Lithium Battery Shipping
Market Express provides DOT, IATA, and UN compliant lithium-ion battery shipping for consumer electronics, e-bikes, power tools, and electric vehicle batteries.
Lithium Battery Shipping Requires Special Handling
Lithium-ion batteries are classified as Dangerous Goods (Class 9) by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and International Air Transport Association (IATA). Shipping non-compliant lithium batteries can result in fines up to $75,000 per violation and criminal charges.
- Required: UN38.3 test summary for all lithium batteries
- Required: Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS)
- Required: DOT/IATA compliant packaging and labeling
What Lithium Batteries We Ship
- Consumer electronics (laptops, tablets, phones, cameras)
- Power tools and cordless equipment
- E-bikes and electric scooters
- Hoverboards and electric skateboards
- Portable power stations and generators
- Electric vehicle (EV) battery packs
- Medical devices with lithium batteries
- Drones and RC vehicles
Lithium Battery Shipping Pricing
Pricing is based on battery watt-hour (Wh) rating and package weight. Larger batteries require special handling, hazmat labels, and carrier surcharges.
Small Batteries
- Laptops, tablets, phones
- Cameras, drones (consumer)
- Power banks under 100Wh
- IATA Section II (lower hazard)
Medium Batteries
- E-bikes, electric scooters
- Power tools (cordless)
- Portable power stations
- IATA Section IB (higher hazard)
Large Batteries
- Electric vehicle (EV) batteries
- Large power stations (>300Wh)
- Industrial/commercial batteries
- Ground transport only (no air)
Required Documentation for Lithium Battery Shipping
1. UN38.3 Test Summary
All lithium batteries must pass UN Manual of Tests and Criteria Section 38.3 safety tests. You must provide the UN38.3 test summary from your battery manufacturer. This document proves the battery has been tested for safety (thermal, altitude, vibration, shock, etc.).
2. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS)
Safety data sheet describing the chemical composition and hazards of the lithium battery. Required by DOT and IATA for all dangerous goods shipments.
3. Shipper's Declaration (for air freight)
IATA Dangerous Goods Declaration required for air shipments. Market Express prepares this document on your behalf using your UN38.3 and MSDS documentation.
4. Battery Specifications
Watt-hour (Wh) rating, voltage (V), ampere-hour (Ah) capacity, and UN number (e.g., UN3480 for standalone batteries, UN3481 for batteries contained in equipment).
Packaging Requirements
- Insulated Packaging: Batteries must be protected from short circuits (terminals insulated)
- Cushioning: Adequate cushioning to prevent movement and damage during transport
- Hazmat Labels: Class 9 hazard label and lithium battery handling label affixed to outer package
- Overpack (if needed): Multiple packages may require overpack with consolidated hazmat labels
- State of Charge: Batteries should be shipped at 30% charge or less for safety
Lithium Battery Shipping Restrictions
- Air Cargo Limits: Batteries over 300Wh cannot be shipped via air cargo to most destinations
- Passenger Aircraft Prohibited: Large lithium batteries cannot be shipped on passenger aircraft
- International Restrictions: Some countries have additional restrictions on lithium battery imports
- Damaged/Recalled Batteries: Cannot be shipped via any carrier (safety hazard)
- Carrier Approval Required: Some carriers require pre-approval for lithium battery shipments
What Market Express Handles
Compliance & Documentation
- • Review UN38.3 and MSDS documents
- • Prepare IATA Dangerous Goods Declaration
- • Apply DOT/IATA compliant labels
- • Verify packaging meets requirements
- • Maintain compliance records
Shipping & Handling
- • Select compliant carrier and service
- • Apply hazmat surcharges (passed through)
- • Coordinate carrier pickup
- • Track shipment status
- • Handle carrier claims if needed
Important Information
- Vendor Responsibility: You must provide UN38.3 and MSDS documents. Market Express cannot ship batteries without proper documentation.
- Carrier Surcharges: Hazmat fees ($40-80 per package) are passed through at cost. These are mandatory carrier charges.
- Transit Times: Lithium battery shipments may take 1-2 days longer due to special handling requirements.
- Ground Transport Preferred: Most lithium batteries ship via UPS/FedEx Ground to avoid air cargo restrictions.
Ready to Ship Lithium Batteries Compliantly?
Market Express handles all lithium battery compliance, documentation, and hazmat labeling. We ensure your batteries ship safely and legally.