Transport orders include goods of various types, and each of them requires appropriate protection for the time of transportation and the fulfillment of certain conditions related to the performance of the service. However, for some goods that are considered dangerous, it is necessary to apply special rules of carriage. The delivery of specialized cargo from shipper to consignee is referred to as ADR transportation. What is worth knowing about this subject?
What is ADR transport?
The transportation of specialized and dangerous goods, or ADR transport, is a set of regulations and procedures that must be observed when transport companies perform services related to a specific group of goods. The term “ADR” is an acronym for the full name of the international and national convention, which was drawn up in Geneva in 1957 and is still in force today.
In addition, all companies involved in transporting cargo that may pose any kind of danger have been required to consult a safety advisor since 2003. These regulations also apply to companies carrying out only the loading or unloading of hazardous products. An ADR advisor must be appointed by the company even if it only carries out the transportation of specialized cargoes once a year.
What goods does ADR transport cover?
The ADR Convention is a document that contains annexes that are key to the organization of transportation. The first divides dangerous goods into 9 classes, with 4 subgroups. The second presents the requirements and standards for the type of vehicle appropriate for the cargo, as well as the competence of the persons carrying out the course. It is also information on how to document transportation in ADR transport, issues related to packaging, securing and proper marking of goods.
Dangerous products included in the ADR Convention are divided into materials:
- explosive,
- spontaneously combustible or flammable,
- oxidizing,
- poisonous,
- corrosive,
- radioactive,
- infectious,
- gases,
- various materials and objects.
Before shipping the above products abroad, it is important to check the transportation guidelines in the destination country. Failure to take into account relevant regulations or safeguards can result in fines, delays and even the inability to deliver the shipment.
ADR transport – responsibility for carriage
When carrying out ADR transport, the duty to properly secure goods in accordance with the requirements of the Geneva Convention rests with the shipper. This includes properly classifying the products, allowing them to be transported and completing all necessary documents and permits. The shipper should also ensure that vehicles are properly marked and check the efficiency and tightness of the vehicle.
The carrier also bears no less responsibility. It is the shipping company’s responsibility to carefully check that all documentation is complete and filled out correctly, and that the goods are secured properly. The carrier is equally responsible for properly marking and preparing the vehicle for the road.
