Ship Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are key ingredients in today’s technology-driven world. Their high-power output is great for keeping smart tech ticking over, but it does mean that overheating is a real possibility.

Lithium batteries are key ingredients in today’s technology-driven world. Their high-power output is great for keeping smart tech ticking over, but it does mean that overheating is a real possibility. Shipping lithium batteries can be dangerous as they are highly flammable and require specialist equipment in order to extinguish any fires they produce. This is of course a major concern if these batteries are shipped on a cargo plane or transport vehicle. As a result, there are restrictions you need to be aware of when moving these batteries from point A to B.

Carton freight for smaller freight requirements

Sorting through freight providers to find the one that best suits your needs and budget can often be a time consuming and frustrating experience, however there’s an easier way - Couriers and Freight. 
Couriers and Freight makes the process of finding, getting a quote and booking easy because it’s not like other online brokers or aggregators.

Air Freight Service Description
Express Road An express service for the reliable and secure way to transport cartons and other packages Australia wide - fast.
Economy Road A reliable and cost-effective way to express deliver packages Australia wide.
Same Day or Overnight Express For urgent freight jobs that need to be delivered that day or overnight.
Overnight Time Definite For freight that needs to be delivered by a specific time.
Fixed Price Cartons Set price freight provided carton meets size specifications.
International Express Courier Urgent international freight that must be delivered by a certain day and time.

Packaging Tips

Keep in mind that any item over 35 kilograms (dead weight) must be placed in a skid or pallet. Health and safety requirements prevent freight drivers lifting anything above this weight. Putting multiple cartons that are being shipped by the same carrier should be put onto one pallet so they can be easily and quickly collected by the driver. If they're going to multiple destinations you’ll need to put “Breakdown at depot” on the label so the carrier knows.

The Perfect Carton

The perfect carton to ship depends on whose shipping it. When it comes to Startrack, the ideal carton  is up to 1.2 metres and weighs up to 20 kilograms. TNT and Toll also like cartons that are up to 1.2 metres but weight shifts to 30 kilograms. All providers prefer packages that don't contain liquids, fragile or loose items. If your package meets these specifications it will easily move through carrier automated sorting systems, and can be easily lifted and moved by drivers and freight handlers. Perfect cartons means cheaper freight for you.

Imperfect Cartons but we still take them

The not so perfect carton is one that’s over 1.2 metres, has straps, contains dangerous goods, fragile items and liquids. While not ideal they can still be shipped via air and road freight networks but will incur higher fees and charges as they require manual handling.

Measuring your carton

When shipping a carton you have a choice of calculating the cubic weight or the volumetric weight, whichever is best suited to the service selected.

1. Carton Cubic Weight

  • Width = 40 cm (or 0.4 of a metre)
  • Height = 35 cm (or 0.35 of a metre)
  • Length = 65 cm (or 0.65 of a metre)

Multiply the height x length x width = 0.35 x 0.65 x 0.4 = 0.091 m³ (Cubic Measurement)

To convert 0.091 m³ to a weight in kilograms: Multiply 0.091m3 x 333 (general freight cubic conversion) = 30.30 kg
30.30 kg is greater than the actual weight of 15 kg

2. Carton Volumetric Weight

  • Width = 40 cm
  • Height = 35 cm
  • Length = 65 cm

Multiply the height x length x width = 40 x 35 x 65 = 91,000 cm³

To convert 91,000 cm³ to a weight in kilograms: Divide the number by 6000 and round up. Volumetric weight of the carton is 15.2 kg

Measuring the Volumetric Weight

Volumetric weight for international shipments are calculated using the formulae below. Volumetric weights for domestic shipments may vary, so please contact your local Couriers and Freight customer services department or country website. Length x width x height in centimetres / 6000 = Volumetric weight in kilograms rounded up to the nearest 0.5kg.

* Average International Conversion Rate = 5000, Average Domestic Conversion Rate = 6000

International Carton Example

International Volumetric = Height x Length x Width / 5000

  • Width = 40 cm
  • Height = 35 cm
  • Length = 65 cm

Multiply the height x length x width = 40 x 35 x 65 = 91,000 cm³

To convert 91,000 cm³ to a weight in kilograms: Divide the number by 5000 and round up. Volumetric weight of the carton is 18.5 kg

Domestic Carton Example

Volumetric Weight Formula: Height x Length x Width / 6000

  • Width = 40 cm
  • Height = 35 cm
  • Length = 65 cm

Multiply the height x length x width = 40 x 35 x 65 = 91,000 cm³

To convert 91,000 cm³ to a weight in kilograms: Divide the number by 6000 and round up. Volumetric weight of the carton is 15.5 kg

How We Calculate Your Cubic Weight

Transport companies charge either dead weight or cubic weight. Which ever is greater! Dead weight = the actual weight of the item and cubic weight = the volume weight i.e. size of the freight item (formula calculation) see below. Throughout the industry, different cubic conversions exist. This normally depends on what transport mode is utilised by the customer. Please see the rate factor table on the right to see which one applies to you.

  • Cubic Weight: (Cubic Volume) x (Cubic Conversion Rate)

Cubic Rate Factors

  • Express freight: 250
  • General Freight: 333
  • International Courier: 200
  • Air freight: 164
  • Sea Freight: 1000

Measuring the Cubic Volume of Freight

Cubic conversion is the term given to measuring the size of a freight consignment. Large and lightweight shipments may take up more space on the trailer than heavy weight freight items, so it is important the size of freight is taken into consideration when calculating freight costs.

Cubing a Carton

Cubic Volume Formula: Height x Length x Width

  • Width = 40 cm (or 0.4 of a metre)
  • Height = 35 cm (or 0.35 of a metre)
  • Length = 65 cm (or 0.65 of a metre)
  • Actual Weight: 15kg

Multiply the height x length x width = 0.35 x 0.65 x 0.4 = 0.091 m³ (Cubic Measurement)

To convert 0.091 m³ to a weight in kilograms: Multiply 0.091m3 x 333 (general freight cubic conversion) = 30.30 kg
30.30 kg is greater than the actual weight of 15 kg

Cubing a Pallet

Cubic Volume Formula: Height x Length x Width

  • Width = 1.2 m
  • Height = 1.9 m
  • Length = 1.2 m
  • Actual Weight: 450 kg

Multiply the height x length x width = 1.9 x 1.2 x 1.2 = 2.736 m³ (Cubic Measurement)

To convert 2.736 m³ to a weight in kilograms: Multiply 2.736 m³ x 333 (general freight cubic conversion) = 911 kg
911 kg greater than the actual weight of 450 kg

Cubing an Odd Shaped Item

Cubic Volume Formula: Height x Length x Width

  • Width = 1.4 m
  • Height = 1.6 m
  • Length = 1.3 m
  • Actual Weight: 580 kg

Multiply the height x length x width = 1.6 x 1.3 x 1.4 = 2.912 m³ (Cubic Measurement)

To convert 2.912 m³ to a weight in kilograms: Multiply 2.912 m³ x 333 (general freight cubic conversion) = 970 kg
970 kg greater than the actual weight of 580 kg

Cubing a Cylinder

Cubic Volume Formula: Height x Length x Width

  • Diameter = 1.1 m
  • Height = 1.9 m
  • Actual Weight: 500 kg

Multiply the height x diameter x diameter = 1.9 x 1.1 x 1.1 = 2.299 m³ (Cubic Measurement)

To convert 2.912 m³ to a weight in kilograms: Multiply 2.912 m³ x 333 (general freight cubic conversion) = 765 kg
765 kg greater than the actual weight of 500 kg

What are dangerous goods?

Dangerous goods are any substances that is corrosive, flammable, combustible, explosive, oxidising or water-reactive or have other hazardous properties. Dangerous goods can cause explosions or fires, serious injury, death and large-scale damage. You may not be aware your goods are dangerous. That’s why its important to check the classifications below to ensure your goods can be shipped safe and you are compliant.

Explosives

DG Class: 1, like fireworks and flares

Flammable Gas

DG Class: 2.1, like aerosols or camping gas

Nonflammable Gas

DG Class: 2.2, like compressed oxygen

Poisonous Gases

DG Class: 2.3, like pesticides or herbicides

Flammable Liquids

DG Class: 3, like solvents and paints

Flammable Solids

DG Class: 4.1, like matches or potassium

Spontaneously Combustible Solids

DG Class: 4.2, like phosphorus

Dangerous when Wet

DG Class: 4.3, like calcium carbide

Oxidising Substances

DG Class: 5.1, like fertiliser

Organic Peroxides

DG Class: 5.2, like fibreglass repair kits

Poisons

DG Class: 6.1, like pesticides

Biohazards

DG Class: 6.2, like blood tests or medical trials

Radioactive

DG Class: 7, like smoke detectors

Corrosive Substances

DG Class: 8, like bleach or drain cleaner

Miscellaneous

DG Class: 4.2, Like airbags, magnets, or laptops

Other Labels to Look Out for

If you spot any of the labels shown on the items you want to ship, you'll need to get in touch with us.If you're not sure whether your shipment is dangerous goods or not, ask the manufacturer or supplier for a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). If it contains a UN number, it's a dangerous good. Alternatively, you can just contact us.

Common Dangerous Goods

Some goods that are classified as hazardous materials may surprise you, such as aerosols, perfume or anything containing lithium batteries – like phones or laptops.

Batteries

If packed incorrectly or damaged in transit, lithium batteries can short-circuit, causing them to overheat and catch fire.

See more

Sprays and Aerosols

The compressed gas that makes these items work is hazardous and can explode if packed incorrectly.

See more

Paints and Varnishes

Oil-based paints, spray paints and some varnishes can overheat and catch fire in certain conditions.

See more

Perfumes

Alcohol, which is a flammable substance, is also a crucial ingredient in almost all perfumes and colognes.

See more

Magnets

Magnets can cause problems in transit affecting other packages or even cause disruptions to avionics or material handling equipment

See more

Alcohol

If the alcohol content of the beverage exceeds 24% proof it is classified as a dangerous good

See more

Pool Chemicals

Can start a fire or release toxic gases if they come into contact with other chemicals, including moisture and water.

See more

Cylinders

May contain compressed or liquefied gas examples include fire extinguishers

See more

Combustion Engines

If the alcohol content of the beverage exceeds 24% proof it is classified as a dangerous good

See more

Shipping Lithium Batteries

There are many devices powered by lithium batteries and it’s important to know how to identify them. Otherwise, you run the risk of illegally shipping lithium batteries without even knowing it.

1. Electronic Cigarettes
2. Cameras
3. Calculator
4. Laptops
5. Power Tools
6. Drones and Toys
7. Watches
8. Tablets and Phones

New Rules for Shipping Lithium Batteries

When it comes to the rules and regulations surrounding the shipment of lithium batteries, these are the important points to remember:

Definition of Lithium Batteries

Lithium Battery – The term “lithium battery” refers to a family of batteries with different chemistries, comprising many types of cathodes and electrolytes. For the purposes of the DGR they are separated into:

Lithium Ion Batteries:

Lithium-ion batteries (sometimes abbreviated Li-ion batteries) are a secondary (rechargeable) battery where the lithium is only present in an ionic form in the electrolyte. Also included within the category of lithium-ion batteries are lithium polymer batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are generally used to power devices such as mobile telephones, laptop computers, tablets, power tools and e-bikes.

Lithium Ion Batteries are classified as follows:

Class UN Number Description Description
9 UN3480 Lithium ion batteries Batteries (that are not packed with or installed in equipment) e.g. loose mobile phone batteries / laptop batteries / power tool batteries
9 UN3481 Lithium ion batteries packed with equipment Batteries packed together with equipment but not attached to the device e.g. mobile phone + loose (spare) unattached battery, power tool with loose (spare) battery
9 UN3481 Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment Batteries contained in equipment, i.e. installed/integrated in the device e.g. MP3 player with integrated battery / Mobile phone with integrated battery/laptop with integrated battery / power tool with integrated battery

Lithium Metal Batteries:

Lithium metal batteries. Are generally primary (non-rechargeable) batteries that have lithium metal or lithium compounds as an anode. Also included within lithium metal are lithium alloy batteries.Lithium metal batteries are generally used to power devices such as watches, calculators, cameras, temperature data loggers, car key fobs and defibrillators.
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Lithium Metal Batteries are classified as follows:

Class UN Number Description Description
9 UN3090 Lithium batteries Batteries (that are not packed with or installed in equipment) e.g. replacement batteries for watches or calculators
9 UN3091 Lithium batteries packed with equipment Batteries packed together with equipment but not attached to the device e.g. watch with loose battery (not installed in the watch)
9 UN3091 Lithium batteries contained in equipment Batteries contained in equipment, i.e. installed/integrated in the device e.g. watch with integrated battery / calculator with integrated battery

Whose Responsibility Is All This?

It’s the shipper’s responsibility to ensure dangerous goods are correctly declared, packed and labelled with the right documentation for the countries of origin, transit and destination. What we can do is make it as easy as possible for you to follow these rules. With a bit of teamwork, we’ll get your dangerous goods shipped in no time.

Any Questions?

If you have any doubts about whether your shipment is classified as dangerous goods or not, just get in touch with our experts using the button below. They’re on hand to answer all your dangerous goods questions – and will walk you through the shipping process.

Talk to us today

Dangerous Goods Declaration

To ship dangerous goods, consignors are required to prepare a form certifying that the cargo has been packed, labeled and declared according. Download the form below and start shipping.

Dangerous Goods Declaration Form

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