LTL Portal

Safety and compliance reference

Understand the nine current U.S. DOT hazard classes.

Review a high-level overview of the nine U.S. DOT hazardous-material classes and follow the direct links to PHMSA sources for current requirements.

Do not use this page to classify or prepare a shipment.

Proper classification, naming, packaging, marking, labeling, documentation, training and modal requirements depend on the exact material and movement. Consult the current regulations and qualified dangerous-goods personnel.

1
Divisions 1.1–1.6

Explosives

Materials and articles with an explosive hazard, classified by mass-explosion, projection, fire and related effects.

2
2.1 flammable · 2.2 non-flammable/non-toxic · 2.3 toxic

Gases

Compressed, liquefied, dissolved or refrigerated gases classified by flammability and toxicity.

3
Class 3

Flammable Liquids

Liquids meeting the regulatory flash-point criteria, including many fuels, solvents and coatings.

4
4.1 · 4.2 · 4.3

Flammable Solids

Flammable solids, spontaneously combustible materials and substances that emit flammable gas when wet.

5
5.1 · 5.2

Oxidizers & Organic Peroxides

Materials that can intensify combustion and thermally unstable organic peroxide formulations.

6
6.1 · 6.2

Toxic & Infectious Substances

Poisons and substances known or reasonably expected to contain pathogens.

7
Class 7

Radioactive Materials

Materials containing radionuclides above regulatory activity and concentration thresholds.

8
Class 8

Corrosive Materials

Liquids or solids capable of destroying skin tissue or severely corroding certain metals.

9
Class 9

Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials

Regulated hazards not covered by Classes 1–8, including certain batteries, environmentally hazardous materials and elevated-temperature materials.