We Love to ship ‘Awkward Cargo’ It keeps our minds sharp and engaged!
At Freight 365, we embrace challenges—especially when it comes to shipping the extraordinary. Whether it’s chartering a vessel with its own crane to relocate an entire factory to India, orchestrating the transport of iconic Christmas Markets to Birmingham and Hyde Park, or managing the global shipment of agricultural equipment and hazardous materials, we have the expertise to deliver. No matter the complexity, we ensure that your cargo reaches its destination safely and efficiently.
WHAT CAN BE CLASSED AS AWKWARD CARGO?
What is considered ‘Awkward Cargo’ and how is it defined? Awkward Cargo refers to any shipment that deviates from the norm and requires extra processes, paperwork, or planning. This includes oversized items needing specialised equipment and vehicles for transport, perishable goods that demand careful handling or temperature-controlled environments, and dangerous goods (DG) that are heavily regulated and require a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for shipping.
What ever your Cargo may be, Freight-365 have the capabilities to complete any form of ‘Awkward Cargo’ shipment.
DANGEROUS GOODS 💀
Dangerous goods will require an MSDS and can have different restrictions and regulations depending on the mode of transport used.
If you are moving hazardous cargo, then you should consult your freight forwarder and understand the legislations according to DGR, IMDG & ADR regulations created by IATA, IMO & the UN.
You should be aware, to be involved in the movement of hazardous cargo, you, or an employee of the company responsible for dangerous goods shipments, should have attended and passed an industry recognised training course.
Hazardous Cargo is classified depending on materials/properties, and a strict process must be adhered to regarding its classification, packing, labelling, documentation, and instructions. A failure due to inadequate training could result in further action by local authorities.
At Freight-365, we are very proud to have two Haz Trained Specialists available to assist with your shipment and advise on dangerous goods regulations.
We offer consultancy services and have assisted many companies in the planning for transportation of DG, advising on LQ (limited quantities) and processes to reduce the restrictions of shipping dangerous goods.
Contact a specialist and arrange an appointment via the button below.
EXPLOSIVES
Class 1: Explosive Substances & Articles
Dangerous Goods which are classed as Explosives are materials or items which have the ability to rapidly conflagrate or detonate as a consequence of chemical reaction. Explosives are capable by chemical reaction of producing gases at temperatures, pressures and speeds as to cause catastrophic damage through force and/or of producing otherwise hazardous amounts of heat, light, sound, gas or smoke.
GASES
Class 2: Gases
Gases can be a pure gas or a mixture of one or more gases. They are defined by dangerous goods regulations as substances which have a vapour pressure greater than 300 kPa (3 bar) at 50°C, or which at a standard pressure of 101 kPa are completely gaseous at 20°C at standard atmospheric pressure, and items containing these substances.
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
Class 3: Flammable Liquids
Dangerous Goods which are classed as Flammable liquids are defined by dangerous goods regulations as: liquids, mixtures of liquids or liquids containing solids in solution or suspension which give off a flammable vapour (have a flash point) at temperatures of not more than 60-65°C, liquids offered for transport at temperatures at or above their flash point or substances transported at elevated temperatures in a liquid state and which give off a flammable vapour at a temperature at or below the maximum transport temperature.
FLAMMABLE SOLIDS
Class 4: Flammable Solids
Flammable Solids are materials which, under conditions encountered in transport, are readily combustible or may cause or contribute to fire through friction, self-reactive substances which are liable to undergo a strongly exothermic reaction or solid desensitised explosives. Also included are substances which are liable to spontaneous heating under normal transport conditions, or to heating up in contact with air, and are liable to catch fire and substances which emit flammable gases or become spontaneously flammable when in contact with water.
OXIDIZING SUBSTANCES
Class 5: Oxidizing Substances
Oxidizers are defined by dangerous goods regulations as substances which may cause or contribute to combustion, generally by yielding oxygen as a result of a redox chemical reaction. Organic peroxides are substances which may be considered derivatives of hydrogen peroxide where one or both hydrogen atoms of the chemical structure have been replaced by organic radicals.
TOXIC SUBSTANCES
Class 6: Toxic & Infectious Substances
Toxic substances are those which are liable either to cause death or serious injury or to harm human health if swallowed, inhaled or by skin contact. Infectious substances are those which are known or can be reasonably expected to contain pathogens. Dangerous goods regulations define pathogens as microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, parasites and fungi, or other agents which can cause disease in humans or animals.
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
Class 7: Radioactive Materials
Dangerous Goods which are classed as Radioactive Material are defined by the dangerous goods regulations as any material containing radionuclides where both the activity concentration and the total activity exceeds certain pre-defined values. A radionuclide is an atom with an unstable nucleus, and which consequently is subject to radioactive decay
CORROSIVES
Class 8: Corrosive Substances
The dangerous goods regulations define corrosive substances as a substance that by a chemical action, causes irreversible damage to the skin, or in the case of a leakage, will materially damage or even destroy other goods or the means of transport. Corrosive substances can be both a solid and liquid form.
MISCELLANEOUS
Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Dangerous Goods which are classed as Miscellaneous are substances and articles which during transport present a danger or hazard not covered by other classes. This class encompasses, but is not limited to, environmentally hazardous substances, substances that are transported at elevated temperatures, miscellaneous articles and substances, genetically modified organisms and micro-organisms and (depending on the method of transport) magnetized materials and aviation regulated substances.
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
Shipping dangerous goods can be extremely complex and challenging. If you’re uncertain about any aspect, we strongly recommend letting us assist you in navigating the process and arranging the shipment on your behalf. Click the button below to visit our contact page. Additionally, we’ve provided links to the government website with detailed information on shipping dangerous goods, their classification, and a portal to find your commodity code.
OVERSIZED / HEAVY CARGO 🚜
Handling oversized cargo requires careful and meticulous planning to ensure a smooth process from collection to delivery. While it can be a logistical challenge, it can also be quite enjoyable. Your cargo might be classified as oversized, heavy, or even both.
For example, your cargo might be very long but not particularly wide, tall, or heavy, yet still require specialised transportation. This could involve a special vehicle for loading, a police escort for transport, a route survey, or even the removal of street furniture, or possibly all of the above. Alternatively, it could have standard dimensions but be classified as extremely heavy, or it might be both massive and heavy. Regardless of the specifics, there are several critical factors to consider.
In the UK an “abnormal load” is a vehicle and load combination that has any of the following.
A weight of more than 44,000kg
An axle load of more than 10,000kg for a single non-driving axle and 11,500kg for a single driving axle
A width of more than 2.9m
A rigid length of more than 18.65m
Different definitions may apply in other countries
An “abnormal indivisible load” is defined as a load that cannot, without undue expense or risk of damage, be divided into two or more loads for the purpose of being carried on the road and that owing to its dimensions and/or weight cannot be carried on a vehicle complying with the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 and the Road Vehicles (Authorised Weight) Regulations 1998.
Careful planning is needed for every step, so let’s try best explaining each one.
Do you have the necessary equipment at point of collection to load the cargo for transportation?
You will need to provide a detailed product diagram to your Freight Forwarder. This diagram should include the centre of gravity, lifting points, weight distribution, and overall weight. Additionally, you must supply the full dimensions of the cargo to ensure the appropriate services are arranged for collection.
Are there any restrictions?
Will there be any access issues when collecting your cargo? Please consider both the driver and vehicle access, as well as the situation after loading. Heavy and oversized cargo may exceed the width and height of the equipment, requiring careful route planning to avoid bridges or other road restrictions.
Is there sufficient space?
Does your location have enough space for the transport vehicle and any lifting equipment to perform safe loading. Often lifting vehicles have crane booms and stabilizers, which are needed to offer more stability when collecting ‘Awkward Cargo’.
Do you know of any restriction on route with transit?
While your Freight Forwarder will take the necessary steps to create a route plan, including conducting a route survey if needed, your local knowledge is invaluable. If you’re aware of any existing restrictions, please share them to help ensure a smooth transport process.
Will I need an escort?
Typically, loads should not extend more than 305mm on either side of the vehicle, and the total width of the vehicle and load must not exceed 2.9m, without special permission. However, regulations do permit indivisible loads up to 4.3m wide under certain conditions. If your load exceeds these limits, a pilot car and/or police escort may be required. Always verify your measurements and communicate with your Freight Forwarder to ensure compliance.
Road Transport
There are a several considerations for cargo movements by road within the UK, but also restrictions for any territory your cargo will need to transit through. Depending on the cargo’s destination, factors to consider are, is it possible to move on wheels by ferry? Can it go via the tunnel? If not, cargo will have to move by other means, please read Seafreight below. All these complications will be considered if using the right Freight Forwarder for your shipment, there should be no surprises in terms of cargo routing, equipment and requirements, as all planning should have taken place before collection.
Sea Freight
Does the port have the equipment to handle your load? Both the departure and destination ports need to be carefully considered. At Freight-365, we’ve encountered situations where alternative transport arrangements were necessary. For instance, when shipping a factory and its machinery from the UK to India, the destination port lacked the facilities to manage the unloading weight. As a result, we had to charter a vessel equipped with its own crane to complete the task.
Air Freight
For oversized or heavy cargo, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be using (PAX) a passenger aircraft; instead, it will be transported on a Cargo Aircraft Only (CAO) service. However, you should verify whether the aircraft has the capability to handle your shipment. In some cases, you may need to charter a plane specifically to accommodate your cargo.
All considerations for collection must also be applied to delivery. Provide your freight forwarder with as much information as possible, and ensure the consignee does the same. Revealing all relevant details is crucial for a smooth and effective shipment of your ‘Awkward Cargo’.
Handling abnormal loads involves many complexities and risks, making it best left to the experts. You wouldn’t want your agricultural equipment getting stuck between bridge pillars or found at the bottom of a cliff. Contact our specialist operations team to manage everything for you. With over a century of combined experience in freight, our team is equipped to exceed your expectations and ensure your shipment arrives safely.
PHARMACUETICAL TRANSPORT ⚕️
COLD CHAIN LOGISTICS
Shipping pharmaceutical goods demands meticulous planning and execution due to their sensitive nature. Temperature control, for instance, is paramount to maintain the integrity of these products throughout transit.
From refrigerated storage to specialized packaging, each step requires careful consideration to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and safeguard against potential complications such as degradation or contamination.
Documentation plays a crucial role, with stringent requirements to meet international regulations. Navigating these complexities requires expertise and attention to detail to mitigate risks and ensure seamless delivery.
Partnering with a knowledgeable freight forwarder can provide invaluable support in managing these challenges, offering tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of pharmaceutical shipments.
The Basics
Things that need to be considered right from the start are, the temperature or ambient temperature range the pharma needs for shipping, the packaging it requires, the documentation & labelling required and the legislations that need to be followed for transportation.
The vehicle in which it is transported must be thoroughly cleaned to reduce the risk of contamination, records must be kept and maintained, and the Government criteria must be complied with concerning cold chain logistics.
For more information on how Freight-365 can assist with Cold Chain Logistics, please contact the team via the button below, also find some links to find more information and assistance in the buttons below.
The Temperatures
The temperature ranges for Cold Chain Logistics involving Pharmaceutical Products are as below:
Controlled ambient: +15ºC to +25ºC
Refrigerated: +2ºC to +8ºC
Deep frozen: -60ºC to -80ºC
Cryo frozen: -150ºC and below
The Packaging
Pharmaceutical packaging is categorized into three types: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary packaging directly surrounds the pharmaceutical product, while secondary and tertiary packaging offer additional external protection. When transporting pharma products in cold chain logistics, special considerations are required, as some materials, like dry ice and liquid nitrogen, can be classified as hazardous.
What are the recognised standards for pharmaceutical packaging?
ISO 15378 is an important, internationally valid standard for manufacturers of pharmaceutical packaging that comes into direct contact with medicinal products. With ISO 15378 certification, products meet high international standards for pharmaceutical packaging.
We work with a number of trusted partners providing Pharmaceutical Packaging Solutions, get in touch with the team to find out more.
TROPICAL WOODS 🌴
Tropical woods or tropical timber refers to any type of timber or wood that grows in a tropical rainforest and tropical / subtropical, moist broadleaf forests, or are harvested there. Some examples of ‘Tropical Woods’ that are recognised globally are:
Ebony 🍃 Mahogany 🍃 Narra 🍃 Rosewood 🍃 Teak
Why are there restrictions?
The simple answer is deforestation and environmental awareness. Thirty or forty years ago, most people in the UK didn’t think twice about where their wood came from; they simply purchased what they needed from the nearest merchant. Today, we understand that trees and forests are vital for human survival, and it’s crucial to take steps to preserve them and protect our planet. While tropical woods remain highly desirable, people now want assurance that their new dining table or woodwork has been ethically sourced.
Since tropical countries are often developing rather than developed, tropical hardwoods can easily be associated with corruption and deforestation. This concern is not unfounded, as illegal logging and deforestation are significant issues in these regions. Many people are aware of this and feel they shouldn’t purchase tropical hardwoods, believing it contributes to the destruction of the Amazon rainforest. However, not all hardwood timber from the tropics is unsustainable. You can find sustainable tropical hardwood, and the easiest way to ensure this is by checking if it’s FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified. Timber from an FSC-certified source, such as a responsibly managed forest in the Amazon, actually helps protect that forest.
The Barksics
You, your agent or broker must make sure any imported regulated (controlled) timber, wood products and bark (wood material) meets import requirements in England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain) before it’s exported from origin. Advanced knowledge of these cargo movements its critical to ensure a smooth import customs process.
You must also make sure your consignment meets the plant health (phytosanitary) requirements for timber, wood and wood products (items 109 – 142) before it’s exported from origin to avoid unnecessary and costly delays at the border.
Why not let us take the hassle out of shipping regulated woods? At Freight-365, we’re here to handle it for you. For more information on how we can assist with importing tropical timbers, simply contact our team via the button below. You can also find additional information and assistance through the links provided.
Phytosanitary Certificate
A phytosanitary certificate is issued in the country of export and verifies:
The tree species of the timber, wood products and bark
That it meets the phytosanitary import requirements of the importing country
The wood material type and the country of origin
It must show that the regulated material:
Has been officially inspected in the country of origin (or country of dispatch)
Complies with statutory phytosanitary requirements for entry into GB
Is free from quarantine pests and disease
Is substantially free from other harmful organisms
Notice of Landing Form (Inspection Request)
You must request an inspection by completing a notice of landing form for all regulated material.
The notice you need to give depends on how your consignment is arriving. You need to give notice of:
At least four working hours before the goods land in the UK, for air and ‘roll-on-roll-off’ freight
At least one working day before the goods arrive in the UK for all other freight
If you expect difficulties meeting the requirements, you should contact the Forestry Commission: email [email protected]
Or just contact [email protected] and allow us to do all of this for you.
PERISHABLES 🌶️
COLD CHAIN LOGISTICS – STORAGE – TRANSIT
Perishables are time and temperature-sensitive products that require careful handling and shipment processes to preserve their freshness. They include fruits and vegetables, fresh and frozen meat and fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, flowers and plants, and even cosmetics.
So, diving into the world of perishables, huh? Well, let me tell you, it’s all about finding that logistics provider who’s got your back, making sure your goods stay fresh as a daisy from start to finish. Think of it like a well-choreographed dance through the cold chain, keeping an eye on storage, transit times, and all those pesky regulations. Oh, and don’t forget about the different ways your goodies will be moving around – whether it’s by truck, train, or plane, each mode comes with its own set of considerations. So, buckle up and let’s make sure your perishables arrive in tiptop shape!
The Basics
What do I need to consider?
Timescales: All perishables will have an expiry date, so deadlines are crucial
Temperatures: There will generally be an ambient temperature range or temperature-controlled environment, in which your goods will need to remain whilst in transit, potentially multimodal, and in storage
Labelling: Labelling must be clear and concise, and you must follow regulations for labelling, packaging, and food safety in the origin & destination country
Multimodal Transport: You can ship perishables on all forms of transport, though some are quicker and more suitable, depending on the deadline
Cross-Contamination: The most obvious is the transfer of taint or odours from one cargo to another. The other is the transfer of ethylene from goods that produce high ethylene to goods that are sensitive to ethylene, leading to premature ripening. Carriers usually have clear instructions to prevent inappropriate mixing of cargoes, but extra caution may be necessary
Restrictions: There are usually restrictions on perishable products for imports into the UK, check with your forwarder for all customs regulations
Documentation: You need to consider and research the documentation you require to import and export perishable/food products, they are NOT considered ‘General Cargo’
You usually need to complete an EHC and supporting documents to export food or drink that contains POAO to non-EU countries. You may also need a certificate of free sale if you are exporting processed food or drink. The food authority in the country you are exporting to will tell you if you need one.
Find links below to guidance and tips to shipping perishable goods, or simply contact on of our operations experts and let us put the ABLE into shipping your perishABLEs
The Temperatures
The temperature ranges for Cold Chain Logistics involving Perishable Products are as below:
(-28 °C to -30 °C) Deep freeze — seafood, meat exports. Refrigerated: +2ºC to +8ºC
(-16 °C to -20 °C) Frozen — meat, certain types of produce. Deep frozen: -60ºC to -80ºC
(2 °C to 4 °C) Chill — fruit & vegetables, fresh meat, certain dairy products
(2 °C to 8 °C) Pharma — medicines, vaccines
(12 °C to 14 °C) Cool-chain — fresh produce, processed food, over-the-counter drugs
OTHER ‘AWKWARD CARGO’ ⚠️
Other forms of ‘Awkward Cargo’ such as Exotic Tea’s, Exotic Plants or Fish, Animals, Alcohol, Fragile Products such as Glass and Art, Minerals, Multi-Purpose goods that Customs could class as being able to be used to produce or repair/add to weaponry are all items that Freight-365 can assist in shipping. Whether your cargo needs careful planning or white glove services to ensure the stress-free delivery of your goods, we have the tools and contacts you need to make anything possible.
Simply contact one of our operations experts via the details in the button.
