Shipping Industrial Chemicals from Shanghai to Detroit via Ocean Freight

Moving moisture-sensitive specialty chemicals necessitates tight-closing drums or jerricans, foil or poly liners, and drying agents inside cartons or overpacks. Shippers should also 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 goods, UN-rated packaging must be used 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. Be sure to confirm with your dangerous goods specialist or carrier whether your Specialty chemicals are fully regulated, limited quantity, or exempt before selecting packaging.

Most specialty chemicals shipments need a DG shipping paper, the latest SDS, and complete labels and markings that align with the classification. Our team recommends including emergency contact details, handling instructions (e.g., “Keep Dry,” “Do Not Stack”), and any licenses required by local authorities for specific chemical goods.

You may be able to consolidate different industrial chemicals, but only if regulatory separation requirements are met. First review the SDS and relevant ADR/IMDG/IATA tables to ensure acids, bases, oxidizers, flammables, and other chemical products are properly separated. Use physical barriers and clear labeling when combining multiple hazard classes.

Because specialty chemicals can cause environmental damage if leaks occur, enhanced freight insurance is advisable. Always review your policy to confirm that dangerous goods and specialty chemicals are not excluded, and that coverage covers contamination, disposal, and emergency response costs where applicable.

When shipping chemicals, it is crucial to ensure proper packaging and labeling according to international regulations, including IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) Code compliance. Additionally, cargo must be stowed securely to prevent leakage or contamination during transit.

Required documentation includes a Bill of Lading, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), and export permits specific to the type of chemicals being shipped. Import documentation must also comply with U.S. regulations, including Customs Declaration and any necessary EPA or FDA approvals.

Our system helps departments stay aligned by providing immediate visibility across departments and to your clients, which supports better alignment between purchasing, logistics, and finance.

Our document features are able to auto-tag and organize bills of lading, customs forms, and invoices so you no longer need to hunt through folders or inboxes.

You may read more about the company when you visit the “Meet the people and values behind DNA Supply Chain Solutions” section linked from the SAMMIE page.