Shipping Chemical Goods from Chicago to Colon via Ocean Freight

Transporting moisture-sensitive specialty chemicals demands high-integrity packaging, foil or poly liners, and Desiccants inside cartons or overpacks. Shippers should also indicate “Keep Dry” on labels and booking notes and not use open or vented storage and transit equipment where humidity can build up.

For most regulated chemical products, UN-rated packaging is mandatory when shipping by road, sea, or air. The applicable UN packaging code and performance level are based on the product’s hazard class and packing group shown on the SDS. Always confirm with your dangerous goods specialist or carrier whether your industrial chemicals are fully regulated, limited quantity, or exempt before selecting packaging.

Most industrial chemicals shipments need a dangerous goods declaration, the latest SDS, and correct labels and markings that align with the classification. We recommend including emergency contact details, handling instructions (e.g., “Keep Dry,” “Do Not Stack”), and any licenses required by local authorities for specific chemical goods.

You can sometimes consolidate different industrial chemicals, but only if they are compatible. Carefully verify the SDS and relevant ADR/IMDG/IATA tables to ensure acids, bases, oxidizers, flammables, and other chemical products Are not stored or loaded together. Use physical barriers and clear labeling when combining multiple hazard classes.

Because industrial chemicals can cause environmental damage if leaks occur, specialized cargo coverage is often required by buyers. Always review your policy to confirm that dangerous goods and Chemical goods are not excluded, and that coverage covers contamination, disposal, and emergency response costs where applicable.

Chemicals must be packaged according to international safety standards and regulations, including proper labeling and documentation to indicate hazardous materials. It is essential to ensure compliance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code when shipping via ocean freight.

Shipments of chemicals require adherence to both U.S. export regulations and Panamanian import regulations. This includes obtaining necessary export permits, ensuring compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Panamanian Ministry of Health, and providing accurate Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) with the shipment.

Prospective clients can take the “One Test Run Challenge” by giving us a single shipment, which we use to demonstrate what visibility, reliability, and real partnership feel like, with a dedicated page available to get started.

Our SAMMIE platform is provided with every ocean, air, land, and customs service at no extra cost.

DNA uses SAMMIE’s AI-driven rate and route optimization to recommend optimal carriers and lanes based on current conditions and prices.