The shipment of liquids is subject to various restrictionsIn fact, there are different types of liquids that can be shipped, among which we also have perfumes, which are considered flammable products due to their alcohol content. For this reason, liquids similar to perfumes (such as paints and varnishes, which are equally flammable liquids), must be shipped according to certain rules and regulations, which also involve the designated means of transport and carrier.
Other liquids, on the other hand, such as beverages, are easier to ship and transport and, consequently, require following the simple rules of a classic, normal shipment.
If you are considering or need a liquid shipping service, read on in this article: we will understand how the various types of liquids differ in the shipping process, how these liquids need to be packaged for safe shipping, and how they are transported until they arrive at their destination.
Safe and dangerous liquids: what are the differences?
In the area of rapid shipments, liquids are classified into safe and hazardous liquids. Let us therefore analyse the characteristics of these two types of liquids and try to understand the various differences.
Let us begin by analysing the safe liquidssafe liquids are defined as all those liquids that do not require special shipping processes, but can be shipped just like any other product. The only rules to be followed, in this case, concern the packaging, which must comply with the various standards, and the filling in of any documents, required by the express courier chosen for shipment.
But which liquids fall into this category?
- DrugsThe shipment of drugs is taken care of by the dedicated carriers of pharmaceutical companies, which proceed with a standard shipment.
- Organic and human liquidsAmong organic and human liquids, we have, for example, blood and urine, which require specific checks before being sent through a classic shipping service.
- Cosmetics and personal care productsAs long as they are not flammable products, cosmetics and personal care products can be safely shipped via classic shipping. Examples of such liquids could be shower gel, liquid solution for contact lenses, body cream, toothpaste, foundation and so on.
- Liquids for food useThese liquids include various beverages, olive oil, vinegar, fruit juices, non-alcoholic cocktails, food colourings and so on.
- Fluid foods: with the term fluid foods, These include, for example, jam, tomato preserves, homogenised food, spreads and many others.
We have said that, for these safe liquids, the shipping process is the classic one, but there are rules to be followed precisely, especially with regard to their packaging and their packaging. According to the various protocols, safe liquids must still be packaged through the use of durable and waterproof materials, which minimise the possibility of damage to these same liquids: among these materials, we have wood, metal, double cardboard and plastic.
For safe packaging of liquids Before shipping, you need to use: an outer box (made of one of the materials we have just listed), bubble wrap, sawdust, a pair of scissors and adhesive tape. The procedure is quite simple: the product must be wrapped in several layers of bubble wrap, which must be sealed using adhesive tape; then sawdust must be placed at the bottom of the outer box to protect the products, which must now be placed in the box; next, everything must be covered with more sawdust; finally, the box must be closed and sealed with adhesive tape. Once the box has been closed, the various shipping labels can be applied.
We now move on to analyse the hazardous liquids, which are considered dangerous goods. This dangerousness is due to the fact that these types of liquids are flammable and potentially explosive and can cause very serious damage to means of transport and transporters, even risking death (in the event of an accident). Precisely because of their dangerousness, the shipment of these liquids is subject to certain restrictions and is only possible through specific couriers.
But which liquids are considered dangerous?
- I flammable liquids.
- I corrosive liquids.
- I chemical compounds.
- I solvents, such as acetone and ethanol.
- Le varnishes.
- The enamels, including those for nails as well as those for working with different materials.
- The spirits.
With regard to the’packaging, that of hazardous liquids certainly requires more care and attention than that of safe liquids: this is due precisely to the dangerousness of these liquids, which could also endanger the health of carriers.
Just like safe liquids, hazardous liquids must also be packaged using strong, impermeable materials: in addition, however, the entire package must be contained in a 4GV approved packaging, a specific type of packaging designed specifically for the transport of hazardous goods. The suitability of these packagings is guaranteed by UN approval processes, which allow all types of transport, both for domestic and foreign shipments.
The packaging procedure for hazardous liquids is otherwise similar to that for safe liquids: the difference lies in the application of label specifications, indicating the dangerousness of the goods and bearing the UN approval.
How liquids are transported during a shipping service
Another difference between safe liquids and hazardous liquids lies in the transport designated to them by couriers (such as the DHL courier).
I safe liquids can also be sent via a ordinary transport service, as long as they are packaged properly, like all other types of goods. As regards, on the other hand, the hazardous liquids, they must be transported through dedicated means of transport, within which there must be a certain temperature, a certain air condition and a specific storage condition.”
