Fridge magnets are cool and we all like getting a magnet souvenir from our travel trip – they look good on our fridge and remind us of the fun times that we had. On the other hand, industrial magnets and tech assembly magnets are strong and are even perceived as a dangerous good in some cases. Now, we are living in the times where online shopping has become a trend and that in terms includes a lot of online shipping and by air transportation. Still, transporting magnets by air might not be as easy as some of you may think.
Magnets are considered as dangerous goods when it comes to by air shipping and there are numerous specific regulations and set of rules that you have to comply with. The biggest problem is that a magnet can interfere with an airplane’s equipment and in terms of endangering the safety of all passengers on board.
Img source: magnetics.com
That is why most of the companies prefer to ship magnets via land options, and some airplane companies don’t accept shipping magnets no matter how well you do the packaging. The whole idea is to block the magnetic field through adequate packaging – but how to do it and what are the set of regulations that you have to comply with? Let’s take a look.
Few Tips On Magnet Packing
Now, blocking the magnetic field might not be that easy and it all depends on how large the magnet is. If we are talking about a magnet that has a 150lb pull than you will need to invest in a good cover if you plan to ship it by air. Whether you are shipping custom magnets or earth magnets in most of the cases a steel lined box is used to protect the package and block the magnetic field. Along with that, options like cardboard shredding or padding do come into consideration as well. And as magnets are considered as dangerous goods, you will have to provide proper documentation and labeling to go along with the shipped package.
Img source: medlineshipping.com
Also, there are guidelines provided by IATA and PHMSA in terms of when can a magnetic package be shipped. First and foremost, magnetrons have to be packed so the polar units are on the opposite side. As of shipping permanent magnets, it is recommended to have a keeper bar installed. Last but not last least it can’t exceed the 0.418 A/m gauss and has to produce a reflection that is less than 2 degrees.
What Magnets Are Considered As Dangerous Goods
While most of the magnetic items are classified as dangerous goods, there are certain exemptions suggested by FAA and IATA. As the guideline suggest if the magnet doesn’t produce strength that is above 0.002 gausses at 7 feet the item is not considered as magnetized and it is safe to ship as a non-dangerous good. For all other magnetic items the above-mentioned set of rules applies, and without the proper documentation and labeling that goes along, you will not be able the magnetic package.
Img source: fridgemagnetmalaysia.com
Summary
There is a good reason why most of the magnet-producing companies decide to ship their products by land. Still, in some cases, it would be too expensive or far, so they have to decide on the air method. And while it might be more effective, there is a set of rules and guidelines that you need to comply with to get the package processed.
