Lithium batteries get most of the attention, but conventional lead-acid and other wet batteries are still shipped by the millions: car batteries, marine and golf cart batteries, forklift batteries and backup power units. These are regulated hazardous materials because they contain corrosive electrolyte. South Florida’s boating, auto and industrial markets make them especially common here.
Classification basics
Batteries, wet, filled with acid are shipped as Class 8 corrosives under UN2794. Other wet battery types have their own entries, such as alkaline-filled batteries (UN2795) and batteries filled with alkali for electric storage under a separate number. Non-spillable wet batteries (UN2800) can qualify for an exception in the ground and ocean regulations if they pass specified vibration and pressure differential tests and meet other conditions. Confirm the entry in the Hazardous Materials Table in 49 CFR 172.101 and the packaging requirements in 49 CFR 173.159, and verify the battery’s test status with the manufacturer.
Dry cell batteries such as common alkaline AAs are generally not hazmat. Nickel-metal hydride batteries have their own treatment and are handled differently by mode, so check the current rules for your shipment. Lithium chemistries are another category entirely; see our guide to shipping lithium batteries by ocean.
Packaging and handling
- Keep them upright. Battery caps and vents must stay closed and the battery must not leak when moved.
- Prevent short circuits. Terminals must be protected, and batteries should not contact conductive materials.
- Secure the load. Batteries on pallets should be stacked and strapped in a manner that avoids tipping or damaging the cases. Do not stack beyond the limit the packaging can bear.
- Mark and label correctly. Packages generally carry the UN number, proper shipping name and the corrosive label unless an exception applies.
- Do not load with incompatible materials. Keep batteries away from oxidizers, flammables and cyanides. Segregation rules still apply; see our ground transport segregation guide.
Damaged, defective or leaking batteries are a different problem. They may require special packaging and additional shipping precautions, and sometimes cannot ship via normal channels. Recycling shipments of spent lead-acid batteries can also have specific rules.
Documents and placards
Regulated shipments need shipping papers with the UN number, proper shipping name, class and packing group, quantity and emergency number. Whether placards are required depends on the weight of corrosive materials on the vehicle; see our DOT placarding requirements. For air shipments, wet batteries are tightly restricted, and many carriers will not accept them.
Cost and carrier acceptance
Battery freight is heavy, so LTL pricing depends on freight class, density and hazmat surcharges. Our guides to what drives hazmat shipping costs and freight class and NMFC codes show where savings are possible. Rejected pallets are a common issue when stacking or strapping is insufficient. Our repacking team can re-palletize and re-label to restore compliance quickly.
Export considerations
Exporters need to follow IMDG rules, and some destinations restrict battery imports. Check Latin America and Caribbean export guidance and get a dangerous goods declaration prepared before the cutoff.
Next steps
If you distribute batteries, talk to our compliance team about classification and packaging audits, or request a quote for LTL or truckload hazmat service.
Frequently asked questions
Are car batteries hazardous materials?
Yes. Standard lead-acid batteries contain sulfuric acid and are regulated as Class 8 corrosives (UN2794) unless they meet the conditions for a non-spillable exception.
What is a non-spillable battery?
It is a wet battery that passes specified vibration and pressure differential tests so that it does not spill electrolyte when its case is damaged. Qualifying batteries may be eligible for reduced requirements.
Can I ship lead-acid batteries by air?
Air shipping of wet batteries is heavily restricted and many carriers refuse them. Ground or ocean is usually the practical route.