In the processes of Transporting of Dangerous Goods by Ground the proper classes must be displayed on the truck, and be documented in the paperwork associated with the shipment. The consignor of the shipment is responsible by law for determining the correct classification of the dangerous goods being transported, and the contents must be classified before the carrier takes possession.

Schedule 1 of the TDG Regulations asks that you indicate the type of hazard that is being transported. There are nine classes of dangerous goods, and each class has multiple subclasses dictating the subsidiary hazards to the main class.

For example: Class 1.3 (The 1 represents Explosive Hazards, and .3 represents the additional fire hazard risk that comes with this class)

Class 1: Explosives

  • 1.1 Mass Explosion Hazards
  • 1.2 Projection Hazard
  • 1.3 Fire Hazard
  • 1.4 Minor Hazard
  • 1.5 Very Insensitive Explosion
  • 1.6 Extremely Insensitive Explosives

Class 2: Gases

  • 2.1 Flammable Gases
  • 2.2 Non-Flammable Gases
  • 2.3 Toxic Gases

Class 3: Flammable Liquids

Class 4: Flammable Solids

  • 4.1 A solid that under normal conditions of transport is readily combustible, or would cause or contribute to fire through friction or from heat retained from manufacturing or processing, or is a self-reactive substance that is liable to undergo a strongly exothermic reaction, or is a desensitized explosive that is liable to explode if not diluted sufficiently to suppress their explosive properties.
  • 4.2 A substance liable to spontaneous combustion, under normal conditions of transport, or when in contact with air, liable to spontaneous heating to the point where it ignites.
  • 4.3 A substance that, on contact with water, emits dangerous quantities of flammable gases or becomes spontaneously combustible on contact with water or water vapour.

Class 5: Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides

  • 5.1 Oxidizing Substances
  • 5.2 Organic Peroxides

Class 6: Toxic & Infectious Goods

Class 7: radioactive Substances

Class 8: Corrosives

Class 9: Miscellaneous Products, Substances, or Organisms

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Published: January 5, 2021
Last Modified: July 10, 2025