Shipping Car Batteries

Car batteries, also known as lead-acid batteries, are used in almost all vehicles including automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, construction equipment and many others. These car batteries typically consist of lead plates suspended in sulphuric acid contained in a hard plastic case. The liquid acid, or sometimes alkali, is what makes these dangerous goods as this liquid is very corrosive and can cause serious injury. Most car batteries will be one of the three following types but check your products Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to determine which one applies:

              UN2794 Batteries, Wet, Filled with acid, electric storage
              UN2795 Batteries, Wet, Filled with alkali, electric storage
              UN2800 Batteries, Wet, Non-spillable, electric storage

A key issue related to car batteries is the potential for spillage of the liquid acid or akali. To minimize the potential for damage to the battery case, which can result in the release of the liquid, Purolator requires that each battery be contained in its own individual, fully enclosed box or similar protective package.

Note that many UN2800 batteries are not subject to the TDG regulations as the liquid electrolyte in the battery is in a form, typically a gel, that is non-spillable. This means these batteries do not require the UN number, hazard labels or any other requirements. Please refer to TDGR Special Provision 39 to verify compliance.

The following table provides a summary of the requirements for shipping car batteries with Purolator for both air and ground transport.