Shipping Chemicals from Los Angeles to Nashville via Ocean Freight

Transporting moisture-sensitive specialty chemicals demands tight-closing drums or jerricans, vapor-barrier wraps, and moisture absorbers inside cartons or overpacks. It is important to Specify “Keep Dry” on labels and booking notes and steer clear of 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 specific UN packaging code and performance level are determined by 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 industrial chemicals shipments need a dangerous goods declaration, the latest SDS, and complete labels and markings that correspond to 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 can sometimes consolidate different industrial 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 do not conflict. Use segregation panels and clear labeling when combining multiple hazard classes.

Because industrial chemicals can cause environmental damage 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.

Chemicals must be properly packaged and labeled according to regulatory standards, including the use of UN-approved containers. Additionally, shippers should ensure that the cargo is stowed securely to prevent leaks or spills during transit, and that any hazardous materials are handled in compliance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.

Required documentation includes a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), a bill of lading, and any necessary permits for hazardous materials. It is also important to provide a declaration of Dangerous Goods if applicable, along with compliance certificates for any specific chemical regulations.

All customers get access to SAMMIE, where you can track each shipment in real time with predictive ETAs, milestone updates, and instant alerts in a single dashboard.

DNA works with U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), the FDA, USDA, DOT, and other regulatory bodies, and we maintain active certifications including C-TPAT and FMC.

Yes, we do provide coverage for urgent cases, which are escalated and managed with after-hours monitoring when needed, especially for high-volume or time-critical shipments.