Shipping Fireworks
All over the globe, fireworks are a burning fuse to any event and are loved by many. Every year, Americans spend more than $1 billion on fireworks! As a result, about 268 million pounds of fireworks are purchased, shipped, and launched into stunning displays, especially around New Year’s and the Fourth of July.
Whether you’re a fireworks dealer, manufacturer, or simply an enthusiast, it’s essential to ensure you’re prepared to ship fireworks safely and securely. Additionally, you must understand hazardous materials (hazmat) laws at the national, state, and local levels. Due to their flammable nature, fireworks are classified as hazmat items. As a fireworks dealer and shipper, you must take extra precautions to comply with these regulations and prepare your shipment for safe and proper transportation.
So come along and learn the ins and outs of shipping fireworks in the United States. Let’s start with the biggest conundrum of shipping fireworks: shipping them as hazardous materials (Hazardous Materials, or HazMat).
Understanding Hazmat Shipping
Most fireworks are classified as hazmat. That’s why it’s important to keep up-to-date with your knowledge of shipping hazardous items. Due to the varying levels of danger associated with freight, shipments are classified accordingly. Although LTL (Less Than Truckload) shipments have a designated freight class, it helps classify the package’s weight and density. Additionally, every hazardous shipment is classified into one of nine hazard classes, as ranked by the U.S.Department of Transportation (DOT):
– Explosives
– Gases
– Flammable liquids
– Explosive solids
– Organic peroxides
– Toxic and infectious substances
– Radioactive materials
– Corrosives
– Miscellaneous hazmat
Although most of these classes hold class levels, some sit between for more specific items. For example, fireworks seen on holidays, classified as “display fireworks,” are Class 1.3G hazmat shipments. ATF licensed drivers to manage this sort of cargo. While shipping low-grade “consumer” fireworks of class 1.4G, no ATF license or permit is required to accept or ship.
Knowing your shipment’s freight class and hazard class is a crucial step in the shipping process. However, the carrier you choose must be sure they have the space and ability to handle your shipment. Incorrect freight or hazmat classification could result in reclassification of the freight. This is a billing adjustment for a shipment that was not picked up or for a missed pickup.
Licensing and Paperwork for Fireworks Shipping
Just as you need a qualified carrier to ship your fireworks, you, as the shipper, also need to be certified as a hazmat shipper. With that, if you’re not a certified hazmat shipper, your shipment will not be leaving. Licensed carriers will not transport an unlicensed hazmat shipment. To be certified as a hazmat shipper, visit the Transportation Compliance Associates’ website. You can take your training online via an interactive class or through a live webinar. You can also complete your training at an on-site location.
And speaking of handling your shipment, another essential factor in the process is properly completing the necessary documents. With approved carriers, you must be extra careful when filling out or reviewing papers. This includes documents like your Bill of Lading (BOL), which you receive when you book your shipment. If you are shipping a hazmat shipment, your BOL must have special information on it, including:
– An Identification Number – UN or NA Number.
– Your shipment’s hazard class
– Your shipment’s Packing group (I, II, or III)
– The Hazmat material’s proper shipping name
– Your emergency response company’s name and phone number
– The dimensions of your shipment, including weight, height, and width
– Packaging materials used to pack your shipment
Having a correct BOL secures a smoother process. This also lowers the risk of surprise charges months after your shipment is complete. Ensure that everything is accurate when completing the official shipping paperwork.
Tips on How to Ship Fireworks
Most of the work involving fireworks shipping involves understanding hazmat regulations and obtaining the necessary licenses. However, we have two additional tips for shipping fireworks properly: proper packaging and understanding state laws.
Shipping fireworks, or any hazmat shipment, can be risky. With that, be sure to know that knowing your cargo is packaged correctly is crucial. The best packaging supplies for shipping hazardous materials depend on your specific needs and the nature of the items being shipped. Some of the most common packagings that would work best with hazardous items like fireworks are:
– Corrugated fiberboard box
– Drums and pails
– A crate made of metal or plastic material
Your fireworks must be packaged correctly. If exposed to fire or a heat source, the driver, pedestrians, and other vehicles in the vicinity of the shipment are at risk of injury or death. To prevent others from being exposed to unintentional fireworks explosions, your items must be packaged correctly.
Another thing to remember is to research the state laws relevant to your fireworks shipment. While some states have no regulations on fireworks, others have specific rules, including bans on fireworks except during certain times of the year. For example, in Pennsylvania, consumer fireworks are legal for adults 18 years and older to purchase and use, while display fireworks require a permit. Meanwhile, in California, fireworks are illegal in some areas of the state, and some types of fireworks are outright banned.
The legality of fireworks in each state affects their ability to be shipped, so always ship fireworks in accordance with the law. If you are unsure whether you’re allowed to ship fireworks in a particular area, it’s best to contact the local state police to find out.
Are You Ready to Ship Fireworks?
Fireworks are colorful, beautiful displays that capture the awe and excitement of spectators year-round. To utilize these mighty works of art, dealers, manufacturers, and enthusiasts must be aware of the risks and regulations that come with shipping fireworks. By researching local and state laws, packaging your shipments carefully, handling paperwork correctly, and being aware of the rules involving hazmat shipping, you will be prepared for another season of fireworks shipping.
