Ways to get your shipment rejected

When shipping dangerous goods by air, precision is essential. You must cross all your “t’s” and dot all your “i’s”. If you don’t, the acceptance staff who assesses your package will certainly reject your package.

As a shipper, what is worse than having that early am Saturday delivery arrive back at your facility Monday morning!? What a way to start the week: angry salesperson, angry boss, and most importantly, an upset customer!

Here are a few things to watch out for:

Make sure your shipping description is complete. This means watching for things like the technical name indicated by the * after the shipping name. Just because you have an N.O.S. does not mean a technical name is needed. This is not a “may” situation.

Ensure your declaration has a red border. You can get red border paper for your black-and-white printer or print it on a color printer. However, you cannot color the border yourself.

Some carriers, like FedEx, insist you use error-checking software (FX-18). You can use the FedEx system or subscribe to approved software (ICC sells DG Office). How does FedEx know error-checking software was used? A little logo is in the blank box on the right side of the declaration.

Ensure you have checked the operator and state variations. These are updated annually and often more frequently with an Addendum.

Are the labels correctly placed on the package?
Are the labels positioned at a 45-degree angle (square-on-point)?
Do the labels stay clear of the package edge?
Are the labels free of crinkles?
Are the UN number, shipping name, and net weight (if needed) not near the hazard class label?

Your package could be refused if you answered “NO” to any of these questions.

Remember, the driver who picks up your package is not the one accepting the package. That is done at the terminal. So just because the package leaves your facility, it is not truly accepted until the acceptance team has reviewed it.

Before preparing a package, ensure adequate training, and do not rush. If you get distracted by a coworker, check, check, and check again that you have not missed a step.

Do you have questions about shipping dangerous goods by air? Our team of experts is just a call away for our customers at 855.734.5469 or send us an email, we’re happy to help.