Canada Road & Rail Transport - Selecting a Container

The consignor of each dangerous goods shipment must determine which containers are acceptable to use for the dangerous good being transported. The consignor should consult Part 5 of the TDG Regulations and follow the appropriate standards described there.

It is helpful to have an organized plan for making the necessary choices involved in selecting an appropriate container for the dangerous goods. The following steps are recommended by Transport Canada:

• Classify the dangerous good in accordance with Part 2 of the TDG Regulations and consider any Special Provisions of the TDG Regulations that may be applicable.
• Determine whether a small or large container is to be used.
• Determine the mode (or modes) of transport that will be involved.
• Consider if any exceptions in Part 1 of the TDG Regulations are applicable.
• Select a container safety standard from those prescribed in Sections 5.10, 5.11, 5.12, or 5.14 of the TDG Regulations. This selection is determined by the class of dangerous goods, the mode of transport, and whether a large or small container will be required.
• Follow the requirements of the applicable safety standard, except as overridden by any requirements found in Part 5 of the TDG Regulations.
• If shipping to a foreign destination, consider any requirements that will apply in the destination country.

To learn more about Transporting Dangerous Goods in Canada visit our Transporting Dangerous Good by Road & Rail Online Training web page.