Prepare the right information
Batteries, paints, gases and chemicals can fall under specific carriage rules. Acceptance depends on the exact product, condition, packaging and transport route.
Use product-specific information
Give the exact product name and available transport data. For chemical products, section 14 of the safety data sheet includes information such as UN number, shipping name, class and any packing group. Use the version applicable to that product.
Hazard labelling for use is not the same as transport classification. Missing information needs clarification from the supplier or a specialist. Do not guess a UN number merely to finish an enquiry.
Requirements vary by transport mode
Road carriage follows ADR and supplementary Swiss national rules. Air and sea have their own requirements. Road packaging or concessions do not automatically apply to flights or sea journeys.
Small quantities can still require marking, packaging and documentation. Limited quantities do not remove every obligation. The provider needs to check the shipment and any changes of transport mode.
Describe packaging and condition openly
Provide quantities with units, container types and their condition. UN-marked packaging alone does not establish suitability for the particular contents and journey. Combined packing, labels and documents require professional assessment.
Batteries installed in equipment, packed alongside it or shipped separately are different cases. Damaged, defective or recalled batteries need different assessment from intact ones. Leaks or unknown residues must not be described as ordinary goods.
An active leak or immediate danger is not a normal quotation task. The site’s emergency organisation or local response service needs to assess the situation.
Compare more than the freight charge
Costs can include transport, packing services, assessment, documentation, surcharges, special vehicles and any permits. Suitable collection and delivery equipment and waiting time also matter.
Compare identical substances, quantities, packages, routes and modes. A surcharge tariff does not establish acceptance. Ask about VAT, included preparation and possible adjustments.
A carriage quote does not automatically include treatment or disposal of hazardous waste. Waste-specific documentation and receiving conditions may also apply.
An enquiry is not transport approval
Classification, packaging, documents and responsibilities must be confirmed before collection. Consignor, packer, loader and carrier may have separate duties; hiring a carrier does not automatically fulfil every consignor obligation.
Known essentials are enough initially. Safety data sheets, battery specifications, test summaries and complete transport papers can then be checked through the agreed channel. Missing technical information must remain explicitly unresolved.
Frequently asked questions
Can I enquire without knowing the UN number?
Yes. Name the product and mark the missing information. Classification must be confirmed before carriage.
Is a small quantity an ordinary parcel?
Not automatically. The product, amount, packaging and transport mode determine the requirements.
Can a damaged battery be transported?
Only following a specific assessment and confirmation of a suitable transport solution.
Does one package work for every mode?
Not necessarily. Road, rail, air and sea have different requirements and acceptance conditions.
