Shipping big batteries is hazardous, according to a report which we link to below. We should therefore take transporting very large format lithium batteries for electric vehicles, data centers and bulk energy storage seriously. When something does not go right according to the plan, the consequences can be costly for the shipper, the consignment owner, and the public at large.
Nine Things to Remember When Shipping Big Batteries
- Any lithium battery rated over 300 watt-hours is a Class 9 shipment, whether it is working, defective or damaged. Therefore strict laws apply to big battery shipping.
- Any person who handles a big battery must receive dangerous goods training. Additional, specific training is necessary when transporting big lithium batteries by ground.
- These batteries must be fully-crated before being transported. Full compliance requires fire-retardant materials, and cushioning that fits tightly around the big battery.
- Employees should not just assemble packaging on the day. Someone must first design and construct a prototype, and test and modify it to make sure it is effective.
- Transport teams have an important role to play too. The specialist crates are valuable, and require careful handling so the customer can re-use them again.
- Used packaging requires thorough inspection by qualified people, and repair where necessary to ensure it remains as fit-for-purpose as it was when new.
- Shipping big batteries is hazardous under any circumstances, The same principles apply to big lithium batteries up for repair, recycling or repurposing.
- These processes requite active participation from everybody in the transport supply chain. All need to understand the rules for hazardous goods shipping.
- Packaging helps ensure successful transport of big lithium batteries. People involved in the process must be able to repair damage, as-and-when it occurs.
Hazardous Tasks Require Specialist Skills
Transporting new, damaged or used big lithium batteries requires specialist skills. This is therefore not a task that we should award to an inexperienced shipper.
More Information
Rules for Shipping Used Lithium-Ion Batteries
New Regulations for Transporting Batteries
Preview Image: Example of Specialized Packaging
