Shipping Chemicals from Los Angeles to Montreal via Ocean Freight

Moving moisture-sensitive chemical goods demands high-integrity packaging, foil or poly liners, and moisture absorbers inside cartons or overpacks. It is important to clearly note “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 goods, tested and approved 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. Verify with your dangerous goods specialist or carrier whether your industrial chemicals are fully regulated, limited quantity, or exempt before selecting packaging.

Most specialty chemicals shipments must include a dangerous goods declaration, the latest SDS, and correct labels and markings that align with the classification. Best practice is including emergency contact details, handling instructions (e.g., “Keep Dry,” “Do Not Stack”), and any special approvals required by local authorities for specific Chemical products.

You may be able to consolidate different chemical products, 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 do not conflict. Use segregation panels and clear labeling when combining multiple hazard classes.

Because specialty chemicals can cause significant loss if leaks occur, specialized cargo coverage is often required by buyers. Always 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.

Shipping chemicals between the United States and Canada requires compliance with both U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). Proper labeling, safety data sheets (SDS), and hazard classification must be adhered to for customs clearance.

Chemicals must be packaged in accordance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code to ensure safe transport. Additionally, temperature control and protection from moisture should be considered, as some chemicals may be sensitive to environmental conditions during ocean freight.

Access to SAMMIE comes with every ocean, air, land, and customs service at no extra cost.

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

Our air freight solutions feature consolidation and customs pre-clearance to help move your air cargo quickly and compliantly.