How To Ship Batteries
Learn How To Safely Pack and Ship Batteries
We have assembled this illustrative guide to help you safely pack and ship many kinds of batteries. In some cases, such as with alkaline or certain nonspillable lead-acid batteries, your responsibilities may be limited to simple steps such as: selecting strong outer packaging; carefully protecting battery terminals to prevent sparking or short circuit; and carefully preparing the interior package components to keep tools or other metal objects away from batteries.
Damaged, Defective or Recalled Lithium Batteries
Damaged, defective, or recalled lithium battery shipping is restricted to ground transportation by law and is only accepted by UPS for the lower US 48 contiguous states and excludes service to Alaska; Hawaii; Puerto Rico; Avalon, CA; Catalina Island, CA; Beaver Island, MI; Mackinac Island, MI (winter only); The Bass Islands, OH; Kelley’s Island, OH and San Juan Islands, WA.
UPS does not accept Damaged, Defective, or Recalled Lithium Batteries (DDR LB) prepared under 49CFR §173.185(f).
UPS provides service for Damaged, Defective, or Recalled Lithium Batteries (DDR LB) when compliantly prepared under U.S. Department of Transportation Special Permits (DOT-SP) as authorized under 49CFR Part 107, Subpart B. This DDR LB DOT-SP service requires UPS pre-approval and a specialized service agreement, please contact your account representative for more detail on this program.
Battery Collection, Recycling, and/or End of Life Battery Shipments
UPS Provides service for Battery Collection, Recycling, and/or End of Life Battery shipments when tendered in UPS-approved U.S. DOT Special Permit packaging designed to contain a thermal event. The program requires pre-approval and a specialized service agreement, please contact your account representative for more detail on this program.
The Battery Collection, Recycling, and/or End of Life Battery Shipment program is only accepted by UPS for Ground service and restricted to the lower US 48 contiguous states and excludes service to Alaska; Hawaii; Puerto Rico; Avalon, CA; Catalina Island, CA; Beaver Island, MI; Mackinac Island, MI (winter only); The Bass Islands, OH; Kelley’s Island, OH and San Juan Islands, WA.
Lithium Metal Battery Shipper Pre-Approval
Effective July 1, 2015, all existing customers and new customers who wish to ship lithium metal batteries without equipment (UN3090) via UPS® Air services must obtain pre-approval from UPS Airlines. This requirement is to ensure that proper training has occurred and that all applicable safety regulations are properly followed for such shipments.
The pre-approval requirement applies to lithium metal battery shipments that are fully regulated and require dangerous goods shipping papers. Fully regulated shipments will also require a separate UPS Dangerous Goods Agreement.
Lithium Battery Training
UPS offers a Lithium Battery specific webinar training course designed to focus on the general knowledge of the rules and regulations involving the air and ground transportation of lithium batteries, and how to utilize the regulations when preparing compliant lithium battery shipments for transport under DOT/49CFR and IATA regulations.
The training course will guide attendees through general lithium battery requirements as well, as providing step-by-step procedures on how to classify, package and ship lithium batteries alone, in-equipment, or with equipment.
This course will also, provide an overview of UPS specific policies regarding the transport of lithium batteries.
For more information, dates and locations, and to register visit UPS Hazmat Webinars – 2025. For additional information on private webinar training offerings, email dgseminars@ups.com.
Battery Shipper Pre-Approval Steps
Provide the following:
- Contact name, title, telephone number, and email address
- Company Name, UPS Small Package account number(s), if applicable, and corresponding shipping address(es)
- Anticipated daily air volume (number of packages)
- Certification that employees involved in preparing shipments at all locations are properly trained or, if appropriate, have received adequate instructions according to the applicable regulation set
- Which UPS Services do you use? (Small Package Service, Air Cargo or Air Freight)
- For UPS Small Package Air service, customers must review the limitations of the UPS International Dangerous Goods Approved Countries or Territories List and agree to only ship packages in accordance with those limitations. You may seek approval for exceptions to this limitation by contacting dangerousgoods@ups.com.
View Approved Countries or Territories List | Download the Pre-Approval Application Form
After you receive an email notifying you of approval from Step 1, submit the following information for each cell or battery you plan to ship:
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A UN 38.3 Test Report or other signed certification that verifies compliance:
- Name and address of the agency performing the testing
- Location and date where the testing was completed
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If not otherwise provided in the UN 38.3 Test Report or certification:
- Product name(s) of the cell(s) or battery(ies) as displayed on the product(s)
- Manufacturer's name
- Part number and or model number corresponding to the Test Report or certification
- Lithium content of the cell(s) or battery(ies)
- For identification purposes, digital pictures of the cell(s) or battery(ies)
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A detailed description and digital pictures of the inner packaging utilized for shipping, including methods for prevention of short circuit
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Are Overpacks utilized for shipments complying with 49 CFR 173.185 c or IATA PI 968 Section II?
- If yes, what is the average number of packages contained in the Overpack?
Email the prompts above to dangerousgoods@ups.com and you’ll receive an email notification of your approval status.
- UPS Small Package and UPS Airlines reserve the right to inspect the contents of packages to ensure compliance with the approved shipping requirements.
- Customers must repeat the approval process for any new lithium metal cells or batteries that are periodically added to their shipping inventory.
- UPS retains full discretion to approve or deny this request, and may also rescind approval in its sole discretion, at any time.
If you need assistance, please contact the UPS Hazardous Materials Support Center at 1-800-554-9964 or 502-359-2900.