Shipping Batteries or Devices with Batteries
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Shipping Answers |
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Can I track the status of my claim?
Yes, you can track the status by logging in to My UPS, then ...
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There are many kinds of batteries available today and several are regulated as hazardous materials in transportation that may only be shipped by contract hazmat shippers.
Lead-acid batteries: Common in cars, electric wheelchairs, some continuous computer power sources, and other applications. These batteries contain highly corrosive acid and can cause fires from short circuits.
- Tested, proven non-spillable batteries are allowed to be shipped as non-hazardous within the U.S. Batteries and packagings must be marked "NONSPILLABLE" or "NONSPILLABLE BATTERY".
Lithium and lithium ion batteries: Both rechargeable and non-rechargeable power sources, common in computers, cell phones, cameras and other small electronic devices. If dropped, crushed or short-circuited, these batteries can release dangerous amounts of heat and may ignite, and are dangerous in fires. Special regulations apply to shipping these batteries. Shipments requiring hazardous materials shipping papers are accepted from contract hazmat shippers only, and certain lithium batteries may not qualify for UPS service.
Other Batteries: Although common dry cell (e.g., AA, C, D batteries) may not be regulated as hazardous materials, all batteries can cause fires from short circuits if batteries and terminals are not protected. |
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When shipping batteries, you must protect all terminals against short circuits by completely covering the terminals with an insulating material (e.g., by using electrical tape or enclosing each battery separately in a plastic bag).
- Short circuits can cause fires.
- Package the batteries to keep them from being crushed or damaged, and to keep them from shifting during handling.
- Always keep metal objects or other materials that can short circuit battery terminals securely away from the batteries - e.g., by using separate inner box for the batteries.
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Any device with installed batteries must not turn on while in transport. Protect switches that can be accidentally activated, or remove the batteries and protect the terminals.
- Even very simple devices like flashlights or rechargeable drills can generate a dangerous quantity of heat if accidentally activated.
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Never ship recalled or recycled batteries by air.
- Air level services include UPS Next Day Air®, UPS 2nd Day Air®, UPS 3 Day SelectSM, UPS Worldwide ExpressSM, and UPS Worldwide ExpeditedSM.
- No recycled or recalled batteries are allowed to be shipped between the continental U.S. and Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico, where aircraft always must be used.
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| Repair items, such as computers and cell phones, should be sent without batteries. |
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Types of Batteries