New UPS Carrier Variations

All hazardous materials shippers must process their shipments using a UPS compliant shipping solution in conjunction with hazardous materials shipment preparation software. You may utilize the current version of UPS provided WorldShip purchase approved third-party software or use a comparable system which will provide UPS with the necessary computer generated documentation (shipping papers for DOT prepared packages or DG Declarations for IATA prepared packages) and electronic information.

In addition, all hazardous materials customers must be in compliance with the current UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions.

Effective January 1, 2016, shipments of UN 3171, Battery-powered vehicle, will only be accepted under the following conditions:

• Passenger aircraft quantities only, not accepted as CAO
• Shipment is limited to a maximum gross weight of 30kg
• Vehicle containing lithium battery or batteries therein that would separately be classified as UN 3480 or UN 3090. The battery contained in the vehicle is limited to 5kg maximum net weight.
• For shipments of UN3171 powered by lithium batteries, UPS requires the additional marking, "Contains Lithium Batteries." The marking must meet the requirements as stated in 49 CFR 172.301(a)(1) and be near the proper shipping name. 
• Vehicle containing a wet, non-spillable battery or batteries therein that would separately be classified as UN 2800. The battery contained in the vehicle is limited to 25kg maximum net weight.

Shipments of UN3171, Battery-powered vehicle, containing defective or damaged batteries are not accepted by UPS.


Effective July 1, 2015, UPS will only accept for air transportation, UN3090 Lithium Metal Batteries or Cells from approved shippers.

 For safety, UPS recommends that all combination packages of nitric acid include intermediate, non-reactive plastic or metal packagings between the inner container and outer packaging.

Authorized single packagings may now be offered for ground service only in the 48 contiguous States. Authorized single packagings are those allowed by the regulations, with the following additional UPS requirement: For the UPS small parcel environment, rigid packagings must be used (e.g. plastic, steel, aluminum, etc.) in order to withstand the normal rigors of small package transportation. Additional handling charges may apply.

If you have any questions about shipping hazardous materials with UPS, please call the Materials Support Center at 1-800-554-9964.