ADR dangerous goods freight — strictly by the rules
Dangerous cargo cannot simply be loaded into an ordinary truck and sent off: it needs the correct hazard class, approved transport, a trained driver, marking and a set of documents. We carry ADR dangerous goods from Europe as part of road freight from Europe and the broader cargo delivery from Europe service, taking on the whole permit side.
We work with companies and sole proprietors; we deliver ADR cargo to Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Dnipro and across Ukraine.
What ADR is
ADR (French: Accord Dangereux Routier) is the European agreement on the international carriage of dangerous goods by road. It sets uniform rules: how to classify the cargo, how to pack and mark it, and which transport and documents are needed. Thanks to ADR, cargo crosses the borders of Europe and Ukraine under a single set of requirements.
The 9 hazard classes
The class determines everything: packaging, marking, requirements for the transport and the crew.
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explosive substances and articles |
| 2 | Gases (compressed, liquefied) |
| 3 | Flammable liquids |
| 4 | Flammable solids / self-igniting |
| 5 | Oxidising substances and organic peroxides |
| 6 | Toxic and infectious substances |
| 7 | Radioactive materials |
| 8 | Corrosive substances |
| 9 | Other dangerous substances and articles |
Driver and vehicle documents
- ADR driver certificate — confirms training in the carriage of dangerous goods.
- Vehicle approval certificate — for certain classes and tanks.
- Transport document for the dangerous goods with the UN number and description.
- Written instructions (emergency card) — crew actions in an incident.
Marking and hazard labels
The transport is marked with orange plates at the front and rear; for tank carriage these show the hazard number and the UN number. Hazard labels are applied to the packaging and transport: the primary label by class and an additional one if there is a secondary hazard.
Vehicle equipment and safety
The vehicle must be in good technical condition and equipped: fire extinguishers, a wheel chock, two warning signs, a hi-vis vest, a torch, gloves and goggles for each crew member, plus the means required by the written instructions for the specific class. Tanks require earthing.
LQ and EQ — when it is simpler
Small consignments can often travel under LQ (limited quantities) or EQ (excepted quantities) modes — with simplified vehicle requirements and without full ADR equipment, provided packaging and marking are met. We check whether your cargo falls under such a simplification — it often reduces the cost of the shipment.
Documents, customs, cost
In addition to ADR documents, a basic set is needed (see documents for international road freight) plus separate permits by substance type. We take on customs transit and import — see road cargo customs clearance. Dangerous goods are more often carried as a full truck load (FTL); the pricing logic is on the cost of road delivery from Europe page.
How we organise an ADR shipment
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Cargo classificationWe determine the hazard class and UN number and check LQ/EQ eligibility.
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Transport and driverWe supply approved transport with a driver holding an ADR certificate.
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Marking and documentsWe prepare the transport document, written instructions, and apply plates and labels.
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Customs and deliveryWe handle transit and import and bring the cargo to the unloading point.
Frequently asked questions
Dangerous goods freight with Trans-Hope
Trans-Hope carries dangerous goods from Europe under ADR: we select approved transport and a driver, prepare marking and documents, and take on customs. Send the UN number or substance description, quantity and route — we will calculate the shipment.
