The transportation of dangerous goods is one of the most demanding logistics disciplines. Whether chemicals, gases, lithium batteries or flammable liquids — they all place high demands on safety, technology and a sense of responsibility. Even a small mistake can have serious consequences: for people, the environment and companies. But how can these goods be delivered safely and efficiently to their destination?

A complex set of rules

The transport of dangerous goods is regulated internationally by various regulations. The ADR agreement (Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises dangereuses par route) applies on the road, the RID on rail, the IATA DGR in aviation and the MDG code at sea. These regulations specify in detail how substances must be packaged, labelled, loaded and documented.

Each class — from explosives to gases to radioactive materials — has its own safety requirements. Each product has a UN number that clearly defines how it can be treated. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory — violations can result in severe penalties and liability risks.

Training and responsibility

Safety starts with people. Everyone involved in transporting dangerous goods — from sender to driver, from packing staff to dispatcher — must receive regular training. These trainings not only provide knowledge about regulations, but also raise awareness of risks.

Drivers in particular have a great responsibility. You must have dangerous goods driver's licenses, have vehicles regularly inspected and carry safety-relevant equipment such as fire extinguishers, warning signs or protective clothing. Modern telematics systems provide additional support by monitoring vehicle conditions, routes and stops.

Technology as a safety factor

Innovative technologies today increase safety along the entire supply chain. Sensors measure the temperature, pressure and tightness of containers. Intelligent transport systems sound an alarm when permitted values are exceeded.

Digital dangerous goods management systems are also playing an increasingly important role. They record all information centrally, automatically create correct accompanying documents and enable real-time monitoring. As a result, the error rate is significantly reduced and government checks can be processed more quickly.

Environment and sustainability

Safe transportation of dangerous goods also means responsible use of resources. Environmental aspects are increasingly coming into focus — both through stricter EU regulations and through companies' own sustainability strategies.

Modern packaging reduces leakage risks and is often reusable. In addition, many logistics companies rely on multimodal concepts — i.e. the combined use of road, rail and sea — to reduce CO₂ emissions without neglecting safety standards.

Crisis management and prevention

Despite all precautionary measures, incidents may occur. Effective crisis management is therefore essential. This includes emergency plans, contact chains, documentation requirements and exercises. Companies work closely with authorities and specialized emergency services in order to be able to react quickly and specifically in an emergency.