PACKAGING TIPS – BY GROUND COURIER
We will accept just about anything in any form (this does not apply to Hazmat and Biological Matter). We do request that you package your item securely. For sameday delivery of fragile items, please wrap them carefully to ensure their delivery intact. The dispatchers need to have an idea of size and weight of your package as well.
Please package your item in a strong cardboard box or shipping totes, using bubble wrap to secure the contents if fragile or delicate. Tape securely. If available, utilize colored shipping tape so your box stands out. Anything you can do to make your package easily identifiable is a plus.
For high valued or fragile items, we recommend “insurance packaging”. This can be a crate, shipping tote or double walled boxes (two boxes, one inside the other, very tight fit).
All Hazmat and Biological matter packaging must comply with all laws and regulations. We will transport the items exactly as you provide them. We do supply Biohazard Transport bags for routes and routine delivery requests.
If USAC will be delivering your package to an overnight carrier, please instruct the shipper to package it in the appropriate shipping container or envelope and have them pre-address the waybill if possible, if not the courier will do it.
PACKAGING TIPS – BY AIR
The 1 Pound Rule
If this applies to your air shipment, keep in mind that depending on your paper’s weight – 1 pound can be anywhere from 32 to 75 pieces of paper plus envelope. A VCR tape or 4-6 cd’s (in cases) equal one pound.
Packaging
In general, you should pack you item in a secure envelope, box or shipping bag. DO NOT package paper in a small envelope – the bigger the envelope, marked with bright color, will increase the visibility of your package.
If possible, in order to have the maximum flight options, individual box weights should not exceed 70lbs.
The package may be opened by the Transportation Security Administration and will be x-rayed. 100% of all commercial cargo is inspected. Please have your ID available for the courier to verify you identity.
Your packaging must be in good condition – free of spills, tears, etc… If your shipment is in locked totes – the locks must be TSA Luggage Locks or the courier must have the key. This also applies to locking straps and any other form of locking seal. Accuracy of final weight (including pallet if palletized), size (H, W, D), and contents is necessary.
Airbill Instructions
The Airbill will be completed at time of pickup by our personnel or agent.
Please write the name/address and contact phone number of the recipient on the outside of the box.
SHIPPERS DECLARATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS
Dangerous Goods Shipments Must be Pre-booked with USA Couriers. The following information is provided for information only; please refer to Division 6.2 legal specifications.
This Declaration must be completed and signed by the shipper only.
Always be originals, never photocopies. It is acceptable for the second page to be a carbon copy (both copies must have red borders)
* Always have two copies to tender to the airline (attached to the master air waybill).
Please Note:
- We will require a complete set (2 copies) of Declaration per leg of journey For example: A pick up in Dallas destined for Providence, RI will require 1 set of Declarations for the Dallas/New York leg and 1 set for the New York/Providence. Correction fluid can not be used to make changes on the certificate. The shipper must then sign in full adjacent to the correction. I Initials are not acceptable and only the person who is signing the Declaration can make a revision to the document. The only exceptions are airway bill number, airport of departure and airport of destination which can be completed and altered by the courier. Customer Service will always ask the shipper to fax a copy of the Dangerous Goods Certificate to us in advance so that we can examine the document for errors. This will allow us to discuss any corrections that must be made before we make the pick up thereby avoiding unnecessary delays.
- Shippers are reminded that national and international law require all persons performing dangerous goods functions to be trained and certified to perform those functions. The following instructions are not intended to take the place of training and certification. Rather, they are designed as a guide to assist the shipper in preparing infectious substances for transport. They represent a textual and pictorial example of compliance with the regulatory requirements. International, state and carrier requirements are subject to change. Always check the current regulations for compliance prior to shipping.
GUIDE FOR SHIPPERS DECLARATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS:
The following is provided as a guide to completing the Declaration and does not replace the current 6.2 Rules & Regulations. Packages must be packed by an individual who has had 6.2 training within the last year.
- Shipper:
Enter full name and address of shipper (including individual name and phone number). - Consignee:
Enter full name and address of consignee (including individual name and phone number). - Pages:
Enter page 1 of 1 - Transport Details:
Delete “Cargo Aircraft Only” (if applicable) - Shipment Type:
Delete “Radioactive” (if package is not radioactive) - Proper Shipper Name:
Enter proper shipper name
(a) “Infectious substance affecting humans” followed by the type of infectious substance being shipped (e.g. HIV). This should be followed by the state of the matter (ml = liquid) or (gm = Solid).
(b) If shipment is packed on DRY ICE then enter “Carbon Dioxide, Solid”. - Class of Division:
Enter class or division
(a) Infectious substance “6.2”
(b) Dry Ice “9” - UN or ID:
Enter UN or ID number (be sure to include the letters “UN” or “ID”)
(a) Infectious – UN2814
(b) Dry Ice UN1845 - Packing Group:
(a) Infectious substance – leave blank, does not apply
(b) Dry Ice – III - Quantity & Type of Packing:
(a) Infectious – enter number of packages, type of packaging and net quality, e.g. “one fiberboard box x 50 mL” NOTE: if packing more than 50 ml in any one box, please contact customer service before completing this form.
(b) Dry Ice – enter amount of Dry Ice in kilos (KG)
(c) If outer box is not UN spec “Overpacked” must be stated. - Packing Instruction:
(a) Infectious – “620”
(b) Dry Ice – “954”