Shipping Chemicals from Norfolk to Chicago via Ocean Freight

Moving moisture-sensitive chemical goods Requires high-integrity packaging, Barrier liners or overbags, and drying agents inside cartons or overpacks. It is important to clearly note “Keep Dry” on labels and booking notes and Avoid open or vented storage and transit equipment where humidity can build up.

For most regulated chemical goods, tested and approved packaging Is required when shipping by road, sea, or air. The applicable UN packaging code and performance level Depend on 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 specialty chemicals shipments must include a Transport document, the latest SDS, and correct labels and markings that Match 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 products.

You may be able to consolidate different chemical products, but only if Segregation rules are followed. Carefully verify 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 specialty chemicals can cause significant loss if leaks occur, Additional cargo insurance is often required by buyers. Review your policy to confirm that dangerous goods and Chemical goods are not excluded, and that coverage extends to contamination, disposal, and emergency response costs where applicable.

When shipping chemicals, it is crucial to ensure compliance with safety regulations, including proper labeling, packaging, and documentation to prevent leaks and spills. Additionally, the cargo should be stowed away from incompatible materials and monitored for temperature control if necessary.

All shipments of chemicals must comply with U.S. federal regulations, including the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines. Proper documentation, such as safety data sheets (SDS) and manifest declarations, is required for customs clearance.

Our team’s ocean freight offering uses deep carrier relationships and the SAMMIE platform to move FCL and LCL containers smarter, with fewer surprises, clearer ETAs, and proactive risk flagging before issues develop.

Our team brings 30+ years of experience with global reach and local touch, using deep carrier relationships to move freight worldwide with precision and white-glove attention at every step.

We rely on in-house customs brokerage with automation to reduce errors and accelerate clearance, rather than outsourcing to third-party brokers with outdated, manual documentation processes.