Shipping Specialty Chemicals from San Jose to Chicago via Ocean Freight

Transporting moisture-sensitive specialty chemicals Requires tight-closing drums or jerricans, foil or poly liners, and moisture absorbers inside cartons or overpacks. It is important to Specify “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 required when shipping by road, sea, or air. The specific 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 industrial chemicals shipments need a Transport document, the latest SDS, and complete 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 can sometimes consolidate different industrial chemicals, but only if Segregation rules are followed. First review 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 industrial chemicals can cause environmental damage if leaks occur, Additional cargo insurance is advisable. 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.

Chemicals must be properly classified and packaged according to international regulations, ensuring that they are compatible with each other to prevent reactions. Adequate labeling and documentation are essential to comply with safety and environmental regulations during transport.

All chemical shipments must comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, including the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Importers must ensure that the chemicals are registered and that the necessary documentation, such as Safety Data Sheets (SDS), is provided for customs clearance.

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.