Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Training Made Simple: Key Facts You Need to Know
What does TDG stand for?
TDG stands for Transportation of Dangerous Goods. It refers to the Canadian regulations that govern the safe handling, packaging, labelling, and transportation of hazardous materials by road, rail, air, or marine.
What is TDG training?
TDG training ensures that workers who handle or transport dangerous goods know how to do so safely and legally. It covers topics such as classification, packaging, documentation, safety marks (labels and placards), and emergency response procedures.
There are two main types of training: the awareness training and the task-specific training that you receive on the job.
AixSafety.com will be providing free Transportation of Dangerous Goods awareness training in 2026. Stay tuned.
Who must have a training certificate to transport dangerous goods?
Anyone who handles, offers for transport, or transports dangerous goods in Canada must have a valid TDG training certificate. This includes truck drivers, warehouse staff, shipping and receiving clerks, and even office staff who prepare shipping documents.
When someone changes employers or their job duties change significantly, they must be retrained.
Can I issue my own TDG certificate?
The self-employed may issue themselves a training certificate if they believe on reasonable grounds that they are adequately trained.
For most workers, the employer can issue the TDG certificate after you have successfully completed training and demonstrated competence. Usually, training providers supply the awareness education, but your employer signs and issues the certificate. Check here for the free Transportation of Dangerous Goods training in 2026.
How long is TDG training good for?
A TDG training certificate for road, rail or vessel is valid for 3 years (36 months). After this period, retraining is required to remain compliant with Canadian law.
For air, the training must be refreshed every 2 years
What are the Transportation of Dangerous Goods safety marks?
The TDG regulations utilize labels and placards to convey the level and type of hazards associated with dangerous goods.
Do you know the safety marks? Try our free Transportation of Dangerous Goods game to find out.
How much does TDG cost?
The cost of TDG training varies depending on the provider and format. Online courses typically cost between $25 and $50 per person, while group or in-person sessions may be higher. AixSafety.com will be providing free Transportation of Dangerous Goods training in 2026. Stay tuned.
Is WHMIS the same as TDG?
No. WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) covers hazardous products used and stored in the workplace, whereas TDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods) covers the transportation of dangerous goods. Many workers require both types of training to stay compliant and safe. See our free WHMIS training.