Instructions for shipping

When sending hazardous materials and dangerous goods

Hazardous materials and dangerous goods require specific packaging, marking, labeling, and documentation for transport. Federal and international authorities closely monitor shipments of hazardous materials or dangerous goods. Anyone shipping a hazardous material must have documented training. Regulatory provisions for shipment must be met prior to shipment, including export control review requirements for international packages.

If you need to ship a hazardous material or dangerous good, contact the Office of Research Assurances.

Forms required for shipping & returns

Pullman

Every package that is shipped from WSU Pullman requires a Request for Shipment of Merchandise form.

*New request for shipment of merchandise form

With the discontinuation of eForms, the request for shipment form is moving to myFacilities effective Feb. 28, 2024. The new shipment request form can be found at myfacilities.wsu.edu/RequestForShipment.aspx.

Please note these important changes:

  • Shipments will not ship until approved by your account authority, so please plan accordingly.
  • The shipping of a hazardous material or dangerous good will still need to be coordinated with the Office of Research Assurances. You must still provide an approved request for shipment of merchandise.
  • The request for shipment barcode number is your link to your shipment details. Please print it for your package and keep record of it.
  • For international shipping, please include the harmonized tariff code. This is a 10‑digit number and can be found at uscensus.prod.3ceonline.com.
  • For international shipping, please include the receivers phone number and/or email address.
  • Palletized shipments will use the request for shipment of merchandise utilizing the ship via auto freight tab.
  • U.S. Postal Services (USPS) will still utilize mailing services protocols for sending shipments.
  • See instructions for completion in the WSU Business Policies and Procedures Manual, 80.15

Returning hazardous materials shipments

If you need to return a hazardous material/dangerous good shipment, contact the Office of Research Assurances for guidance.

Returning WSU-issued laptops containing lithium-ion batteries

  1. If you are returning WSU-issued laptops containing lithium-ion batteries, the package must be transported by ground transportation domestically. For international shipments, please contact Hazardous Materials Shipping.
  2. It’s recommended to have a carrier (e.g., UPS/FedEx) package and process the shipment.
  3. Should a carrier processing facility not be available in your area, follow the guidance for UPS/FedEx.

 

Consequences of non-compliance

Failure to comply with regulations for shipping hazardous materials and dangerous goods may result in any of the following:

  • Increased risk of material release during the shipping process
  • Refusal or return of packages (particularly problematic with temperature-sensitive materials)
  • Fines from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Willful violations can carry a penalty of up to 10 years of imprisonment

Shipment delays & losses

Shipments do not always arrive as scheduled. They may get held up in customs or at the hubs of UPS and FedEx due to weather, mechanical failure, and other unforeseen events. When a shipment is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances there is nothing WSU can do.

Take precautions

If your shipment has particular importance or value, consider insurance. If using dry ice, pack with extra dry ice to allow for unexpected delays in transport.

Shipping questions?

Please contact the hazardous material shipping specialist

Regulations and references