What Is ADR in Logistics?

ADR is the common logistics term for the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (French: Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises dangereuses par route). In practice, “ADR” refers to the rules and requirements for transporting dangerous goods by road safely and legally.

ADR applies to a large number of countries across Europe and beyond and is widely used as a standard reference in road freight operations.

What does ADR cover?

ADR sets out requirements for the safe road transport of hazardous materials, including:

• Classification of dangerous goods (e.g., flammable liquids, gases, corrosives)
• Packaging standards to prevent leaks, damage, or contamination
• Labelling and hazard signage (including vehicle placards and markings)
• Transport documentation (papers that must travel with the load)
• Safety procedures for handling incidents or emergencies
• Vehicle and equipment rules depending on the goods being carried
• Training obligations for drivers and operational staff

Why ADR matters in logistics

ADR is essential because dangerous goods create higher risks for:

• drivers and warehouse staff
• other road users
• the environment
• company liability and insurance coverage

Following ADR helps companies reduce accidents, avoid legal penalties, and ensure shipments can move across borders without delays.

Common ADR use cases

ADR requirements typically apply when transporting materials such as:

• fuels (diesel, petrol)
• aerosols and pressurised containers
• chemicals for manufacturing
• batteries and lithium shipments
• cleaning agents and industrial solvents
• paints, adhesives, and flammable liquids

Example:
A carrier transporting chemical drums must use correct packaging, labels, documentation, and ensure the driver holds valid ADR training.

ADR training and compliance responsibilities

In many cases, drivers transporting dangerous goods must hold an ADR training certificate, which is usually valid for a limited period and must be renewed.

Companies that regularly handle dangerous goods often need internal processes for compliance, including proper staff training, shipment checks, and safety controls. Many organisations also assign a responsible person to oversee dangerous goods compliance and procedures.

How to identify ADR shipments

ADR loads are often identifiable through:

• hazard labels on packaging
• dangerous goods information in shipping documents
• vehicle markings/placards indicating the type of hazardous materials carried
• This helps enforcement teams and emergency responders react correctly in case of an incident.