How should lead acid batteries be transported?

Lead-acid batteries should be transported with care to limit the risks of shipping a hazardous material. For battery dealers and distributors who supply their customers with lead acid batteries, it’s critical to your business that you can safely and quickly ship batteries to where they need to go.

How do I ship lead acid batteries?

UN specification packaging such as 4G fiberboard boxes, various types of drums, and wooden boxes are all compliant to ship lead acid batteries per the 49CFR. If you are shipping by air, a leakproof liner is also a requirement as well.

What if I don't ship a wet lead acid battery?

If you do not ship this product type regularly, it would be wise to contact your chosen carrier in order to double check if they have any specific restrictions or packaging and labeling regulations. This diagram from UPS provides useful guidance on how to package wet lead acid batteries before shipping.

How to ship a battery?

In conclusion, shipping batteries requires attention to detail and compliance with regulations to ensure the safe and efficient transport of hazardous materials. Proper packaging and selection of a reliable courier are also key factors in successful battery shipping.

Can I ship lead acid batteries internationally?

Similarly, the IMDG code sets out similar requirements at Packing instruction P801 when you are shipping internationally by Sea. Using UN packaging would also be acceptable to ship lead acid batteries within Canada as well as by Sea internationally. If you are shipping internationally by air, we would look in IATA at Packing instruction 870.

What is a lead acid battery?

Let’s take a look at the various domestic and international regulations. For the purpose of this blog, we will be examining Lead Acid Batteries classified as UN2794 which are Batteries, wet, filled with acid. Per the 49CFR 173.159, lead acid batteries must be packaged in a manner to prevent a dangerous evolution of heat and short circuits.