Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW): Using a Freight Company for Disposal
Clear that Clutter!
FreightCenter has the resources, experience, and reliability to clear your CDW quickly and efficiently!
Shipping Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) Safely and Efficiently
Transporting construction and demolition waste requires careful planning to handle bulky, heavy, and potentially hazardous materials. Common CDW items like concrete debris, wood, drywall, metals, roofing materials, and tile must be securely packaged and labeled to ensure safe transit and compliance with transport regulations.
Before shipping, loose materials should be sorted, compacted when possible, and loaded into heavy-duty containers such as roll-off dumpsters, bulk bags, or reinforced crates. Sharp or jagged materials should be wrapped or separated to avoid damage to surrounding items and vehicles. If hazardous waste is involved, it must be clearly labeled and documented in accordance with DOT and EPA guidelines.
For large or recurring CDW shipments, FreightCenter offers reliable Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and Full Truckload (FTL) freight services. Whether you’re clearing a job site or moving demolition debris to a recycling center, we connect you with trusted carriers, offer competitive rates, and provide real-time tracking to keep your cleanup on schedule.
🛠️ Need to ship CDW?
From one-time projects to ongoing construction operations, FreightCenter ensures your waste materials are transported safely, legally, and cost-effectively. Get a free freight quote today and let us handle the logistics from site to disposal.
Thousands of businesses trust FreightCenter to move their freight faster, smarter, and cheaper! From unbeatable rates to top-notch service, our customers are raving about their shipping success.
See why they keep coming back!
Award-Winning Service, Trusted by Shippers Everywhere!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Why Choose FreightCenter for Your CDW Shipping ?
FreightCenter specializes in fast, cost-effective shipping for Construction and Destruction waste, including concrete, asphalt, wood, metal,and insulation. With 25+ years of logistics expertise, we simplify the process by connecting you with trusted carriers and offering tailored freight solutions for both individual and bulk shipments. Our competitive rates ensure affordable shipping without sacrificing quality, whether you need specialized handling for hazmat or expedited delivery for urgent orders. Backed by personalized customer support, we manage everything from quotes and tracking to paperwork and carrier coordination, so you can focus on the project site while we handle your shipping needs.
Trust FreightCenter for reliable, secure, and cost-effective industrial waste shipping.
Shipping Hazardous Construction Waste: What You Need to Know
Transporting hazardous materials within construction and demolition waste (CDW) poses serious challenges—from limited carrier options and regulatory hurdles to costly delays and environmental risks. Whether you’re clearing out a job site, demolishing an old building, or renovating a facility, proper planning is critical to ensure safe, legal, and efficient hazmat shipping.
Many hazardous components in CDW—such as asbestos, lead paint, treated wood, mercury switches, solvents, and aerosol cans—are subject to strict federal and state regulations. These materials often require special containers, manifests, and labeling, as well as transport through licensed hazmat carriers. Some regions limit transport by road, requiring rail or sea freight solutions that are equipped to handle regulated waste.
Freight forwarding can help consolidate hazardous CDW into compliant shipments and streamline paperwork, especially when working across state lines or through ports. Seasonal weather or disaster zones can further complicate transit, so early scheduling and carrier coordination are essential.
Proper packaging, labeling, and documentation are non-negotiable. Hazmat in CDW must be clearly identified, stored in leak-proof, DOT-approved containers, and marked with appropriate placards. You’ll also need to complete manifests, hazard declarations, and in some cases, obtain disposal or transit permits. For more information, refer to PHMSA or EPA guidelines on hazardous waste transport.
FreightCenter makes hazardous CDW shipping safer and simpler with access to certified hazmat carriers and a logistics team that knows the rules. Whether you’re disposing of contaminated debris or coordinating a large-scale demolition project, we help you reduce costs, stay compliant, and move waste safely.
🚧 Need help shipping hazardous CDW?
Let FreightCenter manage the logistics, paperwork, and carrier coordination. Get a free freight quote today.
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
Trust the experts at FreightCenter to help you find the best rates and most effective transport solutions for all your construction and demolition waste (CDW) shipping needs. From local job sites to large-scale demolition projects, we connect you with carriers equipped to handle heavy, bulky, or hazardous debris safely and legally.
We deliver optimized freight options for full or partial truckloads of construction waste, offering competitive pricing on dump trucks, roll-off containers, and flatbed hauls. Whether you're clearing concrete, roofing materials, or mixed debris, FreightCenter makes sure your CDW gets where it needs to go—fast and hassle-free.
Need waste cleared quickly from a construction site or emergency zone? Our nationwide expedited trucking services are built to move CDW efficiently, minimizing downtime and keeping your project on schedule. Whether it’s one load or multiple truckloads, we make urgent shipments simple.
From hazardous waste transport to oversized debris and hard-to-reach job sites, FreightCenter offers specialized CDW shipping services tailored to your project. We partner with certified hazmat carriers, offer white glove pickup for sensitive environments, and can even coordinate international removal projects.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
FreightCenter Knows How Important Clearing your Waste Is!
FreightCenter understands the importance of delivering your CDW with haste. With over 25 years in the logistics industry, we are dedicated to providing the best shipping experience while keeping your costs low. We partner with over 50 carriers nationwide, allowing us to offer discounted rates that you won’t find anywhere else. Our tailored solutions include expedited shipping, white-glove services, and specialized freight options, ensuring that your concrete, wood, metal, and other waste is cleared away quickly.
For added value, repeat customers can earn points for exclusive rewards every time they ship with us!
Ready to clear your site of waste? Our expert agents are here to help you find the best shipping solution for your needs. Get a free freight quote using our online tool, or call us at (800) 716-7608 today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is considered construction and demolition waste (CDW)?
CDW includes materials generated during construction, renovation, and demolition projects, such as concrete, bricks, wood, drywall, metal, roofing materials, glass, insulation, and sometimes hazardous substances like lead-based paint or asbestos.
Q. Can CDW be shipped using standard freight services?
Some CDW can be shipped via standard freight methods like flatbeds or dump trailers, but certain types—especially those that are hazardous, oversized, or extremely heavy—require specialized equipment and compliance with transport regulations.
Q. Do I need special permits to ship CDW?
Depending on the type and volume of waste, you may need permits, especially if transporting hazardous materials. Some states also require manifests or specific documentation for regulated debris.
Q. How should CDW be packaged for shipping?
Use heavy-duty containers such as roll-off dumpsters, reinforced crates, or shrink-wrapped pallets. Hazardous or sharp materials should be clearly marked and separated to prevent injury or damage during transport.
Q. Can I ship CDW across state lines?
Yes, but you must comply with both federal and state regulations regarding waste classification, manifest requirements, and carrier certifications—especially if any of the waste is considered hazardous.
Q. What freight services are best for shipping CDW?
Common options include flatbed trucking, roll-off dumpster transport, dump trailers, and in some cases, intermodal rail for large-scale jobs. FreightCenter helps determine the best method based on your specific load.
Q. Is it legal to ship hazardous materials found in CDW?
Yes, but you must follow strict DOT and EPA guidelines, including proper labeling, documentation, and the use of certified hazmat carriers. FreightCenter works with licensed providers to ensure compliance.
Q. What is the cost of shipping CDW?
Costs vary based on load size, weight, type of material, distance, and whether specialized handling is required. Bulk or recurring shipments often qualify for discounted rates.
Q. How quickly can CDW be shipped?
Standard shipments can be scheduled within a few days, while expedited services are available for urgent site cleanups. Weather, location, and load type may affect transit time.
Q. Does FreightCenter offer CDW pickup services?
Yes, we can arrange pickup from your job site or facility, including white glove or scheduled pickup services for hard-to-access areas.
Q. How do I know if my CDW includes hazardous materials?
Hazardous waste includes substances like asbestos, lead-based paint, treated wood, and certain adhesives or chemicals. Always review project specs and consult with your environmental compliance officer.
Q. Can FreightCenter help with waste disposal too?
While we specialize in transportation, we can connect you with disposal and recycling partners or direct your shipment to approved facilities.
Q. What happens if my CDW load is rejected?
Loads may be rejected if improperly labeled, overweight, or non-compliant with regulations. FreightCenter helps you prepare and package shipments correctly to reduce that risk.
Q. How do I get started with shipping CDW through FreightCenter?
It’s easy—just request a free freight quote online or speak with one of our shipping specialists. We’ll assess your needs, recommend the right services, and help you schedule your shipment.
3 Advanced Tips for Dealing with Construction/ Destruction Waste
Pre-Sort Materials to Reduce Weight-Based Costs
Sorting your construction and demolition waste before shipping may take a little extra effort upfront, but it can lead to major savings. Mixing heavy materials like concrete or bricks with lighter debris such as drywall or wood increases the total weight and volume of the load, which can drive up your freight costs. When you separate out recyclable or lighter materials ahead of time, you reduce the chance of overweight charges and open the door to more cost-effective shipping options. In some cases, recyclers may even offer payment or reduced disposal fees for clean materials like metal or untreated wood, giving you a financial incentive to sort. Plus, having cleaner, more uniform loads helps carriers optimize space and ensures smoother transport from site to facility.
Use Backhaul Opportunities on Construction Corridors
If your shipment doesn’t need to arrive on a tight timeline, consider asking your freight provider about backhaul availability. Backhauls are return trips where trucks would otherwise be driving empty after completing a delivery. Since carriers want to fill that space, they often offer steep discounts for freight that can match their route and timing. This is especially useful in construction-heavy areas, where trucks are constantly delivering equipment, materials, or prefab components and heading back without a full load. By being flexible with your schedule and taking advantage of these return trips, you can significantly cut transportation costs without compromising on service quality.
Document Everything (Even If It’s Not Legally Required)
When it comes to CDW, thorough documentation is one of the most overlooked tools in your shipping toolkit. Even if your waste isn’t classified as hazardous, creating a detailed internal manifest of what’s in the load can help avoid costly misunderstandings. Disposal facilities and carriers often want to know what they’re handling, and being able to provide that information quickly keeps your shipment moving. If there’s ever a question about compliance, labeling, or content, having clear documentation protects your business and provides a reliable paper trail. It can also streamline your booking process, allowing freight brokers to match your load with the right carrier faster and with fewer surprises along the way.
