Shipping Lithium Batteries by Courier

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Express shipping of lithium batteries is of great importance. Many factories in China need to send samples to customers for testing, and express shipping is extremely convenient and safe in such cases. Additionally, in some special regions where there are no direct flights or shipping services locally, express shipping of batteries to these areas for local delivery solves many difficulties in lithium battery transportation.
 
Express shipping of lithium batteries holds a crucial position in the logistics industry due to its unique advantages. Based on flexible transportation of small shipments, it leverages an extensive and efficient express network to provide door-to-door delivery services. This service model not only meets customers’ high requirements for transportation timeliness, ensuring goods reach their destinations quickly, but also offers great convenience by eliminating the cumbersome procedures of many intermediate links, thus winning high favor from customers.
 
Given this, this article focuses on the three core demands of express services: “speed, convenience, and simplified processes”. It systematically breaks down the operational key points throughout the entire lithium battery transportation process. Through clear and detailed explanations, it helps customers achieve safe and efficient shipment of lithium batteries while meeting compliance requirements and avoiding various risks during transportation.

What types of batteries can be shipped by express delivery?

The requirements for lithium battery transportation via express air shipping are the most complex, and the practical problems encountered during operation are also the most cumbersome. The lithium batteries that can be shipped mainly include those with complete battery information — specifically, batteries must have clear labels indicating voltage, capacity, power, and battery type. Moreover, only when packaged in strict accordance with lithium battery packaging standards can they be transported smoothly.
 
When exporting lithium batteries from China, they must be brand-new products; used/second – hand lithium batteries are not allowed for export. Additionally, individual lithium batteries weighing over 30kg cannot be transported, and batteries containing liquids are also refused for carriage.
If you intend to import lithium batteries from China and need to ship them via express, you must first confirm whether your batteries meet the several requirements mentioned above. Next, we will analyze the types of lithium batteries that can be shipped via express, as well as the necessary documents and other related issues. Please follow our explanation and analysis closely!
This is a single lithium battery with the UN number: UN3480. Each battery must be individually packaged and packed in accordance with lithium battery packaging standards. The specific requirements are as follows:
 
  1. Each individual battery shall be independently packaged;
  2. The battery shall be marked (sprayed) with voltage, capacity, power, and battery model;
  3. Complete battery documentation shall be provided, including Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), UN38.3 Test Report, and Air Transport Identification Report for Lithium Batteries.
 
 
  • Equipment with Lithium Batteries:
 
This type of product falls under the UN number UN3481, where the battery is installed inside the equipment. One additional spare battery is allowed (with individual cells not exceeding 20Wh and individual batteries not exceeding 100Wh). Such shipments can be transported as general cargo, provided that the product’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is available. Examples of such products include walkie-talkies and drones.
 
  • Special Lithium Batteries
 
Lithium metal batteries have UN numbers UN3090 and UN3091. The packaging method for such batteries is determined based on their lithium metal content:
1.If the lithium metal content is less than 2 grams, they can be packaged in neutral cartons;
2.If the lithium metal content exceeds 2 grams, they must be packaged in UN-specified cartons to be eligible for transportation.
For the express shipping of lithium batteries, documents that match the batteries are required. Generally, these documents must be issued after verification and review by third – party professional testing institutions. Only in this way can the documents have a certain degree of authority, and when submitted to the express company, the review can be successfully passed.
 
  • Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): This document meticulously records crucial information about lithium batteries, including physical and chemical properties, hazardous characteristics, and safe handling procedures. It serves as a vital reference for ensuring transportation safety.
  • Air Transport Identification Report for Lithium Battery Shipping: This report assesses the safety of lithium batteries during air transport and certifies their compliance with air transportation standards.
  • UN38.3 Test Report: Conducted to evaluate the safety of lithium batteries under various environmental conditions they may encounter during transit, ensuring they pose no safety risks in normal transportation scenarios.
  • Labeling Requirements: First, the printed markings on the battery must be clear, which shall include the voltage, capacity, power, and type of the individual battery. Second, on the outer packaging of the battery: for neutral cartons, the following labels and information must be affixed: Class 9 Dangerous Goods Label, UN3480 Fire – Resistant Label, Cargo Aircraft Only Label, and the sender’s and recipient’s information.

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What kind of packaging is required for battery express delivery?

Compliant packaging for lithium batteries is a crucial step in their transportation. By ensuring this line of defense is properly in place, many potential risks during transportation can be avoided. Therefore, the following packaging standards must be strictly adhered to when packing lithium batteries:
Generally, materials should be selected that offer good anti-collision and cushioning performance, prevent short circuits caused by contact between the positive and negative electrodes of the battery, are flame-retardant, and prevent battery leakage. For example, the following specifications apply:
 
  • Insulating foam effectively cushions the impact force during transportation, protecting lithium batteries from collision damage.
  • Anti-static bags prevent the generation of static electricity, avoiding short – circuits in lithium batteries caused by static electricity.
  • For individual batteries, use special boxes to provide additional protection, ensuring each battery is in an independent and safe packaging environment.
Proper internal packaging of batteries is crucial for battery transportation. Below are the detailed operation procedures and requirements for packaging:
 
  • Cell-level Treatment:
Individual lithium battery cells must undergo independent insulation treatment, such as wrapping the positive and negative electrodes with insulating tape to prevent direct contact and short-circuits.
 
  • Multi-cell Transportation:
When transporting multiple lithium battery cells or groups of lithium batteries, use appropriate partitioning materials to fix and separate them, preventing displacement and collision due to vibration, jolting, or other factors during transportation that could damage the batteries or cause safety accidents.
 
  • Equipment – related Precautions:
For equipment containing lithium batteries, turn off the power before packaging to ensure the equipment does not start accidentally during transportation, avoiding heat generation or other issues caused by equipment operation that could affect the safety of lithium batteries.
The correctness of label application determines whether express companies will accept and transport your batteries. Please understand which labels must be correctly affixed to enable transportation:
 
  • Warning Labels: Affix “Lithium Battery Warning Labels” to prominent positions on the outer packaging to remind relevant personnel that the goods are lithium batteries and require careful handling.
  • Dangerous Goods Labels: Attach “Class 9 Dangerous Goods Labels” to clearly indicate that the goods belong to the category of dangerous goods and must be handled according to the dangerous goods transportation specifications.
  • Air Transportation Labels: If lithium batteries are transported by air, attach “Cargo Aircraft Only Labels” to ensure that the goods are transported only by cargo aircraft, which is in line with the special requirements of air transportation.

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What types of express delivery services are available for transporting batteries?

Currently, there are not many express companies on the market that can carry lithium batteries. In practical operations, when exporting lithium batteries from Hong Kong to other countries, DHL and UPS are the main options, and some dedicated shipping lines can also be arranged. Ultimately, the choice of express company varies depending on the destination country and region where the batteries are being shipped. Next, let me walk you through an analysis of the characteristics and experience of each express company in handling lithium battery shipments.
Shipping lithium battery by DHL , covering regions such as Europe, America, as well as some emerging regions including Africa, South America, and the Middle East. However, it is necessary to check whether the destination city and postal code have Dangerous Goods (DG) service available. You can refer to the DG service table to determine if the service is provided for your specific destination.
Another notable feature is that after Hong Kong DHL picks up the lithium battery shipment, the tracking information will be updated online on the same day, and the transit time is relatively fast.
Shipping lithium batteries via UPS has long been a relatively common practice. Typically, the process involves transporting the batteries from Shenzhen to Hong Kong first, where UPS Hong Kong picks them up for subsequent shipment.
 
Compared to DHL, UPS has relatively more relaxed packaging requirements. For lithium batteries that do not exceed the specified power limits (with individual cells < 20Wh and battery packs < 100Wh), they can be packed in UN-specified cartons, with a maximum weight of 25KG per carton.
 
It should be noted that tracking information for the shipment will only be available online 2 – 3 days after UPS picks up the batteries. The main reason for this delay is that UPS needs to inspect the batteries and relevant documents in its warehouse; only after confirming everything is in order will the shipment be registered in the system and forwarded for transit.
Shipping lithium batteries via FedEx is not currently a mainstream option among freight forwarders based in Shenzhen, China. The main reason is that FedEx is not a primary transportation channel for such shipments, and its requirements are relatively strict. Prior to 2020, a lithium battery shipment transported by FedEx caught fire; after this incident, FedEx basically imposed a ban on lithium battery transportation. Therefore, it is not recommended to arrange for lithium battery shipments from China to other countries via FedEx.
Currently, using dedicated shipping lines is also a relatively good option for transporting lithium batteries. The so-called “dedicated shipping lines” refer to transportation services that operate directly from China to specific countries, such as the United States, India, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These services can utilize either air freight or sea freight. Upon arrival at the destination country, customs clearance and tax payment procedures will be handled, and after the customs grants release, the shipments will be delivered to the designated location.
 
In general, dedicated shipping lines can reach regions and countries that are inaccessible via UPS or DHL. Additionally, if the customer at the destination does not want to handle customs clearance procedures themselves and only wishes to receive the goods at home, this shipping method is also a quite favorable choice.

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The price of express delivery for lithium batteries

Regarding the price of shipping lithium batteries via express, it is directly affected by several key factors: the type of lithium battery, the choice of transportation channel, the destination country/region, and the peak/off-peak seasons.
The cost of shipping lithium batteries via express is generally higher than that of shipping regular cargo. The main reason is that lithium batteries are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods, and almost all express companies charge a fixed dangerous goods handling fee for such shipments.
UPS mainly transports lithium batteries to North America, Western Europe, select regions in Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia — these are the regions it can reach. However, it is still necessary to check whether the delivery city and postal code of the destination have Dangerous Goods (DG) service, as not all locations are eligible for delivery. Therefore, before shipping the batteries, you must provide the address and postal code to confirm the availability of DG service.

 
3-21kg
22-100kg
101-500kg
Western Europe
$132—$241
$6.95/KG
$6.67/KG
North America
$128—$258
$8.3/KG
$8/KG
Southeast Asia
$110-$210
$3.5/KG
$3.2/KG
When shipping lithium batteries from China via DHL, destinations include Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, the Middle East, and even India and parts of South America. However, for some regions, it is necessary to use the city and postal code of the delivery address to check whether Dangerous Goods (DG) service is available.
Below is the DHL pricing for shipping lithium batteries from China to these regions, for your reference!!
 
 
3-21kg
22-100kg
101-500kg
Western Europe
$122—$231
$6.55/KG
$6.37/KG
North America
$118—$248
$8/KG
$7.5/KG
Southeast Asia
$100-$200
$3.3/KG
$3/KG
Eastern Europe
$131—$300
$6.7/KG
$6.5/KG
India
$158-$320
$7.8/KG
$7.5/KG
middle East
$162—$380
$7.8/KG
$7.5/KG
When it comes to importing batteries from China via FedEx, the current situation is that FedEx basically no longer handles lithium battery shipments in China. Therefore, there are no specific prices available to present.
 
If you need to ship via FedEx, you may arrange for products with built-in batteries, such as tablets, toys, and electronic watches.
Dedicated shipping lines generally refer to services that include customs clearance or tax-inclusive shipping options. Specifically, there are air freight dedicated lines with dual customs clearance, sea freight dedicated lines with dual customs clearance and tax coverage, and for regions like Europe and South Asia, there are also land transport dedicated lines with dual customs clearance.
 
In most cases, inquiries for such dedicated lines need to be made individually. Currently, there are too many dedicated shipping routes from China to other countries, so detailed confirmation is required for specific needs.

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The role of freight forwarders in the express delivery of lithium batteries

In the express shipping of lithium batteries, freight forwarders play an extremely important role. Many shippers or consignees assume that they can directly arrange for the export of lithium batteries via UPS or DHL, but in reality, this is basically not feasible in practice. The main reason is that lithium batteries are classified as dangerous goods, which require the preparation of a Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) document and a formal signature—with the signatory required to hold a dangerous goods operation certificate. These requirements are generally difficult for most individuals or entities to meet on their own.
Below are the key points highlighting the importance of freight forwarders:
In China, freight forwarders work with a large number of factories or traders that need to export lithium batteries. However, the quality of battery packaging among these clients varies significantly—many of the packages fail to meet the final air freight packaging requirements.
In such cases, there is a need for freight forwarders capable of addressing packaging non-compliance issues. These freight forwarders can take on and complete this critical packaging rectification work.
Handling dangerous goods requires relevant documents and qualifications. However, most export factories and traders do not possess such qualifications. In this case, arranging the shipment through a freight forwarder can save a significant amount of time and resources. Shippers can entrust the professional handling of these matters to freight forwarders, thereby eliminating a great deal of workload.
Currently, many battery sample shipments exported from China lack the required battery-related documents. The key documents typically needed include the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), UN38.3 Test Report, and Air Transport Identification Report.
Most factories have not prepared these relevant battery documents for sample shipments, as mass production has not yet started. However, these samples still need to be exported. This is where freight forwarders play a crucial role in addressing document-related issues.
Due to their long-term cooperation with UPS and DHL, freight forwarders have a large number of document filings on record. Therefore, as long as the batteries meet the specified requirements, freight forwarders can directly arrange for the express shipment of the samples.
When it comes to express shipping of lithium batteries, freight forwarders can secure more favorable discounted rates. The main reasons are as follows: First, freight forwarders handle more concentrated shipment volumes, enabling them to obtain lower discounts than individual direct clients. Second, the settlement method between freight forwarders and express companies is usually monthly billing, which further enhances the efficiency of shipment arrangements.

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Our advantages in express delivery of lithium batteries

Translation Batteryshipment.com is a freight forwarder with 20 years of experience in lithium battery transportation. Our headquarters is located in Shenzhen, and we also have our own branch offices in Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shanghai and other cities.
We have long-term served hundreds of battery factories across China, boasting an excellent service reputation and a mature logistics system. Therefore, if you need to ship batteries via express, please take the next step to learn more about us:
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FAQs about shipping lithium batteries by courier

Yes,no problem ，As long as the packaging meets air freight standards and the relevant battery documents are available, the shipment can be accepted and transported.
Yes, the ups can shipping the batteries goods from China to other country.
No , now not yet. You can choose UPS or DHL
Need 7-12days
Yes, door-to-door pickup is available within China.
Some countries are eligible, primarily for dedicated line services that can be delivered door-to-door.
Generally, this is not possible. However, for special requirements, you may request pallet services from UPS/DHL, though the cost is relatively high.
We are a freight forwarder specializing in lithium battery transportation. When you consult us, our primary focus is to address your lithium battery shipping issues. To proceed, please provide us with your battery information, packing list details, and the specific delivery address for your shipment.