Shipping Dangerous Goods

OEHS is responsible for the shipment of hazardous materials/dangerous goods. This includes non-hazardous items on dry ice. Requests to ship materials must be submitted through the Infinity Core Facility at the link below. For further assistance, call 313-577-1200. 

Infinity Shipping Request System (internal users)

Training on shipping biological substances and dry ice:
OEHS offers trainining to ship limited types of materials. Training is required every two years and can be completed online at www.citiprogram.org

Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) for transfer of biological, chemical, or other tangible research materials
 

Shipping non-regulated biological materials:

A non-regulated biological sample is a material that does not pose a hazard to human health, the environment or to property. It is non-infectious, non-hazardous and non-toxic. Biological samples can be of human, animal, plant or other (bacterial, fungal, yeast, etc.) origin. Examples include; DNA, antibodies, proteins, etc. Directions on packaging and shipping non-regulated samples.

If you are unsure if your samples meet the definition of non-regulated, contact OEHS at 313-577-1200.

Shipping on dry ice:

DRY ICE IS A DANGEROUS GOOD! Shipping materials on dry ice must be done through OEHS unless you have taken the Shipping Biological Substances and Dry Ice Training course within the past two years. Submit all requests through the Infinity Core.

 

Domestic (US) shipments:

Requests to ship packages containing dangerous goods within the United States should be submitted at least the day before you would like it shipped.

We ship dangerous goods packages exclusively with FedEx. If your department doesn't have a FedEx shipping account, OEHS will need a departmental index number to charge for reimbursement.

It is best to send shipments on dry ice M-W in case there is a delivery problem or weather delays.

Priority Overnight is the quickest way to ship, but also the most expensive. If your materials aren't on dry ice, and it isn't necessary for the package to arrive overnight, let us know on your form and we will ship them in a less expensive category.

International shipments:

Please submit requests to ship an international package containing dangerous goods at least a week prior to the day you would like the package shipped. International shipments may be subject to Export Control Regulations that may require additional time.

There are several specific customs issues when shipping dangerous goods to foreign countries. Depending on the country, additional forms may be required in order to insure delivery of the package.

Packages are typically shipped by FedEx International Priority, meaning it will get to its destination within 2 to 4 days, depending on delivery location. OEHS encourages a Monday or Tuesday package drop-off for international shipments, to assure a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday delivery date. OEHS will contact FedEx international for delivery date estimates and provide that information to you for suggested package drop-off dates.

Fact sheets, Checklists, and Packing Instructions

For more information, call OEHS at 313-577-1200.