What are the nine classes of dangerous goods?

Under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code), dangerous goods are grouped into nine classes based on the primary hazard they present, including explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidising substances, toxic and infectious substances, radioactive material, corrosive substances and miscellaneous dangerous goods. Some classes are further divided into divisions, and a shipment's classification helps determine the transport requirements that apply.

What is the Australian Dangerous Goods Code?

The Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code) sets out technical requirements for transporting dangerous goods by road and rail in Australia. It covers areas such as classification, packaging, marking, placarding, documentation, vehicle requirements, segregation and safety provisions, alongside applicable state and territory legislation.

Are hazardous chemicals the same as dangerous goods?

Not necessarily. A substance can be hazardous in a workplace without being classified in the same way for transport, because workplace chemical classification and dangerous goods transport classification operate under different frameworks.

What information do I need to provide when arranging dangerous goods freight?

Useful information includes the dangerous goods description, UN number, class or division, subsidiary risk and packing group where applicable, along with quantity, packaging or container type, weight, dimensions and pickup and delivery details. Providing accurate information helps responding transport providers assess whether the movement suits their vehicles, equipment and operating requirements.

Do dangerous goods require special packaging?

Dangerous goods may require packaging that is appropriate for the substance, quantity and applicable transport requirements. The packaging used can therefore affect how the freight needs to be handled and transported.

What is a placard load?

A placard load is a dangerous goods load that reaches the applicable quantities at which additional transport controls, including vehicle placarding and emergency information requirements, apply. Whether a load is subject to these requirements depends on the dangerous goods involved and the quantity being transported.

Do dangerous goods require a specialised vehicle?

Not every dangerous goods shipment requires the same type of vehicle. Vehicle and equipment requirements can depend on the dangerous goods class, quantity, packaging, load configuration and whether the movement involves bulk or tank transport, so the responding carrier needs to assess the particular load.

Can different dangerous goods be transported together?

Different dangerous goods cannot always be transported together. Compatibility and segregation requirements can apply depending on the substances involved, which is why carriers need to consider the specific combination of goods before accepting a movement.

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Transport Dangerous Goods With Confidence

Dangerous goods aren't handled like standard freight. Freightland helps businesses share the details that matter and compare responses from registered transport companies and owner-drivers.

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Dangerous Goods Freight for Regulated Shipments

Dangerous goods freight is subject to specific transport requirements under Australia's ADG Code and applicable state and territory requirements. Unlike standard freight, how a dangerous goods shipment is transported can depend on the type and quantity of goods, how they are packaged and the transport arrangements required.

Dangerous goods cover a broad range of materials, from gases and flammable liquids to corrosive substances and batteries. Freightland Carriers Australia helps businesses provide the relevant shipment details and compare responses from registered transport companies and owner-drivers, while the responding carrier assesses whether the specific movement fits its capabilities and requirements.

Dangerous Goods Freight for Different Loads

Dangerous goods can move as packaged, palletised, IBC or bulk freight, with transport requirements varying according to the substance, quantity, packaging and load type.

Packaged Dangerous Goods

Cartons, drums, jerry cans, cylinders and other approved packages used for dangerous goods, with packaging suited to the substance and transport requirements.

Palletised Dangerous Goods

Multiple packages consolidated on pallets, with appropriate load restraint and required dangerous goods markings and labels maintained.

IBCs & Larger Containers

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) and other larger receptacles used for certain dangerous goods, with container suitability depending on the substance and load.

Bulk & Tank Transport

Some dangerous goods move as bulk freight or in tank vehicles, requiring appropriately equipped transport providers for the specific load.

Interstate Dangerous Goods Freight

Dangerous goods moved between Australian metro and regional locations, with interstate movements subject to the ADG Code and applicable state or territory requirements.

Dangerous Goods Freight Solutions for Every Type of Shipment

Freightland provides a marketplace for arranging different types of freight, whether the requirement is occasional, recurring, smaller quantity or dedicated transport.

One-Off Dangerous Goods Movements

For occasional shipments, businesses can submit an individual dangerous goods consignment and arrange transport around its specific requirements.

Regular Dangerous Goods Freight

Recurring chemical products, manufacturing inputs, industrial supplies and B2B distribution may require ongoing transport arrangements that can be planned around regular freight needs.

Smaller Quantity Dangerous Goods

Smaller quantities may not be placard loads and can be subject to different requirements or applicable concessions, depending on the goods and circumstances.

Larger & Placard Loads

Larger quantities can bring additional requirements around vehicle placarding, emergency information, safety equipment, segregation, documentation and vehicle or driver arrangements.

Full Vehicle & Dedicated Transport

Some loads may require dedicated vehicle capacity due to quantity, compatibility, contamination risk, vehicle suitability or customer requirements.

Dangerous Goods Freight Across Australian Industries

Freightland gives businesses a dedicated marketplace for sourcing dangerous goods transport providers across Australia’s commercial and industrial supply chains. Specific products and materials may or may not be classified as dangerous goods depending on their transport classification.

Chemical Manufacturing

Chemical products, solvents & industrial inputs

Mining & Resources

Fuels, gases, chemicals & operational materials

Construction & Infrastructure

Paints, solvents, fuels & gases

Agriculture

Certain fertilisers, chemicals & agricultural products

Automotive

Fuels, oils, batteries, gases & workshop chemicals

General Manufacturing

Industrial chemicals, gases, solvents & production materials

Energy & Utilities

Fuels, gases & operational chemicals

Request a Dangerous Goods Freight Quote

Dangerous goods freight often requires more shipment information than standard freight. Providing accurate details helps responding carriers assess the load against their vehicle, equipment, operating requirements and available capacity. Freight Details Required:

Pickup & Delivery Locations:

Helps assess route, availability and transport requirements

Dangerous Goods Description:

Clearly identifies the goods being offered for transport

UN Number:

Helps identify the specific dangerous goods where applicable

Class/Division:

Identifies the primary hazard associated with the goods

Subsidiary Risk:

Include any additional hazard classification where applicable

Packing Group:

Provides the applicable degree of danger for substances assigned to a packing group

Quantity:

Important because transport requirements can vary with the quantity being moved

Packaging/Container Type:

Specify whether the goods are in cartons, drums, cylinders, IBCs, tanks or other approved receptacles

Weight & Dimensions:

Helps assess vehicle suitability, capacity and loading requirements

Preferred Pickup Date:

Helps carriers assess availability for the requested movement

Loading Requirements:

Include site access, loading equipment and other relevant considerations

The shipper is responsible for providing accurate information about the goods being offered for transport. The selected transport provider is responsible for assessing the movement and determining and meeting the applicable transport, vehicle, licensing, permit and operational requirements.

Submit Your Freight Requirement

Why Businesses Trust Freightland

Freightland combines Australian road freight experience with a marketplace built around real shipment requirements. This is particularly important for dangerous goods, where carrier suitability can depend on the details of the load.

Built by Transport Industry Professionals

Practical understanding of freight coordination, carrier capacity, loading requirements, road transport and interstate freight.

Australian Owned & Operated

An Australian marketplace built around the practical requirements of moving freight across Australian roads and supply chains.

Registered Transport Companies & Owner-Drivers

Review responses from registered transport companies and owner-drivers and discuss the specific requirements of the dangerous goods movement.

Compare Carrier Options

Compare responses from carriers whose available vehicles, equipment and operating requirements may suit the particular load.

Direct Communication

Discuss classification, quantity, packaging, pickup conditions, loading requirements and delivery arrangements directly with the responding carrier.

Dangerous Goods Freight Coverage Across Australia

Freightland supports dangerous goods freight across Australian metro, regional and interstate routes, subject to carrier availability and the requirements of each shipment.

Sydney

Chemical, industrial, construction & commercial freight

Melbourne

Manufacturing, chemical & industrial supply chains

Brisbane

Mining, industrial, agricultural & regional freight

Adelaide

Manufacturing, resources & industrial supply chains

Perth

Mining, resources, energy & regional freight

Regional Australia

Agricultural, mining, industrial & remote supply movements, subject to carrier availability

Arrange Dangerous Goods Freight in Four Simple Steps

From submitting the shipment through to confirming transport, Freightland keeps the process straightforward while allowing the specific requirements of dangerous goods to be considered along the way.

Post Your Freight Requirement

Enter your pickup and delivery locations, freight description, preferred timing and the key details of the shipment.

Provide Your Dangerous Goods Details

Add relevant information such as the UN number, class or division, quantity, packaging and any other requirements that apply to the load.

Review & Connect

Compare carrier responses and discuss vehicle suitability, pickup and delivery conditions, handling requirements and timing with the responding carrier.

Confirm Transport With Your Chosen Carrier

Confirm the details with your chosen carrier, who will assess the load against their equipment, operating requirements, and applicable transport requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Dangerous goods are substances or articles that present a hazard during transport and are classified according to their transport characteristics. In Australia, their road and rail transport is governed by the ADG Code together with applicable state and territory requirements.

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