Change to IMDG Code: Vehicles now hazardous cargo

Effective January 1, 2012, the IMDG Code pertaining to containerized shipment of vehicles will change. Any article with an internal combustion engine (autos, vehicles, boats, etc.) must be identified to carriers as hazardous cargo.

Although Special Provision 961 describes technical measures that can be taken to neutralize the hazard of fuel and batteries and allow the articles to be consigned as non-hazardous, this involves isolating the battery and removing the fuel from the tanks - technically difficult to achieve in many cases. While some carriers may downgrade this classification, others may not. Therefore, please note steamship lines may add a surcharge of up to $150 when a vehicle is listed.

For more information, please contact:
Lauren Kolesar
+1 (904) 858-1200 ext. 7355
lkolesar@suddath.com