Given the current state of the world, the need for freight shipping cleaning products is at an all-time high. Medical facilities, grocery stores, and more are relying on these critical supplies to maintain a safe and clean environment. Getting these important goods moved quickly is an essential task.
R+L Global Logistics can handle all of your freight shipping cleaning products needs. Your cleaning supplies need to reach their destination quickly and safely. We make that happen by working with the highest quality carriers available. Your precious cargo will be in the best hands when you ship with us.
There are a number of important details to consider when shipping medical supplies. Our guide below provides you with everything you need to know.
Arguably the biggest consideration when shipping cleaning supplies is whether or not they’re classified as hazardous materials. This is an important distinction to make. Freight that’s categorized as hazardous comes with additional restrictions and rules to comply with. Failing to follow these rules can result in delays of your shipment, fines, and more.
Most cleaning supplies are considered hazardous materials by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). This agency is a subgroup of the Department of Transportation (DOT). The majority of hazardous material regulations are found in Federal Code 49 CFR Part 172. Many common household and commercial cleaners are gases and flammable liquids and solids
The list of cleaning products that qualify as hazardous material includes:
Therefore, as noted above, extra care and precaution needs to be taken when shipping these goods. Most of this additional time and effort comes in when packaging your goods.
If you’re not familiar with the process of shipping hazardous materials or freight shipping aerosol cans, R+L Global Logistics is here to help you. We’re experienced in moving this sensitive freight and can answer all of your questions. We only work with the best hazmat carriers on the road today and promise on-time delivery more than 99.5% of the time!
When it comes to packaging cleaning supplies, safety should be the top priority. Since most of these products are classified as hazardous, accidents caused by insufficient packaging can be disastrous. In fact, the PHMSA noted that aerosols, cleaning supplies & corrosives, and flammable liquids are the top undeclared goods involved in highway incidents each year. With that in mind, there are a few best practices to follow when packaging your cleaning supplies.
1. Have a Thorough Inspection Process in Place
Technically, this step takes place before packing, yet its importance needs to be mentioned. Regardless of what step of the supply chain you’re at, goods need to be inspected for major defects before they’re packed and shipped. Broken seals, leaks, and punctures can be accidents waiting to happen. If you notice damage to goods, don’t ship them.
2. Pack Products Densely to Limit Movement
This applies to all types of freight, as unnecessary movement of goods can lead to damage. Your supplies should be packed close to one another inside of a sturdy container such as a cardboard box or plastic crate. Be careful not to pack too tight as to cause friction between the items.
3. Label Your Products Properly
Since most cleaning supplies are classified as hazardous materials, you’ll need to use the correct shipping label. There are 9 different labels that align with the 9 hazardous materials classes. Most cleaning products will fall into Class 2 (gases) or Class 3 (flammable and combustible liquids). Failing to include a Hazmat label or including an incorrect label can lead to increased inspections and/or fines.
If you’re unsure which class your product is in, it should be listed on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). This is a document provided by the manufacturer of the product that gives all pertinent details about the hazardous material that’s included. An MSDS is also required to be included along with other shipping paperwork.
There are other details to consider when packaging your cleaning products. An experienced and knowledgeable shipping partner like R+L Global Logistics can answer all of your hazardous materials shipping questions.
Are you shipping laundry detergent with your cleaning supplies? Learn more about moving this sudsy stuff.
When calculating the cost of shipping cleaning supplies, a number of details come into play. First, the distance that your goods are travelling will be one of the biggest factors. Generally, the further that your goods travel, the higher the cost will be. This isn’t always true though. Some companies have dedicated freight lanes which run regularly between two areas. In many cases, this lowers what would be a much higher cost. R+L Global Logistics operates numerous dedicated freight lanes that allow you to take advantage of affordable freight shipping rates.
Next, know that you’re going to pay a bit more when compared to shipping non-hazardous freight. As noted above, hazardous materials, including cleaning supplies, require extra precaution when being transported. Along with this extra precaution comes additional training, time, and effort on the part of drivers and all involved. All of this amounts to a slightly higher price when shipping these goods.
Lastly, while all freight shipments are partially insured by a carrier’s liability policy, it’s advisable to purchase additional shipping insurance. This is true for all products, but even more so for hazardous materials. While the value of the cleaning products might not be significantly high, the potential cost for damage can be. Purchasing additional coverage -either from a shipping company or a third party- can provide greater financial security and peace of mind.
When you request a freight shipping quote from R+L Global Logistics, we’ll help you understand the cost. A quote doesn’t have to be confusing and difficult to understand. Our quote process is open and transparent, ensuring that you have a complete understanding.
The final step in shipping your cleaning products is choosing the best shipping partner. All of the above advice can be wasted if you choose an unreliable shipping company. Your cleaning products are absolutely essential, especially in the midst of a global pandemic. It’s critical to work with a trustworthy and reliable company that will deliver your goods safely and quickly.
When looking for a company to ship your cleaning products, be on the lookout for a company that:
R+L Global Logistics does all of the above which is why we’re the leader in transportation and logistics. Through our numerous logistics services to our time-saving quote process, we’re the top choice when it comes to shipping cleaning products and much more.
When you’re ready to ship your cleaning products, R+L Global Logistics is here to serve you. Our extensive knowledge and experience in handling these sensitive goods ensures that the entire shipping process will be smooth and hassle-free. We have the resources and expertise to get your essential supplies quickly into the hands of the people that need them.
Additionally, our comprehensive approach to logistics makes it possible to manage all of your supply chain needs in one place. Whether you need warehousing, order fulfillment, customs brokerage, or more, we’ve got you covered.
When you’re ready to ship your cleaning products, call us at (866) 353-7178. We’ll provide you with a quick and transparent shipping quote and answer all of your questions.
R+L Global Logistics
315 NE 14th St., Ocala, FL 34470