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How to Add Dangerous Goods

Dockflow allows you to classify containers as dangerous goods (DG) through bulk import. This classification integrates with automation features to help you track and manage hazardous cargo more effectively.

Overview​

Dangerous goods functionality enables you to:

  • Flag hazardous cargo - Identify containers carrying dangerous goods
  • Integrate with automation - Use DG status in dwell time and other automations
  • Comply with regulations - Track special handling requirements
  • Prioritize operations - Give appropriate attention to hazmat shipments
  • Report on hazmat - Generate reports specific to dangerous goods
What Are Dangerous Goods?

Dangerous goods (also called hazmat or hazardous materials) are substances that pose risks during transportation, such as:

  • Flammable liquids and gases
  • Explosives
  • Toxic substances
  • Corrosive materials
  • Radioactive materials
  • Other regulated hazardous substances

Import Process​

Dangerous goods data is added through Dockflow's bulk import feature using a specially formatted template.

Step 1: Download the Template​

  1. Navigate to the Import or Bulk Import section
    • Usually found in Settings or Tools menu
    • May be under Data Management
  2. Look for Dangerous Goods Template or Container Import Template with DG Column
  3. Click Download Template
  4. Save the template file to your computer

Template format:

  • Excel file (.xlsx) or CSV (.csv)
  • Pre-configured columns including dangerous goods classification
  • May include other container data fields
Template Variations

Template availability and format may vary by Dockflow version. If you can't find the dangerous goods template, contact support to request it.

Step 2: Complete the Template​

Open the template file and fill in your data.

Required Columns (Minimum)​

Container Number:

  • Full container number (e.g., ABCD1234567)
  • Must be valid ISO 6346 format
  • Required for system to match containers

Dangerous Goods Column:

  • Indicates whether container has hazardous cargo
  • Accepts specific valid inputs (see below)

Valid Dangerous Goods Inputs​

The system accepts multiple formats for indicating dangerous goods status:

Numeric values:

  • 1 = Yes (container has dangerous goods)
  • 0 = No (container does not have dangerous goods)

Boolean values:

  • TRUE = Yes (Excel boolean true)
  • FALSE = No (Excel boolean false)

Blank entries:

  • Empty cell = No (treated as "No" by default)

Invalid inputs:

  • Any text (e.g., "Yes", "DG", "Hazmat") = Rejected
  • Numbers other than 0 or 1 = Rejected
  • Special characters = Rejected
Input Validation

The system strictly validates dangerous goods inputs. Any invalid entries will cause import errors. Use only the accepted formats: 1, 0, TRUE, FALSE, or blank.

Complete All Columns vs. DG Only​

You have two options for template completion:

Option 1: Complete all columns

  • Fill in all container data fields
  • Includes: B/L, booking, container type, size, etc.
  • Plus dangerous goods classification
  • Comprehensive data import

Option 2: Use DG column only

  • Fill in only container number and dangerous goods columns
  • Leave other columns blank
  • System updates only DG status for existing containers
  • Faster for DG-only updates

When to use each approach:

Complete all columns:

  • Importing new containers
  • Comprehensive data refresh
  • First-time setup
  • Multiple fields need updating

DG column only:

  • Updating DG status only
  • Containers already exist in system
  • Quick classification updates
  • Focused dangerous goods audit

Step 3: Import the File​

  1. Navigate back to the Import or Bulk Import section
  2. Click Upload or Choose File
  3. Select your completed template file
  4. Click Import or Process
  5. Wait for import to complete

Import process:

  1. File is validated
  2. Container numbers are matched to existing records
  3. Dangerous goods status is updated
  4. Import summary is displayed

Import summary shows:

  • Total rows processed
  • Successful updates
  • Failed rows (with error descriptions)
  • Option to download error report
Error Handling

If some rows fail to import, download the error report to see specific issues. Common errors:

  • Invalid container number
  • Container not found in system
  • Invalid DG value
  • Duplicate entries

Integration with Dwell Automation​

Once dangerous goods data is imported, it integrates with Dockflow's automation system.

Dwell Automation Feature​

What it does:

  • Monitors container dwell time at terminals or locations
  • Flags containers exceeding specified thresholds
  • Differentiates between dangerous goods and standard cargo

Dangerous goods integration:

  • Separate checkbox for dangerous goods classification
  • "Yes" or "No" selection available in automation rules
  • Enables special handling for hazmat containers

Setting Up DG-Specific Automation​

Example: Priority dwell alert for dangerous goods

  1. Navigate to Automations
  2. Create new automation
  3. Add trigger:
    • Type: Time-based or Milestone
    • Condition: Dwell time > X days
  4. Add condition:
    • Dangerous Goods = Yes
  5. Add action:
    • Set flag "DG High Dwell - Urgent"
    • Send notification to hazmat team
  6. Save and activate

Result: Dangerous goods containers get flagged for dwell time issues separately from regular cargo, enabling priority handling.

Use Cases for DG Automation​

Priority handling:

Condition: Dangerous Goods = Yes AND Dwell Time > 3 days
Action: Flag "DG Priority Pickup" + Email operations manager
Reason: Hazmat requires faster processing than standard cargo

Regulatory compliance:

Condition: Dangerous Goods = Yes AND Gate In Date > 10 days ago
Action: Flag "DG Regulatory Review" + Create compliance task
Reason: Extended storage may require special permits or notifications

Cost management:

Condition: Dangerous Goods = Yes AND Dwell Time > 5 days
Action: Flag "DG Demurrage Risk" + Email finance team
Reason: Hazmat demurrage rates often higher than standard cargo

Safety monitoring:

Condition: Dangerous Goods = Yes AND Location = "Port Terminal"
Action: Set flag "Active DG at Terminal" + Daily report to safety officer
Reason: Maintain visibility of all hazmat locations

Managing Dangerous Goods Data​

Viewing DG Status​

Dashboard column:

  1. Navigate to Dashboard
  2. Edit columns
  3. Add "Dangerous Goods" column
  4. Apply changes
  5. Column shows Yes/No or 1/0 for each container

Filtering by DG status:

  1. Apply dashboard filter
  2. Add condition: Dangerous Goods = Yes (or 1)
  3. View only hazmat containers
  4. Create saved view for future use

Updating DG Status​

Bulk update:

  • Use import process again with updated values
  • System overwrites previous DG status
  • Can convert Yes to No or vice versa

Individual update:

  • May be available in container details (depends on interface)
  • Edit container properties
  • Change dangerous goods classification
  • Save changes

Reporting on Dangerous Goods​

Create DG-specific reports:

Active hazmat inventory:

  • Filter: Dangerous Goods = Yes AND Active = Yes
  • Columns: Container, B/L, Location, Dwell Time
  • Schedule: Daily report to safety manager

DG arrivals:

  • Filter: Dangerous Goods = Yes AND Arrived = Yes AND Arrival Date = Last 7 Days
  • Purpose: Track incoming hazmat for compliance

Long-dwell hazmat:

  • Filter: Dangerous Goods = Yes AND Dwell Time > 7 days
  • Purpose: Identify containers requiring priority action

Best Practices​

Data Entry​

  1. Verify before import

    • Review data for accuracy
    • Confirm container numbers are correct
    • Double-check DG classifications
    • Validate against shipping documents

  2. Use consistent format

    • Choose one format (0/1 or TRUE/FALSE) and stick with it
    • Don't mix formats in same import
    • Document your chosen format for team

  3. Complete imports

    • Import all hazmat containers, not just some
    • Include both Yes and No values (explicit is better than blank)
    • Regular updates as new containers arrive

  4. Audit regularly

    • Quarterly review of all DG classifications
    • Compare against actual cargo documents
    • Correct any misclassifications
    • Remove DG status when no longer applicable

Automation Configuration​

  1. Differentiate thresholds

    • Set shorter dwell time alerts for DG (e.g., 3 days vs. 5 days for standard)
    • More frequent notifications for hazmat
    • Higher priority flags

  2. Assign appropriate owners

    • Route DG alerts to qualified personnel
    • Ensure hazmat team receives notifications
    • Include safety or compliance officers

  3. Compliance integration

    • Create automations that align with regulatory requirements
    • Document automation logic for audits
    • Review annually or when regulations change

  4. Testing

    • Test DG automations with sample data
    • Verify correct recipients receive alerts
    • Ensure flags are set appropriately
    • Confirm reporting works as expected

Operational Workflow​

  1. Early identification

    • Import DG data as soon as booking is confirmed
    • Don't wait until arrival
    • Enables proactive planning

  2. Coordination

    • Share DG data with relevant partners
    • Notify terminals of incoming hazmat
    • Alert warehouse of DG deliveries
    • Communicate with customs brokers

  3. Documentation

    • Maintain records of DG classifications
    • Link to safety data sheets (SDS) if applicable
    • Document handling instructions
    • Track compliance activities

  4. Removal

    • Update DG status to "No" after container is emptied
    • Or remove DG flag when cargo is delivered
    • Keep historical record but don't flag empty containers as DG

Troubleshooting​

Import Failures​

If your dangerous goods import fails:

Check file format:

  • Ensure using correct template
  • Verify file is .xlsx or .csv (as required)
  • Don't modify column headers
  • Check for special characters or formatting issues

Validate data:

  • Container numbers in correct format
  • DG column contains only valid values (0, 1, TRUE, FALSE, blank)
  • No text like "Yes" or "No" in DG column
  • All required columns present

Review error report:

  • Download error details
  • Check which rows failed
  • Correct issues in source file
  • Re-import corrected data

DG Status Not Displaying​

If dangerous goods status doesn't appear:

  1. Add DG column - Ensure column is enabled in your view
  2. Check import success - Verify import completed without errors
  3. Refresh page - Force browser to reload data
  4. Verify container match - Confirm container numbers matched correctly
  5. Review permissions - Ensure you have access to DG data

Automation Not Triggering​

If DG-specific automations don't work:

  1. Check automation status - Ensure automation is active
  2. Review conditions - Verify "Dangerous Goods = Yes" condition is set correctly
  3. Test with known DG container - Use container you know has DG status
  4. Check automation logs - Review activity log for errors
  5. Verify DG data exists - Confirm container actually has DG flag set

Incorrect Classifications​

If DG status is wrong:

  1. Re-import with correct data - Overwrite with accurate classifications
  2. Manual correction - Update individual containers if possible
  3. Audit source - Check where DG data originated
  4. Standardize process - Ensure correct data from booking/shipping docs
  5. Training - Educate team on proper DG classification

Compliance and Regulations​

Regulatory Context​

Dangerous goods regulations vary by:

  • Mode of transport (ocean, air, ground)
  • Geographic region (IMO, IATA, DOT, etc.)
  • Type of hazmat (class 1-9 classifications)
  • Quantity and packaging
Dockflow DG Classification

Dockflow's dangerous goods classification is a simple Yes/No flag for operational tracking. It does not capture:

  • UN numbers
  • Hazmat classes (1-9)
  • Packing groups
  • Emergency response information

For detailed hazmat compliance, maintain comprehensive documentation outside Dockflow and link to containers as needed.

Using DG Data for Compliance​

Operational compliance:

  • Track all hazmat containers in inventory
  • Monitor dwell times against regulatory limits
  • Ensure appropriate handling and notifications
  • Maintain audit trail

Reporting:

  • Generate hazmat inventory reports
  • Provide DG container lists to authorities when required
  • Track compliance metrics
  • Support safety audits

Documentation:

  • Link containers to safety data sheets
  • Attach compliance certificates
  • Reference dangerous goods declarations
  • Maintain records for required retention periods

Frequently Asked Questions​

Q: Can I classify multiple hazmat classes (e.g., Class 3, Class 8)? A: No, Dockflow's DG field is a simple Yes/No classification. For detailed hazmat classes, use container notes or external systems.

Q: Does DG status transfer between tradeflows? A: No, DG classification is per container per tradeflow. If the same container is used in multiple shipments, each requires its own DG import.

Q: Can I manually set DG status without bulk import? A: This depends on interface configuration. Check container detail pages for manual edit options. If unavailable, bulk import is required.

Q: How do I indicate DG quantity or UN number? A: Use container notes or custom fields. The standard DG column only captures Yes/No status.

Q: Will partners see DG status? A: If you share tradeflows with partners and the DG column is visible in shared views, partners can see the Yes/No status.

Q: Can I export a list of all DG containers? A: Yes, filter your dashboard to show only Dangerous Goods = Yes, then export the result.

Q: Does DG status affect tracking or visibility? A: No, DG status doesn't change how containers are tracked. It's used for classification, automation, and reporting purposes only.

Q: What happens if I import blank for dangerous goods? A: Blank entries are treated as "No" (not dangerous goods). If uncertain, explicitly set to 0 or FALSE for clarity.

Support​

Questions about dangerous goods?