Safe and efficient road transport of ADR goods

Deodorant spray, nail polish remover, lithium-ion battery, wood varnish, fuel. What do these products have in common? They are all classified as ADR goods, i.e., hazardous materials in road transport. They are found in many industries- from FMCG, through manufacturing and automotive, to energy- and their transport requires specific procedures that are critical for the safety and efficiency of logistics operations.

Whether a product is classified as dangerous is defined by the European ADR Convention (Accord Dangereux Routier). Dangerous goods are divided into nine hazard classes—ranging from explosives and gases, through flammable liquids, to corrosive substances and other hazardous materials.

Each dangerous good is assigned a UN number, which serves to identify it in transport and specifies the requirements for its carriage. The most commonly encountered ADR goods include fuels (Class 3), aerosols (Class 2), paints and solvents (Class 3), industrial chemicals (Class 8), and lithium‑ion batteries (Class 9).

ADR regulations, including the list of dangerous goods, are updated every two years.

Forms of ADR Transport

Dangerous goods may be transported in various forms, including in bulk or in tanks—for example, in the case of fuels or liquid chemicals—as well as on pallets and as packaged goods, such as drums, canisters, or cartons. The latter form is used in the majority of transport operations.
In many cases, ADR transport within a groupage (LTL) network is possible, provided that appropriate packaging and cargo segregation requirements are met.

Requirements for the Transport of Dangerous Goods

• Vehicle Marking and Equipment
Vehicles transporting dangerous goods must be marked with distinctive orange warning plates placed at the front and rear of the vehicle. They must also be equipped with, among other things, fire extinguishers, wheel chocks, high‑visibility vests, protective gloves and goggles, as well as written safety instructions for the driver.

• Driver Qualifications
Drivers carrying out ADR transport must hold special qualifications, confirming completion of the required training and successful passing of a state examination.

• Infrastructure Restrictions and Route Planning
The transport of dangerous goods is also subject to infrastructure restrictions. Certain tunnels impose limitations on specific ADR classes, and in some cities, vehicles carrying such goods are prohibited from entering city centers. As a result, ADR transport planning requires in‑depth knowledge of regulations and careful route selection.

• ADR Safety Adviser (DGSA)
Companies involved in the transport of dangerous goods—including carriers and logistics operators—are required to appoint an ADR Safety Adviser (DGSA – Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser). This role may be performed by an internal employee or an external consultant and includes responsibility for overseeing regulatory compliance, developing safety procedures, and reporting.

The Role of the Logistics Operator in the Efficiency of ADR Transport

A logistics operator impacts the efficiency of ADR transport by, among other things, selecting the appropriate vehicle, carrier, and route, as well as through proper operational planning. This enables transport optimization, for example by consolidating ADR shipments within groupage networks.
An important element of safe and efficient handling of such cargo is warehouse and terminal infrastructure, which includes reinforced racking, sprinkler systems, spill containment trays, and designated ADR zones. These solutions significantly enhance the safety of storage and logistics operations.