Shipping Specialty Chemicals from Felixstowe to New York via Ocean Freight

Transporting moisture-sensitive Chemical products demands tight-closing drums or jerricans, vapor-barrier wraps, and drying agents inside cartons or overpacks. It is important to 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-certified packaging is mandatory when shipping by road, sea, or air. The specific UN packaging code and performance level are determined by the product’s hazard class and packing group shown on the SDS. Be sure to 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 Require a dangerous goods declaration, the latest SDS, and complete labels and markings that correspond to the classification. Our team recommends including emergency contact details, handling instructions (e.g., “Keep Dry,” “Do Not Stack”), and any special approvals required by local authorities for specific chemical goods.

You can sometimes consolidate different Specialty chemicals, but only if they are compatible. First review the SDS and relevant ADR/IMDG/IATA tables to ensure acids, bases, oxidizers, flammables, and other Chemical goods are properly separated. Use segregation panels and clear labeling when combining multiple hazard classes.

Because industrial chemicals can cause Costly cleanup if leaks occur, specialized cargo coverage is advisable. Carefully review your policy to confirm that dangerous goods and specialty chemicals are not excluded, and that coverage extends to contamination, disposal, and emergency response costs where applicable.

When shipping chemicals from the United Kingdom to the United States, compliance with both UK and US regulations is essential. The chemicals must be classified according to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and may require Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Additionally, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) may have specific requirements that need to be met prior to shipment.

Chemicals shipped via ocean freight require careful handling to prevent leaks and spills. It is important to use appropriate containment measures, such as drums or containers that meet international shipping standards. Additionally, proper labeling and documentation must be provided to ensure safe transport and compliance with maritime regulations.

DNA Supply Chain offers ocean freight (FCL and LCL), air freight, ground transportation (domestic and cross-border trucking), customs brokerage, and warehousing & distribution, all supported by our SAMMIE visibility platform and dedicated Client Success Officers.

DNA provides secure, strategically located warehousing for scalable storage and just-in-time fulfillment, with real-time inventory control and integrated distribution powered by SAMMIE’s insight and our responsive Client Success Officers.

DNA supports seamless EDI/API connectivity tailored to your systems—including ERP, WMS, finance, and more—while many other forwarders depend on third-party platforms with limited integration and manual data entry.