerous when wet. Requires moisture protection and temperature monitoring.
Hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, ammonium nitrate, and organic peroxides. These substances can cause or enhance combustion of other materials. Must be segregated from flammables and combustibles.
Pesticides, medical waste, biological samples, cyanide, and arsenic compounds. Division 6.1 covers poisons and toxins; Division 6.2 covers infectious substances. Requires leak-proof packaging and biohazard containment.
Medical isotopes, industrial radiography sources, nuclear fuel, and research materials. Requires radiation monitoring, shielded packaging, transport index calculations, and NRC compliance in addition to DOT regulations.
Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, battery acid, and industrial cleaning chemicals. These destroy living tissue and corrode metals on contact. Requires corrosion-resistant containers and secondary containment.
Lithium ion batteries, dry ice, asbestos, magnetized materials, and environmentally hazardous substances. While not fitting neatly into other classes, these materials still pose transport risks and require hazmat compliance.
SwiftLink's hazmat program covers every aspect of dangerous goods transportation — from certified personnel to emergency preparedness.
Every driver holding a CDL with hazmat endorsement (H), TSA security threat assessment clearance, and current hazmat training certification as required by 49 CFR 172.704.
Correct diamond-shaped placards displayed on all four sides of the vehicle per DOT requirements. Package labels, markings, and UN identification numbers verified before departure.
Complete hazmat shipping papers including Bill of Lading with proper shipping name, hazard class, UN number, packing group, and emergency response telephone number. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) accompany every shipment.
Comprehensive emergency response plans for every hazmat shipment. Drivers carry the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) and are trained in initial response procedures for spills, leaks, and exposure incidents.
Vehicles equipped with appropriate spill containment kits, absorbent materials, and personal protective equipment. Secondary containment protocols for bulk liquid hazmat shipments.
Full compliance with all federal hazmat transportation regulations including 49 CFR Parts 171-180. Regular audits, inspections, and compliance monitoring ensure zero regulatory gaps.
As a shipper of hazardous materials, you have regulatory responsibilities under 49 CFR. SwiftLink helps you meet every requirement, but here is what you need to have ready when shipping hazmat freight:
Identify the correct DOT hazard class and division for your material. Misclassification is a serious violation and safety risk.
Every hazardous material has an assigned four-digit UN identification number (e.g., UN1203 for gasoline). This number must appear on all shipping documents and package labels.
Materials must be packaged in UN-specification containers appropriate for the hazard class and packing group (I, II, or III based on danger level).
A current 16-section SDS must be available for each hazardous material being shipped, detailing composition, hazards, handling, and emergency measures.
A 24-hour emergency response telephone number must appear on all hazmat shipping papers — typically through CHEMTREC or an equivalent service.
Hazmat regulations are complex. Our team can review your material specifications, help determine the correct classification, and ensure all documentation is complete before scheduling pickup.
Different hazmat classes require different equipment. We match the right trailer and containment configuration to your specific materials.
Enclosed trailer suitable for most packaged hazmat freight — drums, totes, boxes, and palletized goods across multiple hazmat classes. Protects cargo from weather and provides security.
Common classes: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9
Specialized tank trailers for bulk liquid hazmat — fuels, chemicals, and industrial liquids. Available in stainless steel, aluminum, and lined configurations with multiple compartments and vapor recovery systems.
Common classes: 2, 3, 5, 6, 8
Open deck trailers for drums, totes, IBCs, and oversized hazmat containers. Allows crane loading and easy inspection access. Requires weatherproof tarping for materials sensitive to precipitation.
Common classes: 2, 4, 5, 8, 9
Refrigerated or heated trailers for hazmat that requires specific temperature ranges during transit — certain pharmaceuticals, biological materials, temperature-sensitive chemicals, and reactive substances.
Common classes: 4, 5, 6
For the most dangerous materials — radioactive isotopes, highly toxic substances, and explosive materials — we arrange specialized containment vehicles with shielding, reinforced structures, GPS monitoring, and security escorts. These vehicles meet the highest DOT and NRC standards for the transport of high-consequence dangerous goods.
Common classes: 1, 6.2, 7
Safety is not a priority at SwiftLink — it is a prerequisite. Every hazmat shipment is backed by rigorous safety protocols, ongoing training, and proactive compliance monitoring.
Our carrier partners maintain satisfactory or better FMCSA safety ratings with zero critical hazmat violations. We continuously monitor CSA scores and remove any carrier that falls below our safety thresholds.
All hazmat drivers complete initial and recurrent training per 49 CFR 172.704 covering general awareness, function-specific duties, safety protocols, and security awareness. Training records are maintained and auditable.
Ongoing audits of carrier certifications, driver endorsements, vehicle inspections, and documentation accuracy. We catch and correct compliance issues before they become violations or safety incidents.
Whether it is a single pallet of Class 3 flammables or a full tanker of industrial chemicals, SwiftLink delivers compliant, safe hazmat transport every time.