Hazmat & Dangerous Goods Transportation Services
Stryke Logistics arranges dangerous goods transport in all nine classes through qualified carriers, by truckload, LTL, reefer and flatbed, within Canada and the United States and across the Canada–U.S. and Mexico borders. We check the classification details, shipping document, safety marks and any Emergency Response Assistance Plan against the rules on each side of the border before the load is dispatched.
At a glance
- Classes
- All nine TDG/UN classes, from flammable liquids and corrosives to lithium batteries; Class 1 and Class 7 planned case by case
- Equipment
- Dry van, reefer, flatbed and LTL dangerous goods service; bulk and tank equipment where the product requires it
- Rules applied
- TDG Regulations in Canada; 49 CFR (PHMSA and FMCSA) in the United States; NOM-002-SCT-SEMAR-ARTF-2023 listing in Mexico
- From the shipper
- Classification, SDS, UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, quantity and packaging
- Coverage
- Canada, the United States and Mexico, domestic and cross-border
- Quote response
- Within 12 hours, usually the same business day
What we arrange
All nine classes, matched to the right carrier
We arrange dangerous goods transport in all nine classes through qualified carriers whose drivers hold current dangerous goods training. Everyday regulated freight such as fuels, solvents, corrosive cleaners, battery fluid and lithium batteries moves on standard lanes. Explosives (Class 1), radioactive material (Class 7), toxic-by-inhalation gases and other high-consequence loads are planned case by case, with the permits and routing they require.
The shipper's information, checked before booking
Under Canadian TDG rules and U.S. 49 CFR, the consignor (shipper) classifies the goods and certifies the shipping document. We ask for the Safety Data Sheet and the UN number, proper shipping name, primary and subsidiary class, packing group and quantity up front, and we check that they line up with each other and with the packaging before a truck is assigned. A carrier may refuse a document that is not properly completed, so this step saves a missed pickup.
Shipping document and safety marks in Canada
A TDG shipping document lists, for each dangerous good and in this order, the UN number, shipping name, primary class, any subsidiary class and the packing group, plus quantity in SI units, a 24-hour number and the consignor's certification signed by a named person. Labels go on drums, boxes and cylinders; diamond placards go on the front, sides and back of the truck, with UN numbers on orange panels or white rectangles where required. The consignor supplies the placards; the carrier keeps them displayed.
Shipping papers and placards in the United States
Under 49 CFR, the shipping paper carries the UN identification number, proper shipping name, hazard class or division and packing group, the quantity and number of packages, an emergency response phone number and the shipper's certification, with emergency response information immediately available on the truck. Placards go on each side and each end of the vehicle. Some materials need placards in any amount; most others, in non-bulk packaging, only above 454 kg (1,001 lb) aggregate on the vehicle.
ERAP and emergency response
Some higher-risk dangerous goods need an Emergency Response Assistance Plan approved by Transport Canada once they pass set quantities, and loads from several shippers on one vehicle can combine to reach that point. When a plan applies, its reference number and phone number go on the shipping document. CANUTEC, Transport Canada's emergency centre, gives 24/7 advice on dangerous goods incidents, and Canadian consignors can register to use its number on their documents.
Across the border in both directions
Canada and the U.S. recognize each other's rules for road shipments. Dangerous goods coming from the U.S. into Canada may move under 49 CFR classification, marks and papers (TDG Part 9), with some exceptions and with the importer's details and any ERAP number added. Goods moving from Canada into the U.S. may move under TDG (49 CFR 171.12), subject to its conditions. Mexico freight is planned against Mexico's dangerous goods listing, NOM-002-SCT-SEMAR-ARTF-2023, with the customs brokers on each side.
Choosing the right mode
Dangerous goods service applies whenever the product is regulated for transport, whatever trailer it rides in. The right equipment then depends on the quantity, the temperature and the border.
The SDS shows the product is not regulated for transport
It moves as standard freight in a dry van, without placards or a dangerous goods document.
Truckload & Dry VanA few pallets or drums
LTL carriers that accept dangerous goods move small regulated quantities at shared-truck cost.
Less than Truckload (LTL)Dangerous goods that also need a temperature range
Reefer equipment holds the set-point while the dangerous goods rules still apply.
Refrigerated & HeatedA load crossing into the U.S., Canada or Mexico
Customs, eManifest and the dangerous goods paperwork are planned together.
Cross-Border Canada · U.S. · MexicoCoverage and lanes
Dangerous goods move on all four lane types. On cross-border loads the classification, document and marks are checked against TDG and 49 CFR before the truck leaves, so nothing has to be fixed at the border.
Canada domestic
Within Ontario, Ontario–Quebec, and east–west across Canada to the Prairies, British Columbia and the Atlantic provinces.
U.S. domestic
Between U.S. markets, from the Northeast and Midwest to the Southeast, Texas and the West Coast.
Canada–U.S. cross-border
Northbound and southbound through the main crossings, including Windsor–Detroit, Sarnia–Port Huron, Fort Erie–Buffalo and Lacolle–Champlain.
Mexico cross-border
Freight to and from Mexico, coordinated through U.S.–Mexico gateways such as Laredo.
Examples of lanes we arrange
- Sarnia and Southern Ontario chemicals to the U.S. Midwest
- Greater Toronto Area paints, coatings and cleaning products to Quebec and the Maritimes
- Lithium batteries and battery-powered products between Ontario and the U.S. Northeast
- U.S. Gulf Coast chemicals into Ontario and Quebec
- Ontario to Texas and Mexico through Laredo
Examples only. We arrange lanes across Canada, the United States and Mexico.
How it works
- Send the SDS and product details. UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, quantity, packaging and the lane.
- Check the paperwork and equipment. We check the description against the packaging, the placard requirement and any ERAP, and choose the equipment.
- Assign a qualified carrier. A carrier with trained drivers that accepts that class on that lane is booked, with cross-border paperwork confirmed if needed.
- Load, placard and go. The shipping document goes with the driver, placards are on the truck, and the load is tracked to delivery.
- Delivery and records. Proof of delivery returned; shipping documents are kept by each party for the period the rules require.
What to send for a quote
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each product
- UN number, proper shipping name, class or division and packing group
- Quantity, packaging type and number of packages, per product
- ERAP reference number, if the goods need one
- Temperature requirements, if any
- Pickup and delivery addresses, dates, and whether the load crosses a border
Related guides and tools
Frequently asked questions
What counts as hazmat freight?
Any product that falls into one of the nine dangerous goods classes: explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidizers and organic peroxides, toxic and infectious substances, radioactive material, corrosives, and miscellaneous dangerous goods such as lithium batteries and dry ice. Fuels, many solvents, acids, propane and ammonium-nitrate-based fertilizer are common examples. The transport section of the product's Safety Data Sheet shows whether it is regulated, and the shipper confirms the classification.
Who classifies dangerous goods?
The shipper. Transport Canada states that classification is the consignor's responsibility, and under 49 CFR the shipper classifies and describes the hazmat and certifies it on the shipping paper. A knowledgeable person can help, but the shipper remains accountable. Explosives are classified by Natural Resources Canada.
Can lithium batteries ship by truck?
Yes. Lithium cells and batteries are Class 9 dangerous goods and move by truck regularly, alone, packed with equipment or installed in it. The requirements depend on the battery type, its size and how it is packed, so we ask for the SDS and the UN number before quoting.
Can dangerous goods cross the Canada–U.S. border?
Yes. The two countries accept each other's rules for road shipments: U.S. shipments entering Canada may use 49 CFR marks and papers, with some exceptions and with the importer's details added, and Canadian shipments entering the U.S. may move under TDG, subject to the conditions in 49 CFR 171.12. Customs and eManifest are handled as on any cross-border load.
What is an ERAP?
An Emergency Response Assistance Plan is a Transport Canada-approved plan for responding to a release of certain higher-risk dangerous goods. It is required when those goods are imported or offered for transport above set quantities. Approval can take up to 20 business days, so new products should be planned early.
What is CANUTEC?
The Canadian Transport Emergency Centre, run by Transport Canada. It gives 24/7 emergency-response advice for dangerous goods incidents at 1-888-CAN-UTEC (226-8832), 613-996-6666 or *666 from a cell phone.
Does hazmat cost more to ship?
Usually somewhat, because fewer carriers accept each class, drivers need dangerous goods training, and the paperwork and placarding add steps. The size of the difference depends on the class, the quantity and the lane, and is quoted on the real shipment.
Do you move dangerous goods to and from Mexico?
Yes, between Mexico and both the U.S. and Canada, in both directions. Mexico regulates dangerous goods under its own listing, NOM-002-SCT-SEMAR-ARTF-2023, and the paperwork is planned with the customs brokers on each side before pickup.
Get a Quote
Tell us about your lanes, volumes and timelines. You can expect a response within 12 hours.
Stryke Logistics
Vaughan, Ontario L4H 0S5