Lithium batteries are a type of HAZMAT that can be shipped without a HAZMAT contract.
Note: Consult the Carrier's service guide for details on shipping Lithium batteries. Always follow the Carrier and transportation industry rules and guidelines when shipping Lithium batteries or any hazardous materials.
Enabling HAZMAT Shipping for Your FedEx Account
To enable HAZMAT shipping for your FedEx account:
Go to SETTINGS > your FedEx account > Advanced.
Select Show HazMat shipping.
Selecting HAZMAT/Lithium Exception for the Shipment
To select "Lithium Exception" for the Shipment:
1. Create the Shipment in your usual workflow. If the selected shipping Service supports Hazardous Materials shipping, then the Hazardous Materials checkbox is displayed in the Special Materials section of the Editing Shipment form.
2. Select the Hazardous Materials checkbox.
3. On the dropdown, select Lithium Exception.
Updated Postal Service Hazmat Requirements for Separation of Materials
The postal service has updated the HAZMAT requirements for separation of materials:
Any HAZMAT item, including items with lithium batteries, must be separated into a different container or bundled separately from regular mail at the time of pickup for drop off.
A customer shipping a pre-owned, damaged, or defective electronic device containing or packaged with a lithium battery of ANY size must ship using a GROUND service: USPS Retail Ground, Parcel Select, Parcel Return Service, or Ground Return Service.
Such shipments MUST be marked BOTH “Restricted Electronic Device” and “Surface Transportation Only” in accordance with applicable USPS guidelines.
These changes are necessary to address a rise in incidents involving lithium batteries and other HAZMAT. More information on these new USPS HAZMAT requirements are here.