How To Ship Batteries
Learn How To Safely Pack and Ship Batteries
Batteries provide a unique risk when offered for transportation. They provide a power source for numerous items such as computers, phones, automobiles, and life-saving equipment. Batteries are classified as dangerous goods due to their properties and the potential risk they pose if improperly used, damaged, overcharged, or other structural defects which can cause the battery to release energy. This can lead to short circuits, fires, explosions, and the production of toxic fumes.
Shippers are required to understand and comply with the applicable regulations for the transport of batteries by all modes of transportation.
To assist shippers in understanding the requirements related to the transport of lithium batteries following the regulations, PHMSA/DOT (49 CFR) and IATA have prepared the following publications that refers to regulatory requirements for a specific lithium cell/battery type, configuration, and/or size.
49 CFR Lithium Battery Guide for Shippers
IATA Battery guidance document
For additional questions on shipping batteries, contact the UPS Hazardous Materials Support Center at 1-800-554-9964.
How To Ship Used Cell Phones
Use this guide to safely and properly learn how to ship used cell phones.
Special Procedures for Shipping Used Cell Phones
UPS accepts for transportation used cell phones in its ground and air network. Used cell phones will be transported only when packaged and labeled in compliance with 49 C.F.R § 172 (Hazardous Materials) for ground shipments, IATA regulations for air shipments, and only in accordance with the UPS Guide for shipping Ground and Air Hazardous Materials. In addition, shippers must also follow the general guidelines below:
- The device must be powered off
- The battery(s) in the device must not be refurbished
- The battery(s) in the device must not be damaged, defective, or recalled
- The battery(s) in the device must not be at “end of life”
- The battery(s) in the device must be original to the equipment
- The device must have an indicated battery capacity no more than 25%
- The equipment containing the battery(s) must be secured against movement within the packaging and packed to prevent contact with other equipment or accidental activation
If additional information on shipping used cell phones is needed, please contact the UPS Hazardous Material Support Center at 1-800-554-9964.
Damaged, Defective or Recalled Lithium Batteries
Damaged, defective, or recalled lithium battery shipping is restricted to ground transportation by law and is only accepted by UPS for the lower US 48 contiguous states and excludes service to Alaska; Hawaii; Puerto Rico; Avalon, CA; Catalina Island, CA; Beaver Island, MI; Mackinac Island, MI (winter only); The Bass Islands, OH; Kelley’s Island, OH and San Juan Islands, WA.
UPS does not accept Damaged, Defective, or Recalled Lithium Batteries (DDR LB) prepared under 49CFR §173.185(f).
UPS provides service for Damaged, Defective, or Recalled Lithium Batteries (DDR LB) when compliantly prepared under U.S. Department of Transportation Special Permits (DOT-SP) as authorized under 49CFR Part 107, Subpart B. This DDR LB DOT-SP service requires UPS pre-approval and a specialized service agreement, please contact your account representative for more detail on this program.
Battery Collection, Recycling, and/or End of Life Battery Shipments
UPS Provides service for Battery Collection, Recycling, and/or End of Life Battery shipments when tendered in UPS-approved U.S. DOT Special Permit packaging designed to contain a thermal event. The program requires pre-approval and a specialized service agreement, please contact your account representative for more detail on this program.
The Battery Collection, Recycling, and/or End of Life Battery Shipment program is only accepted by UPS for Ground service and restricted to the lower US 48 contiguous states and excludes service to Alaska; Hawaii; Puerto Rico; Avalon, CA; Catalina Island, CA; Beaver Island, MI; Mackinac Island, MI (winter only); The Bass Islands, OH; Kelley’s Island, OH and San Juan Islands, WA.
Lithium Battery Training
UPS offers a Lithium Battery specific webinar training course designed to focus on the general knowledge of the rules and regulations involving the air and ground transportation of lithium batteries, and how to utilize the regulations when preparing compliant lithium battery shipments for transport under DOT/49CFR and IATA regulations.
The training course will guide attendees through general lithium battery requirements as well, as providing step-by-step procedures on how to classify, package and ship lithium batteries alone, in-equipment, or with equipment.
This course will also, provide an overview of UPS specific policies regarding the transport of lithium batteries.
For more information, dates and locations, and to register visit UPS Hazmat Webinars – 2025. For additional information on private webinar training offerings, email dgseminars@ups.com.