Express carriers can deliver small dangerous goods samples and low-volume orders door to door in a few days. Each carrier accepts only a limited range of dangerous goods and applies its own rules on top of the IATA DGR. We check carrier acceptance for your product, prepare the paperwork and arrange the collection.
What express carriers usually accept
- Lithium batteries and battery-powered products within carrier limits
- Limited Quantity shipments of selected classes
- Small samples of Class 3, Class 8 and Class 9 goods that meet the carrier’s rules
- Dry ice and some other Class 9 goods
Limits to be aware of
- Quantities per parcel are small, and the maximum weight is limited
- Carriers refuse many classes, and rules differ between UPS, DHL and FedEx
- Destination country restrictions and import permits can apply to chemicals
- Dangerous goods surcharges apply, and the consignee must be able to receive dangerous goods
- Non-compliant parcels can be held, returned or destroyed, so classification must be right before shipping
Documents
- SDS and product details
- Dangerous goods declaration where the shipment is fully regulated, or the correct Limited Quantity marking
- Commercial invoice with correct HS code and description
What we need to quote your shipment
Send us the details below and we will confirm routing, carrier acceptance and price for your express shipment.
- Product name, UN number, class and packing group (from the SDS, Section 14)
- Current SDS (16 sections) and, for batteries, the UN38.3 test summary
- Quantity, package type and gross weight per package
- Origin city or port, destination port or address, and Incoterm
- Cargo ready date and required delivery date
FAQ
Can I send chemical samples by express?
Often yes, in small quantities and with correct packaging and declaration, but not always. Tell us the UN number, quantity and destination.
For larger shipments see DG Air Freight.
Regulations are revised regularly. IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 is mandatory from 1 January 2026 and the 67th Edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations applies during 2026. Requirements vary by carrier, port and destination, so please contact us to confirm the rules for your specific shipment.