Some people may say money makes the world go round. Still, these days, lithium batteries are almost as vital because they’re used in electronic devices like cameras, cell phones, laptops, and medical equipment.
Given all of the places you find lithium batteries, it’s natural to wonder if you can ship them through FedEx. In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about the matter!
Can You Ship Lithium Batteries With FedEx In [currentyear]?
Shipping lithium batteries is permitted at FedEx as of [currentyear]. Customers may ship lithium-ion batteries or cells (alone, packed with equipment, or contained in equipment) or lithium metal batteries or cells (alone, packaged with equipment, or contained in equipment). Batteries must be in good working order and be packaged to avoid short circuits, overheating, or movement.
Shipping lithium batteries can be complicated, but luckily this guide has everything you need to know, so make sure to keep reading!
What Types Of Lithium Batteries Can I Ship With FedEx?
FedEx allows customers to ship several types of lithium batteries, and acceptable types include:
- Lithium-ion batteries or cells
- Batteries and cells only
- Packed with equipment (separate in the same package)
- Contained in equipment
- Lithium metal batteries or cells
- Batteries and cells only
- Packed with equipment (separate in the same box)
- Contained in equipment
How Do I Ship Lithium Batteries With FedEx?
Customers can ship packages containing lithium batteries domestically and internationally from any FedEx location.
That said, batteries must be in good working order (i.e., not defective). Also, they may be shipped alone, packed with equipment, or contained in equipment (e.g., cell phones, laptops).
Since regulations are so complex, FedEx strongly recommends that anyone shipping lithium batteries take a specific shipping class to understand the procedures.
With that, you can find more details about the course here. Additionally, you can contact the Dangerous Goods hotline at 800-GOFEDEX, option 81, for more information.
How Should I Package Lithium Batteries When Shipping With FedEx?
FedEx has different regulations for shipping lithium batteries by air, water, or with the FedEx Ground Economy service.
Also, rules vary based on the weight of the batteries and how they’re packaged (i.e., alone, with equipment, or in equipment)
Further, getting into the exact specifications for each case is beyond the scope of this article, but I provide some general guidance below.
That said, you should protect electronic devices and lithium batteries from the following:
- Short circuits
- Accidental activation of a lithium-containing device
- Overheating
- Catching fire
- Movement within the packaging
Moreover, one of the easiest ways to ensure that your package meets these requirements is by keeping items in their original packaging.
If that’s not possible, FedEx recommends covering battery terminals with tape or placing them in separate bags to prevent short circuits.
To protect against accidental activation, overheating, or fires, make sure to cover the switches on electronic devices with a piece of tape.
Also, you can use any packaging of your choosing; however, the exterior packaging must be rigid, strong, and sealed.
In addition, the inside of the packaging should be cushioned with bubble wrap or packing foam to prevent accidental bumps and movement.
Aside from these general tips, there are additional regulations based on the mode of transportation.
For example, lithium batteries traveling by air must contain a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods.
On top of that, the Waybill should have the statement “Dangerous Goods as per associated DGD” and “CAO” or “Cargo Aircraft Only.”
With that, all batteries traveling by ship must have a Waybill, and a Shipper’s Declaration is required in some cases.
Further, batteries traveling by truck must have a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved lithium battery sticker on the address side of the box.
Finally, there are weight restrictions based on battery weight regardless of whether a package is traveling by air, sea, or land.
Therefore, check out FedEx’s Lithium Battery Shipping Guide for more detailed regulations.
Are There Any Kinds Of Lithium Batteries I Can’t Ship With FedEx?
FedEx does not allow customers to ship damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries via air transport.
However, you can ship batteries with other defects (e.g., batteries with the incorrect model number on the label or batteries not holding enough charge) via air.
To know more, you can also read our posts on whether or not FedEx updates tracking, does FedEx ever delivers early, and can you use duct tape on FedEx packages.
Conclusion
FedEx allows customers to ship lithium batteries; however, they must do this with caution.
For example, batteries should be packaged to prevent short circuits, overheating, or accidental activation.
In addition, lithium-containing packages must be properly labeled according to the rules for air, sea, and land transportation.
Overall, it may seem like a complex process with a lot of regulations, but luckily FedEx provides plenty of materials to help shippers adhere to the rules.
