Can you ship lithium batteries with FedEx? (all you must know)
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Some might say that money makes the world go round. Still, today, lithium batteries are almost as important as they are used in electronics such as cameras, cell phones, laptops, and medical devices.
Given that you can find lithium batteries everywhere, it’s natural to wonder if you can ship them via FedEx. In this article, I will share everything you need to know about this matter!
Can You Ship Lithium Batteries Using FedEx in 2022?
From 2022, FedEx will allow lithium batteries to be shipped. Customers may ship lithium ion batteries or batteries (alone, packaged with or included with equipment) or lithium metal batteries or batteries (alone, packaged with or included with equipment). Batteries must be in good working order and packaged to Avoid short circuits, overheating or movement.
Shipping lithium batteries can be complicated, but luckily this guide contains everything you need to know, so be sure to keep reading!
What types of lithium batteries can I ship with FedEx?
FedEx allows customers to ship many types of lithium batteries, acceptable types include:
- Lithium-ion battery or battery
- Batteries and batteries only
- Packaged with the device (separate in the same package)
- included in the device
- Lithium metal battery or battery
- Batteries and batteries only
- Packaged with the device (separate in the same box)
- included in the device
How do I ship lithium batteries using FedEx?
Customers can ship packages containing lithium batteries domestically and internationally from any FedEx location.
That is, the battery must be in good working order (ie no defects). In addition, they can be shipped separately, packaged with equipment, or included in equipment (eg, cell phones, laptops).
Because regulations are so complex, FedEx strongly recommends that anyone shipping lithium batteries enroll in a specific shipping category to understand the procedures.
As such, you can find more details about the course here. Additionally, you can contact the Hazmat Hotline 800-GOFEDEX, option 81, for more information.
How should I pack lithium batteries when shipping with FedEx?
FedEx has different rules for shipping lithium batteries by air, water, or FedEx Ground Economy.
Additionally, the rules vary depending on the weight of the battery and how it is packaged (i.e. alone, with the device, or in the device)
Also, knowing the exact specifications for each situation is beyond the scope of this article, but I provide some general guidance below.
That said, you should protect electronics and lithium batteries from:
- short circuit
- Accidental activation of lithium-containing devices
- overheat
- on fire
- Movement inside the package
Also, one of the easiest ways to ensure your package meets these requirements is to keep the item in its original packaging.
If this is not possible, FedEx recommends covering the battery terminals with tape or placing them in a separate bag to prevent short circuits.
To prevent accidental activation, overheating, or fire, be sure to cover switches on electronic devices with tape.
Also, you can use any packaging you choose; however, the outer packaging must be strong, sturdy, and airtight.
In addition, the inside of the package should be cushioned with bubble wrap or packaging foam pads to prevent accidental bumps and movements.
In addition to these general tips, there are additional regulations based on the mode of transport.
For example, lithium batteries for air travel must contain a shipper’s Dangerous Goods Declaration.
Most importantly, the consignment note should have a statement of “Dangerous Goods in accordance with the relevant DGD” and “CAO” or “Cargo Aircraft Only”.
Therefore, all batteries shipped by ship must have a consignment note and, in some cases, a shipper’s declaration.
Additionally, batteries shipped by truck must have a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved lithium battery label on the address side of the box.
Finally, there are weight limits based on battery weight whether the package is shipped by air, sea or ground.
Therefore, please review FedEx’s Lithium Battery Shipping Guidelines for more detailed regulations.
Are there any types of lithium batteries that cannot be shipped via FedEx?
FedEx does not allow customers to ship damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries by air.
However, you can ship batteries with other defects (for example, batteries with the wrong model number on the label or with low battery power) by air.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on Does FedEx Update Tracking, Does FedEx Deliver Early, and Can You Use Tape on FedEx Packages.
in conclusion
FedEx allows customers to ship lithium batteries; however, they must exercise caution.
For example, batteries should be packaged to prevent short circuits, overheating, or accidental activation.
Additionally, lithium-containing packages must be properly labelled according to air, sea and ground rules.
Overall, this may seem like a complicated process with a lot of regulations, but luckily FedEx provides a lot of materials to help shippers comply.
