From fuels and fertilisers to medicines and household essentials, chemicals keep the economy moving. But transporting chemicals can be complex. Safe and reliable delivery depends on specialist logistics considerations – from regulatory compliance and training to security. Tim Doggett, CEO of the Chemical Business Association (CBA), outlines the key factors operators must take into account.
Chemical transport may involve specific considerations, particularly when moving those classified as dangerous goods. While many chemicals are not regulated for transport, those that are fall under the United Nations Model Rules, which set a global framework for their safe movement across all modes. Compliance demands meeting strict packaging, labelling, documentation and vehicle specifications, as well as training, to ensure safety, security, and regulatory adherence at every stage of the journey.
On the road, compliance is governed by ADR – the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road – which has been adopted by 55 countries. Vehicles, tanks, containers and trailers must carry the correct hazard markings, such as the UN numbers being carried, their hazard class and Emergency Action Codes, while drivers must be suitably trained and qualified.
ADR also classifies some chemicals as High Consequence Dangerous Goods (HCDG), which given their potential misuse in terrorism, are considered to pose an additional layer of risk. ADR requires security plans to be in place for carriers, consignors and other participants for the carriage and storages of HCDG, covering everything from access controls to incident reporting and training.
Skills and training
All drivers carrying dangerous goods by road – bar a few exemptions or exceptions – must hold an ADR Driver Training Certificate. This is obtained by completing an approved Dangerous Goods Driver Training Course and passing the associated examinations. Training covers areas such as hazard identification, safe handling, emergency response, and class-specific regulations and the certificate is valid for five years, after which drivers must complete a refresher course and examination. There are currently over 82,500 ADR-qualified drivers registered in the UK.
In addition to driver training, ADR also places obligations on the organisations involved in the carriage of dangerous goods. Most companies that consign, transport, pack, load, fill, or unload dangerous goods must appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA), of which there are currently over 2,250 in the UK. Unlike drivers, who focus on operational safety during journeys, DGSAs provide oversight at the organisational level.
Their responsibilities include advising management on compliance, monitoring day-to-day activities, ensuring appropriate staff training is in place, investigating incidents, and preparing an annual report for senior leadership. To qualify, DGSAs must pass a written examination approved by the Competent Authority in their country. Like drivers, their certification is valid for five years and requires re-examination to remain current.
Together, ADR-trained drivers and certified DGSAs form two essential layers of compliance: one ensuring safe operations on the road, the other that organisations meet their wider legal and safety responsibilities.
Supporting the sector
The CBA has long played a central role in the carriage of dangerous goods, working in close partnership with policymakers, regulators, and enforcement bodies alike. With its in-house team covering all modes of transport, the Association provides members with compliance support through its Helpdesk, alongside training programmes and DGSA services.
The factors impacting chemical logistics are considerable. Yet, through sustained investment in training and strong industry representation, the sector remains well placed to deliver the essential products that underpin the economy – safely, securely, and reliably.
Tim Doggett, chief executive, Chemical Business Association
