How Weather Affects Dangerous Goods Shipping (and What to Do About It
Shipping dangerous goods is no easy task—it’s a delicate process that requires careful planning and adherence to strict safety standards. But while you might be focusing on packaging, labelling, and documentation, there’s another factor that can complicate things: the weather.
Weather conditions like extreme heat, cold, humidity, or storms can significantly affect how dangerous goods are shipped, stored, and handled. So, what should you know about how weather impacts shipping hazardous materials, and how can you prepare for it?
1. Temperature Extremes: The Risk of Overheating or Freezing
One of the biggest weather-related challenges in dangerous goods shipping is temperature extremes. Many hazardous materials, like chemicals, flammable liquids, and gases, are sensitive to temperature. If they get too hot or too cold, they can become unstable or dangerous.
- Overheating: Certain chemicals, like pesticides or some types of batteries, can become volatile if exposed to high temperatures. If they’re stored or transported in conditions that are too hot, they might leak, catch fire, or even explode.
- Freezing: On the other hand, freezing temperatures can also wreak havoc on your dangerous goods. For example, some liquids may freeze and expand, causing packaging to burst. Others might lose their effectiveness if they freeze—think about hazardous materials that require specific chemical reactions. Freezing could cause these reactions to either fail or become hazardous.
What can you do?
To combat these risks, you’ll need to ensure that your shipment is stored and transported within the appropriate temperature range. Use temperature-controlled containers and choose carriers equipped with refrigerated trucks or heated storage options when necessary. If you know the weather is going to be extreme, it’s worth planning ahead and adjusting the shipping schedule or packaging to prevent damage.
2. Humidity: A Silent Saboteur
Humidity can also have a sneaky impact on dangerous goods. High humidity levels can cause materials like chemicals or powders to react in ways you didn’t plan for. Moisture can seep into packaging and cause degradation or rust on containers. When it comes to certain chemicals, even small moisture changes can trigger chemical reactions that might be dangerous.
For example, shipping dangerous goods like explosives or corrosive materials in high-humidity areas can make the materials more prone to corrosion, weakening the packaging or containers and making them more likely to break open.
What can you do?
Invest in desiccants or moisture-absorbing materials within your packaging. These can help protect the goods from the negative effects of moisture. Also, use airtight, sealed containers where appropriate to minimise exposure to the elements. If your shipment is travelling to areas with high humidity, consider using climate-controlled storage or shipping options.
3. Storms and Flooding: The Impact of Water Damage
Severe storms, hurricanes, and flooding can cause major disruptions when it comes to shipping dangerous goods. Water can damage the packaging and containers, which poses a significant risk, especially if the materials being shipped are reactive to water.
For instance, certain flammable liquids can react violently when exposed to water, while hazardous chemicals might spill and spread more quickly in flood conditions, creating a risk to workers, the environment, and the public.
What can you do?
Monitor weather forecasts regularly to anticipate storms and flooding in areas where your shipments will be travelling. In case of a storm, you can work with logistics partners who specialize in rerouting shipments or offer options like air-tight, waterproof containers. Using higher-quality materials or more robust packaging can also help protect your goods from potential water damage.
4. Wind and Heavy Loads: The Risk of Damage During Transport
Strong winds can have an unexpected impact on dangerous goods shipments, especially during the unloading process or while goods are being transported in open vehicles. If heavy winds hit, cargo can shift, become unstable, or even cause damage to nearby vehicles or infrastructure. Even more dangerous is when the cargo shifts and the dangerous goods spill or leak.
What can you do?
When it comes to wind, it’s critical to secure your cargo properly. Make sure that containers are packed tightly, using packing materials that minimise movement. Additionally, avoid shipping dangerous goods during seasons known for high winds, or schedule transport during calmer weather windows. If wind conditions are unavoidable, work with your carrier to ensure the cargo is secured more thoroughly.
5. Cold Weather: Impact on Shipping Time and Delays
Cold weather can delay shipments of dangerous goods. Roads and highways may be closed due to snow or ice, slowing down transport times. This can result in late deliveries, which may lead to missed deadlines or other operational disruptions.
On top of that, the freezing cold can sometimes result in equipment failures, such as issues with refrigerated containers or damage to vehicles that aren’t properly winterised.
What can you do?
If you’re shipping during winter months, ensure that your logistics partners are equipped with the right equipment to handle cold weather. Schedule shipments well in advance, allowing for potential delays. Make sure that the vehicles used for transportation are winterised and equipped with appropriate technology for extremely cold temperatures.
Weather-Proof Your Shipments: Tips for Success
Now that we’ve covered the main weather-related risks, let’s talk about some practical tips to make sure your shipments of dangerous goods are as weather-proof as possible:
- Plan Ahead: Check weather forecasts regularly. Be proactive in your scheduling. If a storm or extreme temperature is on the horizon, plan for alternative routes or delivery times.
- Invest in Specialised Packaging: Use temperature-controlled and water-resistant packaging when appropriate. This ensures that your goods remain secure regardless of the weather.
- Partner with Experienced Shippers: Work with logistics partners who have experience handling dangerous goods in various weather conditions. They’ll know how to manage risks like extreme temperatures, storms, and delays.
- Use Technology: Track your shipments in real-time with GPS or weather tracking services. This way, you can quickly respond to any weather-related disruptions and keep your customers informed.
Conclusion: Weather Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought
When it comes to shipping dangerous goods, weather conditions can present some serious risks. Whether it’s extreme temperatures, humidity, storms, or wind, the elements can affect the safety of your goods, and even the success of your business.
However, by staying prepared and incorporating weather considerations into your shipping plan, you can minimise risks and keep your shipments compliant, safe, and on time. Always remember: When it comes to dangerous goods shipping, it’s not just about meeting the minimum standards—it’s about taking the extra steps to ensure safety, regardless of the weather.
