Can ADR goods and general cargo be loaded on the same vehicle?

The mixed loading of dangerous goods with general (non-dangerous) cargo is a situation that occurs frequently. Is it legal? Do you risk a penalty? Can ADR goods and general cargo be loaded on the same vehicle? Find the documented answers in this Honexpres article!

Can ADR goods and general cargo be loaded on the same vehicle?

In this article we do not analyse the situation of different dangerous goods loaded together; we will discuss strictly the mixed loading of dangerous goods with general cargo.

In the ADR Agreement we find no prohibition on the mixed loading of dangerous goods with non-dangerous goods, but there are certain conditions and special provisions that must be observed when we carry dangerous goods together with some general or non-dangerous goods.

When, for the dangerous goods that are to be carried with other goods, the following special provisions CV23, CV24, CV25 and CV28 appear in col.(18) of Table A in ch.3.2 of the ADR Agreement. These special provisions on the loading of dangerous goods must therefore be observed. We set them out in detail below:

Special provisions on the loading of dangerous goods

CV23 When handling packages, you must take special measures to prevent them from coming into contact with water.

CV24 Before loading, vehicles and containers must be thoroughly cleaned and, in particular, cleared of all combustible debris (straw, hay, paper, etc.)

CV25 Packages must be stowed so that they are readily accessible.

CV28 See the special provisions on precautions with respect to foodstuffs, other articles of consumption and animal feeds.

As regards the mixed loading of dangerous goods packed in limited quantities with other dangerous goods, we must bear in mind that the mixed loading of dangerous goods packed in limited quantities with any type of explosive substances and articles – the exception being those of Division 1.4 and of UN Nos. 0161 and 0499 – is prohibited.

Packing and securing

Packages containing dangerous substances and unpackaged dangerous articles shall be secured by means capable of restraining the goods (such as fastening straps, sliding slatboards, adjustable brackets) in the vehicle or container. They must be placed in a manner that will prevent any movement during transport. It is mandatory to prevent any movement that would change the orientation of the packages or cause them to be damaged.

When dangerous goods are carried together with other goods (e.g. heavy machinery or crates), all the goods shall be securely fixed in the vehicles or containers. This helps to prevent the release of dangerous goods. Movement of the packages may also be prevented by filling any voids. This is done by using dunnage or by blocking or bracing.

Where restraints such as banding or straps are used, they shall not be over-tightened, so as not to cause damage to or deformation of the package.

When orientation arrows are required, packages and overpacks shall be oriented in accordance with those marks.

Liquid dangerous goods shall be loaded below dry dangerous goods whenever possible.

Precautions with respect to foodstuffs, other articles of consumption and animal feeds

Where special provision CV28 is indicated for a substance or article in column (18) of Table A of chapter 3.2, precautions with respect to foodstuffs, other articles of consumption and animal feeds shall be taken, as follows:

Packages, as well as uncleaned empty packagings, including large packagings and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), bearing labels conforming to models:

• No. 6.1

or

• b

and

• those bearing labels conforming to model No. 9 and containing substances of UN Nos.:

• 2212,
• 2315,
• 2590,
• 3151,
• 3152 or
• 3245,

shall not be stacked on or loaded in the immediate proximity of packages known to contain foodstuffs , other articles of consumption or animal feeds, in vehicles, in containers and at places of loading, unloading or transhipment.

When packages bearing the said labels are loaded in the immediate proximity of packages known to contain foodstuffs, other articles of consumption or animal feeds, the former must be kept apart from the latter.

Methods of separation

1. 

   by solid partition walls. The walls must be of the same height as the packages bearing the above labels;

2. 

   by packages not bearing labels conforming to models Nos. 6.1, 6.2 or 9, or by packages bearing labels conforming to model No. 9 but not containing substances of UN Nos. 2212, 2315, 2590, 3151, 3152 or 3245; or

c. by a space of at least 0.8 m, unless the packages bearing the above labels are provided with additional packaging or are completely covered (for example, by a sheeting, a fibreboard cover or other measures).

The freight forwarder Honexpres

The freight forwarder Honexpres has all the logistics needed for any type of ADR transport, general freight transport or combined transport, anywhere in the world. We are at your disposal with the friendliest price quotations for any type of domestic or international freight transport!

Photo source: freepik.com