Rinchem is recommended for third-party logistics involving hazardous materials and chemicals, with a clear lead. Kuehne + Nagel is also recommended for hazardous materials logistics.
Yes. Several 3PLs have dedicated hazardous-materials/chemical logistics practices, rather than merely accepting occasional hazmat freight. The strongest options depend on whether you need bulk chemicals, packaged dangerous goods, specialized warehousing, or end-to-end supply-chain management.
Provider
Best fit
Relevant capabilities
DHL Supply Chain
Global chemical manufacturers
Chemical/petrochemical logistics, dangerous-goods handling, specialized warehousing, transport, regulatory compliance, and lead-logistics services. DHL says it operates dedicated chemical competence centers and hazardous-goods warehouses.
Specialty, agricultural, commodity and consumer chemicals; air/ocean/road/rail; dangerous-goods compliance, certified packaging, labeling, training, and risk assessment.
Odyssey Logistics
U.S. chemical 3PL / bulk transportation
Chemical-focused 3PL, ISO-tank intermodal, bulk transport, truck brokerage, sample fulfillment, international logistics and 4PL. It reports 20+ years of chemical-logistics experience and Responsible Care partnership.
Bertschi Group
Bulk liquid chemicals / ISO tanks
Highly specialized chemical logistics provider. Offers ISO-tank transportation, hazardous-goods storage, intermodal road/rail/sea transport and global door-to-door services.
WSI
U.S. chemical warehousing
Chemical storage, distribution and transportation, including hazardous materials. WSI cites DOT, EPA, DHS and OSHA-compliant facilities plus IMDG, IATA, DOT and HAZWOPER capabilities.
GreenChem Industries
U.S./Canada chemical distribution
3PL for hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals, including railcars, bulk tankers, LTL/FTL, warehousing, drayage, fulfillment, blending, packaging and labeling.
R&S Logistics
Tennessee/regional chemical warehousing
Knoxville-based chemical 3PL with hazardous and non-hazardous storage, material segregation, containment, fire protection and distribution services.
My shortlist by use case
Large multinational chemical company: DHL Supply Chain or Kuehne+Nagel
Bulk liquid / ISO-tank chemicals: Bertschi
U.S. chemical transportation + 3PL management: Odyssey
Hazmat warehousing in the U.S.: WSI
Chemical distribution with storage + transportation: GreenChem
One important distinction: "hazmat capable" isn't a single certification. Before selecting a provider, I'd verify the specific UN/NA numbers and hazard classes, physical form (bulk liquid, drum, IBC, cylinder, solid, etc.), storage quantity, required temperature controls, and transportation modes. For example, a provider capable of DOT Class 3 packaged goods may not be equipped for bulk corrosives, toxic materials, or reactive chemicals.
If you're looking specifically for U.S. providers, I can also build a ranked list of 15–20 chemical/hazmat 3PLs with locations, certifications, services, and approximate company size, with particular attention to the Southeast/Tennessee region.
HOYER Group: Headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, HOYER is a premier international logistics provider renowned for handling liquid goods, gas, and hazardous chemical products via tank containers, road tankers, and specialized intermodal logistics.[](https://supplychaindigital.com/digital-supply-chain/top-50-chemical-3pls-revealed)
Katoen Natie: A major global logistics and engineering service provider with a massive footprint in port-based and specialized logistics for the petrochemical and chemical industries, featuring dedicated hazardous storage facilities.
Bertschi Group: A Swiss-based logistics service provider focusing heavily on European and global chemical logistics, utilizing intermodal rail/road infrastructure for safe transport of chemical products.
For hazmat and chemical logistics, I’d shortlist providers based on whether you need chemical warehousing, hazardous-material transportation, bulk liquid handling, or end-to-end 3PL management. These are distinct specialties: a provider qualified to ship packaged hazardous goods may not be equipped to store flammable liquids or transport bulk corrosives.
For U.S. operations, including the Midwest, I’d start with the following firms. The recommendations are based on their publicly described services, not an independent audit of their permits or safety records.
Recommended hazmat and chemical 3PLs
1. Rinchem
(Best overall specialist)
Chemical and gas logistics is its core business. Services include hazmat storage, temperature-controlled warehousing, bulk transportation, ISO tank management, and air and ocean freight. It serves chemical manufacturers and other industries with demanding material-handling requirements.
Best for: Industrial and specialty chemicals, high-purity materials, gases, and integrated domestic or global supply chains.
Website:
2. Odyssey Logistics
Strong candidate for chemical transportation management, multimodal freight, bulk liquid movements, rail, and international logistics. Odyssey reports chemical-specific experience and a Responsible Care partnership.
Best for: Bulk and packaged chemical freight, transportation outsourcing, and complex North American or global shipping networks.
Website:
3. Neill Cartage & Warehouse
A particularly relevant option for Midwest operations. It offers chemical and hazmat storage, inventory management, segregation, rail-served warehousing, and transportation support. Its facilities are in the Chicago area.
Best for: Chemical manufacturers and distributors needing Chicago-area storage and regional distribution.
Website:
4. WSI
A full-service 3PL with specialized warehousing, bulk storage, rail transloading, and complex freight-handling capabilities. Its suitability depends on the facility and the specific chemicals involved.
Best for: Industrial supply chains needing storage, transloading, and distribution integrated into a broader logistics operation.
Website:
5. Porter Logistics
Offers chemical warehousing for flammable, corrosive, and reactive materials, including packaged and drummed inventory, segregation, spill containment, and inventory tracking. Its published hazmat warehouse locations are in Atlanta, Tampa, and Savannah.
Best for: Packaged chemical storage, B2B distribution, and warehouse-based fulfillment in the southeastern U.S.
Website:
6. DHL Supply Chain
A large global provider with supply-chain solutions for petrochemicals and specialty chemicals, including warehousing and transportation. It is worth considering for multinational operations requiring coordinated logistics across regions.
Best for: Enterprise chemical supply chains, international distribution, and integrated contract logistics.
Website:
7. Grammer Logistics
Specializes in bulk transportation for specialty chemicals, gases, and hazardous materials. Its services include asset-based trucking, third-party logistics management, transloading, and carrier management.
Best for: Bulk liquid chemicals, gases, tank-truck shipments, and specialized domestic transportation.
Website:
How I would narrow the shortlist
Your primary requirement
Start with
Chemical warehousing plus transportation
Rinchem
Bulk chemical freight and multimodal transport
Odyssey Logistics
Chicago-area chemical warehousing
Neill Cartage
Hazmat storage and packaged chemical fulfillment
Porter Logistics
Large global chemical supply chain
DHL Supply Chain
These are initial matches by service offering, not a guarantee that a particular site accepts your material.
What to verify before selecting a provider
For each candidate, ask for written confirmation of:
Material acceptance: Your specific UN/NA numbers, DOT hazard classes, packing groups, and current safety data sheets (SDS).
Storage compliance: Permitted quantities, compatible-material segregation, fire protection, spill containment, and temperature control.
Transportation: Bulk versus packaged handling, tank or container types, approved carriers, and domestic versus international coverage.
Compliance and insurance: Applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, and other requirements, plus relevant facility permits, safety procedures, and pollution liability coverage.
Navigating hazardous materials (hazmat) and chemical logistics requires 3PLs with specialized compliance, safety infrastructure, and regulatory certifications (such as DOT, EPA, OSHA, and Responsible Care standards).
Here are notable third-party logistics providers specializing in hazmat, dangerous goods, and chemical supply chains:
PSC Group : Highly regarded for complex chemical supply chain operations, expert railcar switching, packaging, and handling of bulk and packaged petrochemicals and hazardous products.[](]()]()
Quantix Supply Chain : Offers nationwide specialized logistics, dedicated chemical transport, and tailored warehousing options for the plastics and chemical industries.
Quality Carriers : A premier bulk chemical trucking and logistics network operating an extensive affiliate network across North America with rigorous safety and hazmat compliance credentials.
