Batteries are one of the most commonly shipped regulated items — and one of the most misunderstood. Lithium, alkaline, rechargeable, loose, installed — each has different rules. Here is what you need to know.
Batteries contain chemicals and energy storage that can overheat, short-circuit, or catch fire during shipping. The Department of Transportation (DOT) and international air authorities (IATA) classify many batteries as dangerous goods (hazmat), which means special handling, packaging, and labeling rules apply.
Ship them wrong, and the carrier can refuse the package, the shipment can be grounded, or — in rare cases — a fire can start in transit.
| Battery Type | Regulated? | Can Individuals Ship? |
|---|---|---|
| Alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) | No (non-hazmat) | Yes — standard shipping |
| Lithium-ion (rechargeable, installed in device) | Yes — Section II | Yes — with proper packaging |
| Lithium-ion (loose or spare) | Yes — Section IB/II | Restricted — carrier-specific rules |
| Lithium metal (non-rechargeable, installed) | Yes — Section II | Yes — with proper packaging |
| Lithium metal (loose or spare) | Yes — Section IB/II | Restricted — carrier-specific rules |
| Wet (lead-acid, car batteries) | Yes — Hazmat | Ground only — special handling |
We handle battery shipments every day at our counter. Here is what we can do for you:
Stop by Mailbox Plus at 7554 Fredle Drive, Concord Township — we will walk you through it.
We are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. This information is for educational purposes and reflects carrier policies as we understand them. Laws vary by state and change frequently. Always consult the carrier directly and review applicable federal and state regulations before shipping regulated items.
Reference: FedEx official battery shipping policy →(opens in a new tab)
Get quick answers to the most common questions about packaging, carriers, pricing, and what to expect.
Customer Reviews
49 verified Google reviews
See all reviews on Google (opens in a new tab)“Great place with easy and fast shipping services. Frank was excellent! Not only was he friendly and professional, but went out of his way to find me the easiest and most affordable option to ship my golf clubs across country while I was visiting OH. Made things simple and my travels way easier.”
“This is my new favorite place for shipping and returns. Helpful and happy staff. It just doesn’t get any easier when you have returns with multiple shippers. UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL, Happy Returns, etc. They can also ensure you get the best shipping rates because they provide service for so many shippers. Just awesome!!!”
“Frank, the owner of Mailbox Plus in Concord Township by Lucky’s Market, is truly exceptional. He is brilliant, thoughtful, attentive, and takes the work of shipping and transportation seriously. I have been mailing sentimental items—some quite large and bulky—to different parts of the U.S., and Frank consistently goes above and beyond to make sure everything is handled with care. Most recently, my friend received a set of 10 collector plates, and they arrived safe and sound because they were packaged so exceptionally well. If you talk with Frank, you quickly learn that he has a real philosophy and a deep sense of care when it comes to shipping people’s belongings. He treats each item with respect, and that means so much. Beyond the quality of his work, Frank is simply a good man. He listened kindly while we rang up the transaction, and having such a friendly, caring person behind the counter made the experience even more meaningful. I am grateful for his help and highly recommend supporting this store.”
