What does ADR mean on a load?
ADR marks a load as dangerous goods under the European agreement on their carriage by road. Carrying it needs an ADR trained driver, the right vehicle equipment and correct paperwork.
Loads are grouped by class, for example class 3 flammable liquids or class 8 corrosives. Some quantities fall under limited quantity or excepted quantity rules and are lighter on requirements, which is why a load can say ADR and still be within reach of an ordinary van operator.
If a load is tagged ADR on the board, do not quote unless you hold the right certificate for that class and your vehicle carries the required equipment.
Posters should say the class and whether it is limited quantity in the load notes, because it changes who can carry it and what it costs.
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Written by the HaulageBoard team. Last updated 23 August 2026.