Lithium-Ion Battery Shipping Label: General Concerns and Regulations

Lithium-ion batteries apply in various applications, including power tools, laptops, and smartphones.

If you plan to ship lithium-ion batteries by air cargo or ground transportation, it is vital to follow the regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S DOT).

Failure to do so can result in fines up to $1 million per violation for an individual carrier and $10 million per violation for an organization with more than 500 employees!

The U.S DOT requires all shipments containing lithium-ion cells or batteries to be labeled with the words "LITHIUM BATTERY" on each side of the package in letters at least six inches high, followed by "FORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT ABOARD PASSENGER AIRCRAFT."

The Need for Regulation and Enforcement

The purpose of this regulation is to ensure everyone involved in the transportation process is aware of the hazards. Such employees include ground and air carriers, employees, etc.

A lithium battery can short circuit if it comes into contact with metal, which could cause a fire.

The U.S DOT's regulations are in place to help ensure the safety of everyone involved in the transportation process and the general public.

It is imperative to adhere to these regulations when shipping lithium-ion batteries, regardless of where you're sending them! Lithium-ion battery shipping label printable

The Safety Hazards of Lithium-Ion Battery Shipping

There are always a few general concerns when shipping lithium-ion batteries.

First, the potential for fire is always a possibility.

A short circuit can cause a fire if the battery comes into contact with metal, so it helps to pack and label the battery properly. According to the U.S DOT, lithium-ion battery fire can produce "sufficient heat to ignite nearby combustibles."

Thus, it's crucial for carriers and employees involved in the transportation process to appreciate what they're dealing with when handling these batteries.、

The battery could explode if it is damaged.

Damaged batteries cause safety hazards, so it's important to package them securely and ensure they don't come into contact with anything that could cause a short circuit.

Moreover, the battery could release poisonous gas if damaged. The annual rate of battery explosions during shipping is approximately 0.000063

Third, extreme cold or heat can damage a lithium-ion battery.

It helps to manage these potential hazards when shipping lithium-ion batteries. Why not just comply with all the relevant regulations!

What You Need to Know About Air Cargo Regulations

You must also comply with the air cargo regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) when shipping a lithium-ion battery by air cargo.

These regulations are in place to help ensure the safety of everyone involved in the process, from employees to passengers.

There are two main IATA guidelines you need to be aware of when shipping a lithium-ion battery:

Packing Instructions

You must ensure the battery isn't:

Damaged
Leaking
Corroded
Overheating

Also, follow all U.S DOT guidelines for labeling your package!

Top Three Golden Rules for Lithium-Ion Battery Shipping

Caution is necessary with a combination of such risks, thus stay compliant with the U.S DOT's regulations for shipping lithium-ion batteries! Lithium-ion battery shipping label printable.

So, what exactly do you need to know when shipping lithium-ion batteries? Here are the top three golden rules of lithium battery shipment:

Be sure to comply with all U.S DOT and air cargo regulations.
Be extremely careful about where and how you store your batteries.
Don't send any damaged batteries.