Express Van news

Guidance on safely transporting dangerous goods

What you need to know (ADR, DGSA, LQ & more)

When you need to move Dangerous Goods quickly across the UK or Europe, an Express Van service can be the ideal solution – fast, flexible, and direct. When ADR regulations are relevant, many businesses aren’t sure what can be transported, what paperwork is required, or who carries the responsibility for compliance.

In this guide, we break down the essentials of Dangerous Goods transport by Express Van, explain the legal requirements, and show how our in-house DGSA ensures your shipments move safely and compliantly.

Can Express Van carry dangerous goods?

Yes — Express Van can legally carry dangerous goods, but only when they meet the requirements laid out in ADR regulations. ADR applies to all road vehicles, including vans, so whether you’re shipping chemicals, flammable liquids, batteries, aerosols or car parts, ADR rules must be followed.

Some goods cannot be carried under our insurance policy, including:

  • Class 1 explosives

  • Firearms and ammunition

  • Other high-risk restricted items

If you’re unsure whether your shipment qualifies, Express Van can review the UN classification and advise before booking.

Your responsibilities: Why a DGSA matters

Many companies are unaware that they legally require a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA).

Under ADR, any company that consigns, transports, packs, fills, loads or unloads Dangerous Goods must appoint a DGSA. This applies even if:

  • You only ship Dangerous Goods occasionally

  • You outsource transport to an external provider

  • You are shipping Limited Quantities (in many cases)

At Express Van, we have an in-house DGSA who provides expert oversight and ensures all paperwork is compliant before it moves.

ADR hazard classes explained

Every dangerous goods item is assigned a UN number and is categorised into one of the ADR hazard classes. Here’s a simple breakdown:

  • Class 1 – Explosives

  • Class 2 – Gases

  • Class 3 – Flammable liquids

  • Class 4 – Flammable solids

    • 4.1 Flammable solids

    • 4.2 Substances liable to spontaneous combustion

    • 4.3 Substances which emit flammable gas upon contact with water

  • Class 5 – Oxidising agents & organic peroxides

    • 5.1 Oxidising substances

    • 5.2 Organic peroxides

  • Class 6 – Toxic & infectious substances

    • 6.1 Toxic

    • 6.2 Infectious

  • Class 7 – Radioactive material

  • Class 8 – Corrosives

  • Class 9 – Miscellaneous dangerous substances

    • Including Class 9A such as lithium batteries

This summary is for convenience only. For full compliance details, always consult the latest ADR, ICAO, and IATA regulations.

Shipping limited quantities of DG

One of the most common questions we get is:
“Can my items go as limited quantities?”

Limited quantities (LQ) allow dangerous goods to move with reduced ADR requirements. However:

  • LQ goods are still classed as dangerous goods

  • They must carry correct Limited quantities (LQ) marking

  • Packaging must meet specific standards

  • Documentation may still be required

  • Insurance restrictions may apply

We regularly transport LQ shipments and can assist whether your goods qualify under ADR.

Vehicle & driver requirements for DG transport

When carrying Dangerous Goods, certain safety measures, training and PPE must be in place. Our Express Van fleet and drivers meet the required standards, ensuring your load travels safely and compliantly.

Why ADR compliance matters 

Express transport is time-critical – often same-day or next-day – and even a minor mistake can stop a van at the roadside. Common issues include:

  • Incorrect labels

  • Wrong packaging

  • Missing or incorrect documentation

  • Misunderstanding Limited Quantities

  • No DGSA oversight

With Express Van’s in-house DGSA and trained operations team, you benefit from expert guidance from booking to delivery, reducing risk, cost, and delays.

Need to transport dangerous goods? We Can Help

Whether you’re shipping:

  • Class 3 flammable liquids

  • Class 8 corrosives

  • Class 9 lithium batteries

  • LQ aerosols

  • Or other ADR-regulated items

Express Van provides fast, compliant Dangerous Goods transport with full DGSA support – contact us to find out more.

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