Dangerous Goods

What are Dangerous Goods?

Dangerous Goods are items or substances that, when transported by aircraft, are a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment. We understand that shipping and identifying Dangerous Goods can be challenging. NAC Dangerous Goods Specialists can assist you with meeting the shipping requirements for these items.

Shipping and Handling Documents

Customer Notification: IATA DANGEROUS GOODS STANDARD

Beginning May 1, 2023, NAC will begin using the IATA dangerous goods regulations for processing standards.

NAC will still accept certain DG shipments under 49-CFR. These specific shipments will require advanced notification and arrangements with our Dangerous Goods department prior to drop off.

Examples of acceptable 49-CFR shipments would be:

Special permit shipments
Large quantity shipments where IATA’s more restrictive packaging would be too costly (e.g. ammo, paint, etc.)
Time sensitive materials that need to move ASAP with priority service levels
Cargo that has already travelled by a freight forwarder from outside of Alaska and is being dropped for further shipment on NAC
Materials that may be removed from the US regulations (e.g., diesel fuel, Jet-A fuel, combustibles, etc.)
Additional materials as deemed necessary

NAC maintains a staff of fully trained 49-CFR personnel. However, the Dangerous Goods Specialists do not work all hours that NAC receiving is open. Notification will need to be made in advance to assure acceptance and processing on arrival.

Thank you for your understanding as NAC moves to the IATA standards.

A Dangerous Goods sticker on a toxic item being flown by Northern Air Cargo.

Do you know what you are shipping?

There are many types of Dangerous Goods. Everything from lithium batteries to pressurized whip cream cans is considered to be a Dangerous Good when loaded into an aircraft. Altitude and pressurization can change the stability of many products. Dangerous Goods include, but are not limited to: ammunition, fuel, cleaners, paint, generators, and anything with a motor. To read more, visit the Federal Aviation Association’s (FAA) page on Dangerous Goods. If you are unsure, ask before you ship!

Identifying Dangerous Goods

Identifying Dangerous Goods is an important step in reducing the risks associated with the product by ensuring the right packaging, handling, and shipping. Never offer an unidentified, undeclared, or unclassified material for shipment. Compliance with FAA regulations and proper declaration of Dangerous Goods is the responsibility of the shipper.

The Department of Transportation and FAA can and does impose severe penalties for such actions, including civil penalties and criminal prosecution of shippers. When in doubt, remember to always ask one of our NAC Dangerous Goods Specialists for assistance.

Shipping Dangerous Goods

Here at NAC, we make shipping Dangerous Goods easy and safe. For shipping prices by different categories and service levels, please review the pricing table in the Dangerous Goods Handout. Next, you can complete the NAC Shipper’s Declaration form or we can do it for you!

Download the form or we can provide copies onsite. If you’re ready to ship and have your NAC Shipper’s Declaration form complete, a quick check and validation by the NAC team onsite is all you need. Should you have a complicated shipping such as corrosives, flammable material, or pressurized items, NAC has the knowledge and materials on-hand to properly document, package, label and mark your items for shipment.

Hazardous Materials

The shipper must declare all hazardous materials, such as propane, white gas, small arms ammunition, bear spray, aerosol cans, etc. All camp stoves, lanterns, and tanks must be empty of any fuel. All boat motors and boat motor tanks must be empty of fuel. ATVs should be drained of fuel. Please note: Firearms cannot be loaded with ammunition and are required to be in a locked case.

LITHIUM BATTERIES: As a reminder, Northern Air Cargo accepts lithium battery shipments only under the provisions of IATA. All other dangerous goods shipments will be accepted as usual under 49CFR and IATA.

NORTHERN AIR CARGO

Cargo Experts

At Northern Air Cargo, we provide an exceptional team of shipping experts that can get your cargo where it needs to be, on time. With our partner carriers, we cover more of Alaska, providing connecting services from our hub communities. NAC specializes in transporting all kinds of freight including vehicles, oversized freight, declared hazardous materials, and live animals. Our team is ready to help you with your cargo and shipping needs.

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