Hazardous Materials Policy

ACL’s Hazardous Materials Cargo Department, complete with sophisticated information systems, provides customers with the highest level of information and compliance for the transportation of hazardous materials. Our specially trained staff constantly stays abreast of international, national, and even local regulations affecting the transportation of hazardous cargo. With this in-house expertise, ACL also offers customers a special program to transport very dangerous commodities, primarily explosive materials.

Special routing is often required to successfully move these cargoes. Because of the nature of these materials, ACL may require additional lead-time and extra documentation. Customer procedures for the transportation of hazardous materials are available from the Hazardous Cargo Department.

These procedures can help you understand and comply with the numerous requirements and regulations governing the transport of dangerous and hazardous cargo. The procedures are continually updated as national and international regulations change.

ACL is prepared to move almost all types of hazardous materials, including:

	Explosives	(Class 1)
	Flammable gases	(Class 2.1)
	Non-flammable gases	(Class 2.2)
	Toxic gases	(Class 2.3)
	Flammable liquids	(Class 3)
	Flammable solids	(Class 4.1)
	Spontaneous combustibles	(Class 4.2)
	Dangerous when wet	(Class 4.3)
	Organic Peroxides	(Class 5.2)
	Toxic Substances	(Class 6.1)
	Corrosives	(Class 8)
	Miscellaneous dangerous substances	(Class 9)

Placarding Requirements: Hazardous Rail Transportation of Containers in Double-Stack Railcars

In order to ensure visibility during RAIL TRANSPORTATION of containers in double-stack railcars, all hazardous placards and/or UN/NA identification number markings and “marine pollutant” markings must be located in the area that is at least:

1. 1 ft from the top of the container
2. 5 ft from the bottom
3. At least 5 ft from the end of the container to ensure visibility

• End placards must be located with the same height restrictions.
• Placards must be located away from any markings such as advertising and devices (ladders, pipes, doors, tarpaulins) that could reduce their effectiveness.
• Please ensure that any old placards have been fully removed from the container before being accepted for transportation.

These standard rules are required by North American railroads in order for safe transfer of hazardous shipments.  Please advise/confirm to all shippers of this requirement in order to avoid delays and accessorial charges. The consignee must ensure that all placards are fully removed from the container after cargo is unloaded.