Overview
Shipwell supports creating shipments that include hazardous materials (hazmat). When hazmat details are properly entered on the line items of a shipment, the system-generated Bill of Lading (BOL) will automatically include the required hazmat information in the appropriate section of the document, per DOT regulations.
Step 1 — Add Hazmat Details to Line Items
Hazmat information is entered at the line item level when creating or editing a shipment. For each line item that contains hazardous materials:
In the Items section of the shipment creation form (or on the Shipment Details page), click to edit a line item.
Enable the Hazmat toggle or checkbox for that line item. This will reveal the hazmat-specific fields.
Fill in the required hazmat fields:
UN/NA Number — the DOT-assigned identification number (e.g., UN1090, NA1993)
Hazmat Class / Division — e.g., Class 3 (Flammable Liquids), Class 8 (Corrosives), Class 9 (Miscellaneous)
Packing Group — I (great danger), II (medium danger), or III (minor danger)
Proper Shipping Name — the DOT-required official commodity description
Step 2 — System Generates the Hazmat BOL
Once hazmat fields are populated on the line item, no additional action is needed. The BOL generated by Shipwell will automatically include the hazmat information in the hazardous materials section of the document. This section will reflect the UN/NA number, hazmat class, packing group, proper shipping name, and emergency contact information you entered.
Step 3 — Access and Print the BOL
Go to the Documents tab on the Shipment Details page.
The BOL will be listed there — download or print it directly.
For LTL shipments, the carrier may generate their own BOL, but the Shipwell-generated BOL will carry the hazmat details you entered.
LTL Hazmat Considerations
For LTL hazmat shipments, be aware of the following:
Accurately set both the freight class and hazmat class — they are different fields.
Some LTL carriers have additional requirements such as specific emergency response phone numbers or shipper certifications. Add any carrier-specific hazmat instructions in the shipment notes.
Not all LTL carriers accept hazmat shipments — confirm the carrier's hazmat acceptance policy before tendering.
Need Help?
If hazmat fields are not appearing on your line item form, or if the hazmat information is not displaying correctly on your BOL, contact your Customer Success Manager or submit a ticket through the TMS Customer Support Portal.