Mailing a lithium battery

Mailing a lithium battery requires special care and attention to ensure safe transportation and compliance with regulations. Here are some guidelines to follow:

General Guidelines

  1. Check with the carrier: Before mailing a lithium battery, check with the carrier (e.g., USPS, UPS, FedEx) to confirm their policies and regulations regarding the transportation of lithium batteries.
  2. Use a protective package: Place the lithium battery in a protective package, such as a bubble mailer or a sturdy box, to prevent damage during transit.
  3. Prevent accidental activation: Make sure the battery is not accidentally activated during shipping by wrapping it in tape or placing it in a protective pouch.
  4. Comply with UN regulations: Lithium batteries are regulated by the United Nations (UN) and must comply with the UN's Model Regulations for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods.

USPS Guidelines

  1. Use a special permit: Lithium batteries are considered hazardous materials and require a special permit from the USPS.
  2. Use a lithium battery shipping container: The USPS requires the use of a lithium battery shipping container, which is a special package designed to prevent accidental activation and protect the battery during transit.
  3. Limit quantity: The USPS has a limit on the quantity of lithium batteries that can be shipped in a single package.

UPS Guidelines

  1. Use a lithium battery shipping container: UPS also requires the use of a lithium battery shipping container to prevent accidental activation and protect the battery during transit.
  2. Comply with UPS's lithium battery shipping guidelines: UPS has specific guidelines for shipping lithium batteries, including requirements for packaging, labeling, and documentation.

FedEx Guidelines

  1. Use a lithium battery shipping container: FedEx requires the use of a lithium battery shipping container to prevent accidental activation and protect the battery during transit.
  2. Comply with FedEx's lithium battery shipping guidelines: FedEx has specific guidelines for shipping lithium batteries, including requirements for packaging, labeling, and documentation.

Additional Tips

  1. Check the battery's state of charge: Make sure the battery is not fully charged or discharged before shipping.
  2. Use a battery with a protective circuit: Consider using a lithium battery with a protective circuit that prevents accidental activation.
  3. Keep the battery away from heat sources: Avoid shipping lithium batteries near heat sources, such as radiators or heaters, as this can cause the battery to overheat and ignite.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure safe and compliant shipping of lithium batteries.