Not all FedEx shipments are created equal. In fact, those containing dangerous items like dry ice or lithium batteries must be treated with special care so as to minimize safety hazards.
In fact, one way FedEx keeps track of the hazardous materials they’re handling is by having shippers complete a dangerous goods form. This article will tell you more about dangerous goods, what kind of information the form asks for, so keep reading!
What Is FedEx’s Dangerous Goods Form in [currentyear]?
A dangerous goods form is a document that must be completed prior to shipping hazardous materials in [currentyear]. It certifies that the shipper has labeled, packed, and declared the package according to International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations. Additionally, it helps FedEx understand the handling required during transit.
If you need more help to understand how to complete the dangerous goods form, then you won’t want to click away from this article!
What Does FedEx Consider a Dangerous Good?
Before filling out the dangerous goods form, it’s essential to understand which products FedEx classifies as dangerous.
Basically, dangerous goods are everyday items that can be harmful to people, property, and the environment during the shipping process.
Some common examples of dangerous goods include the following:
- Aerosols
- Ammunition
- Batteries (lithium and wet)
- Lighters
- Matches
- Oil-based paint
- Perfumes
- Propane
What Is the FedEx Dangerous Goods Form?
A dangerous goods form, also known as a shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods, is a document shippers must complete before shipping hazardous materials.
By completing this form, the sender certifies that the package has been labeled, packed, and declared according to the International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Moreover, this form helps FedEx understand the type of handling that is required during transit, so as to prevent safety hazards.
It should include the following information:
- Address and contact details of the shipper and receiver (consignee)
- Emergency contact details (if required)
- Proper shipping name of the dangerous goods
- Quantity
- UN number (e.g. UN 1090)
- Class or division (subsidiary hazard)
- Net weight of dangerous goods and total shipment weight (if required)
- DG packing group I, II, or III (if required)
- Whether the dangerous goods are radioactive or not
- Additional handling information (if required)
How Do I Prepare the FedEx Dangerous Goods Form?
If you’ve never completed a dangerous goods form before, the document can be daunting.
Therefore, follow the steps below to learn how to complete the shipper’s declaration:
Step 1
Open the Shipper’s Declaration with either Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF version) or Microsoft Word.
Step 2
Save a blank copy of the Shipper’s Declaration form for future use.
If using the PDF version, you can only save a blank copy of the form. If using the Word version, you can save the completed form.
Step 3
Place your cursor in the “Shipper” block in the upper left corner of the form and fill in the required information.
Next, use the TAB key to move from one field to another until you complete all the fields.
You will be asked to provide the following information:
- Contact information for the shipper
- Air Waybill number
- Shipper’s reference number
- Contact information of the recipient (i.e. consignee)
- Transport details (indicate whether your package can be moved by passenger aircraft, cargo aircraft, or truck)
- Shipment type (indicate whether a shipment contains radioactive materials or not)
- Nature and quantity of dangerous goods
- Additional handling information
- Emergency telephone number
- Name and title of the person signing the Shipper’s Declaration
- Place and date where the form is signed
Step 4
Next, print and sign the form. A typewritten signature can be used if the origin and destination are in the United States or its territories. Otherwise, it’s not allowed.
Step 5
Provide at least 3 signed copies of the completed Shipper’s Declaration to FedEx for shipping.
How Many Copies of the DG Form Does FedEx Need?
When shipping dangerous goods through FedEx, you need to provide at least 3 signed copies of the completed Shipper’s Declaration.
What Is FX-18 With FedEx?
FX-18 is a set of operating instructions for dangerous goods.
Notably, it requires all FedEx Express Shipper’s Declarations to be prepared using approved software, including dangerous goods compliance edit checks.
Some FedEx-compliant electronic shipping solutions include:
- FedEx Ship Manager® Software (CAFÉ)
- FedEx Ship Manager® Server (FSMS/FXRS)
- FedEx Web Services (WSXI)
- FedEx PowerShip Plus (PLUS)
What Should I Do With the FedEx Dangerous Goods Form?
After completing your shipping declaration, you should include a copy in an adhesive, transparent, and sturdy pouch attached to your package.
To know more, you can also read our posts on the FedEx signature release form, FedEx custom form, and FedEx claim form.
Conclusion
If you’re in a position where you need to ship dangerous goods, then it’s a good idea to know what to expect ahead of time. Hopefully, by walking you through the dangerous goods form, this article has clarified one part of the shipping process.
