Shipping Dangerous Goods

Alaska Air Cargo transports hazardous materials, also known as hazmat or dangerous goods, in accordance with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations.

Preparations for Shipping

Shippers are often unaware or misunderstand the requirements for properly declaring and transporting dangerous goods or the risks associated with their shipment. Correct declaration, classification, packaging, marking and labeling are the responsibility of the shipper. Dangerous Goods must always be fully declared and must be prepared prior to shipping. Violations may result in civil or criminal penalties up to $250,000 and/or five years in prison.

To avoid hassles or potential fines, we want to help you from getting caught off guard when shipping dangerous goods. This information will help ensure your shipments are properly declared and packaged. Many commonly shipped products are designated as dangerous or hazardous when shipped as cargo.

Common Goods and Materials as Dangerous Goods

Dry Ice

Alaska Air Cargo does accept carbon dioxide solid (commonly known as dry ice) for shipping but it must be packaged and labeled properly.

Packaging

Shipments must be tendered in packaging constructed to permit the release of carbon dioxide gas. This is to prevent a buildup of pressure that can rupture packaging. Sturdy outer packaging is required. Styrofoam coolers are not allowed.

Labeling and Marking

Packages that contain 5.5 lbs. or less of dry ice must be marked “Dry Ice” or “Carbon Dioxide, Solid,” followed by the net weight of the dry ice and the identification of the contents being cooled or frozen.

Packages that contain more than 5.5 lbs. of dry ice must be marked with the net quantity of dry ice, the shipper and consignee’s names and addresses, and a Class 9 Miscellaneous hazard label. If an air waybill is used, the Nature and Quantity of Goods field must contain the Proper Shipping Name (“Dry Ice” or “Carbon dioxide, solid”), Class 9, UN1845, the number of packages and the net weight of dry ice in each package.

Lithium Batteries

Alaska Air Cargo ships lithium cells or batteries provided they are in good condition. Defective or damaged lithium batteries or those intended for waste disposal or recycling can't be shipped. Shipments of UN 3481 and UN 3091 lithium batteries packed with or contained in equipment are acecpted. UN 3480 and UN 3090 lithium batteries in a package without equipment (including portable rechargers) are only accepted for transport on freighter aircraft.

Technical Specifications

You may need to ask your battery manufacturer for technical data before tendering battery shipments as cargo. For more specific requirements for shipping lithium batteries, please refer to the following the FAA SafeCargo website.

Household Goods

Many common household products contain or are designated as dangerous goods; hairspray, cooking spray, nail polish and ammunition, to name a few. What is allowed to pack in baggage when flying may not be allowed to ship in cargo. If you're unsure if your items are cleared to fly, please read the information available on this page to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of shipping dangerous goods.

Examples of commonly shipped dangerous goods:

  • Aerosols: such as spray paint, cooking spray, shaving cream, compressed air dusters, whipped cream, bug spray, hairspray<
  • Flammable liquids: such as nail polish, hand sanitizer, vanilla extract lighter fluid
  • Corrosives: such as liquid drain cleaner or bleach
  • Flammable or compressed gas: such as a lighter or life preserver
  • Explosives: such as ammunition or fireworks
  • Oxidizers: such as hydrogen peroxide
  • Flammable solids: such as matches

Firearms and Ammunition

While firearms and ammunition may be shipped as cargo, there are restrictions you need to be aware of as many products associated with firearms are considered regulated dangerous goods and must be declared and properly packaged.

Firearms FAQs