Special-case review — not a standard cargo offer
Battery Condition & Special-Case Review
Transport configuration (alone, in equipment, or packed with equipment) is separate from battery condition. Damaged, defective, recalled, swollen, leaking or untested batteries require an honest disclosure and further review — they are not marketed here as routine freight.
Disclose accurately
What must be stated at enquiry stage
Normal / intact
New or used batteries in normal physical condition with no known safety defect. Still subject to classification, packing and carrier rules for the chosen configuration.
Exception noted
Used returns, possible damage, swelling, heat history, leakage, recall, prototype or incomplete testing. Describe symptoms and purpose of movement before discussing a mode.
Not sure
If condition is unknown, say so. Guessing “normal” to obtain a quote creates avoidable rejection risk later.
What is not accepted without further review
Damaged, defective, swollen, leaking, recalled, or untested prototype batteries are not treated as routine stock. Some conditions or routes may have no available option.
Air safety note
Damaged and defective batteries often cannot fly
Aviation safety guidance highlights elevated risk for damaged, defective and recalled lithium batteries. Do not assume an air option exists. Sea or other modes, when available at all, still require accurate condition disclosure, packing evidence and carrier acceptance.
Documents and photos that help a review
- Chemistry, model, capacity / Wh and quantity
- Plain-language description of condition and why the cargo is moving
- Photos of cells/packs, terminals, and inner/outer packaging
- Known test-summary status and any recall notice
- Origin, destination, ready date and requested service scope
Only share photographs and documents through an agreed channel after the first response.
Screening
Configuration first, then condition
Cargo screening
How is the battery presented, and in what condition?
- Cells or batteries alonePacks, cells or spares shipped without equipment.UN 3480 (lithium-ion) · UN 3090 (lithium metal)Cargo guide
- Packed with equipmentBattery and the device it powers in the same outer package, not installed.UN 3481 · UN 3091 (packed with equipment)Cargo guide
- Contained in equipmentBattery installed in the device, e.g. tools, instruments, e-mobility parts.UN 3481 · UN 3091 (contained in equipment)Cargo guide
Condition screening
- New, testedStandard review of test summary, SDS and packing.
- Returned or usedScreened for damage, defects and missing test data before anything is offered.
- Damaged, defective or recalledSeparate special provisions; many carriers decline. Reviewed case by case.
Condition uncertain? Disclose it early.
An accurate first description prevents the wrong quote path.
Request a Quote