The United Parcel Service (UPS) Wednesday expanded its global dangerous goods shipping program by adding more than 400 new commodities that can be accepted in its global air network and more than 300 products across its ground network in Europe. The company also increased the allowable quantity of select dangerous goods accepted for shipment.
The move comes from a growing demand in a variety of industries to ship products that are classified as dangerous goods. For example, health care companies need to transport chemicals to clean laboratory equipment. Industrial manufacturing companies transport paint, compressed gases, adhesives and batteries, among other items. UPS can now help these businesses ship between 36 countries.
“UPS helps companies meet strict and often complex requirements when shipping dangerous goods,” says Teresa Finley, UPS chief marketing officer. “Now we can meet our customers’ expanded needs for a one-stop solution to ship both conventional and dangerous goods.”
UPS will utilize technology applications to simplify shipping packages that meet guidelines issued by the International Air Transport Association, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the European Dangerous Goods Accord and the International Civil Aviation Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations.
UPS customers can use UPS Worldship to verify if dangerous goods shipments meet requirements, and notify UPS when the shipments are ready for processing.
UPS provides extensive employee training and takes extra precautions to ensure dangerous goods are safely transported. The company’s integrated transportation network utilizes leak-proof packaging, fire-resistant containers and fire containment covers.