The ADR (Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises dangereuses par route) is an international agreement that regulates the transport of dangerous goods by road. The ADR contains detailed regulations for packaging, labelling and load securing of dangerous goods in order to ensure safety during transport. Originally a European agreement, ADR is now used worldwide. It was signed in Geneva in 1957 and has been in force since 1968. The ADR classifies dangerous goods into different classes, depending on the type of hazard (e.g. explosive substances, flammable liquids). Documentation: It determines which documents must be carried during transportation, including dangerous goods transport documents. Drivers and other persons involved in transportation must complete special training courses and refresh them regularly.
ADR dangerous goods classes
The ADR divides hazardous substances into nine dangerous goods classes, which are categorized according to the type of hazard. This classification ensures that transport, labelling and safety measures are regulated uniformly and comprehensibly. Classes include:
- Class 1: Explosive substances and objects
- Class 2: gasses
- Grade 3: Flammable liquids
- Class 4.1: Flammable solids
- Class 4.2: Spontaneous flammable substances
- Class 4.3: Substances which, when in contact with water, produce flammable gases
- Class 5.1: Inflammatory (oxidizing) substances
- Class 5.2: Organic peroxides
- Class 6.1: Toxic substances
- Class 6.2: Contagious substances
- Grade 7: Radioactive substances
- Grade 8: Corrosive substances
- Grade 9: Various dangerous substances and objects
The ADR prescribes what safety and emergency equipment vehicles must carry, including fire extinguishers, personal protective equipment, safety vests, and emergency cards. In addition, the ADR defines mandatory documentation such as transport documents, written instructions and training certificates. These guidelines are used to be able to react quickly and appropriately in an emergency.
ADR challenges in transportation:
Complex and safety-critical requirements for transporting dangerous goods
The transportation of dangerous goods is subject to strict safety and compliance rules. Companies must ensure that substances are correctly classified, labelled, documented and handled. Even minor errors in data or processes can lead to serious risks to health, the environment and infrastructure.
Source: UNECE ADR Framework, European Commission Transport of Dangerous Goods Guidance
Decentralized, inconsistent and often manual information processes
In many companies, information on hazardous goods and loading requirements is maintained in various systems or documents (e.g. Excel lists, PDF documents, emails). This results in media breaks, version conflicts and coordination efforts between logistics, dangerous goods officers and transport partners. Incorrect or missing information leads to delays or incorrect transport preparations.
Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) — Transport Safety Guidelines
High legal and financial risks in the event of errors or violations
Violations of ADR regulations can have significant consequences — from security incidents and transport interruptions to fines, liability risks and criminal consequences. Companies therefore have a high responsibility to provide correct and up-to-date information and to be able to prove it at any time.
Source: UNECE ADR Compliance Requirements/ EU Dangerous Goods Fines Catalogue
Benefits of Loady:
Centralized, structured dangerous goods and location information
Loady ensures that all safety-relevant requirements — from location and charging conditions to product-specific requirements — are maintained in a central, validated data source. Information is consistent, complete and available to all eligible partners.
Multilingual, standardized data for smooth processes
With Loady, drivers and logistics partners receive clear and uniform requirements, even before they arrive at the location — including ADR-relevant information. This reduces misunderstandings, waiting times and inquiries and increases planning security and compliance.
Comprehensible and consistent data storage
The central data platform makes it possible to see at any time which requirements apply, who maintained them and when they were updated. This creates transparency and supports proof of compliance with authorities and partners.
