Review battery chemistry, configuration, condition, manufacturer details and specialist air or sea transport acceptance before booking.
Identify the battery configuration before requesting freight.
Battery shipments require specific review because standalone batteries, batteries packed with equipment and batteries contained in equipment can be treated differently. Identify chemistry, configuration, condition and intended transport mode before arranging collection.
Provide manufacturer specifications and available test-summary information when requested during the assessment. Damaged or defective batteries must be disclosed. Acceptance is confirmed by the carrier and relevant specialists; no blanket passenger-aircraft or cargo-aircraft eligibility is promised.
Coordination scope
- Equipment containing batteries
- Battery configuration review
- Air and ocean route enquiries
- Specialist acceptance coordination
Prepare these details
- Battery chemistry and model
- Configuration within the shipment
- Wh rating or relevant capacity information
- Condition and manufacturer data
- Package quantity and dimensions
Identify how the battery is shipped
Battery enquiries must state whether cells or batteries are shipped alone, packed with equipment or contained in equipment. Sheffield uses that distinction, together with the battery specifications and package details, to seek the appropriate acceptance review. Do not describe a battery shipment simply as “electronics”.
Provide the relevant manufacturer testing records and tell us if a battery is damaged, defective, recalled or used. These circumstances need specialist review. Packing and documentation depend on the actual classification, quantity, mode and carrier conditions, so an earlier battery shipment is not a blanket approval for the next one.
Documents and instructions to prepare
Share the available records for review. Product-specific approvals and final requirements are confirmed for the actual shipment.
- Battery chemistry, model and rating information
- UN classification and relevant UN 38.3 test summary where applicable
- Configuration: alone, with equipment or installed
- Package quantities, dimensions and gross weights
- Condition, packing and required declaration information
A clear execution plan
- Identify configuration
- Gather manufacturer information
- Confirm specialist requirements
- Obtain carrier acceptance
- Arrange compliant handover
Confirm the handover, not just the freight rate.
Origin collection, cargo acceptance, clearance and final delivery work best when each party knows the agreed scope, required documents and receiving instructions.
Questions about this service
Are batteries installed in equipment automatically ordinary cargo?
No. Installed batteries still need identification and a review of the applicable transport requirements. Share the device and battery specifications before booking.
Can a damaged battery use the usual air service?
Do not assume acceptance. Damaged, defective or recalled batteries require specialist assessment; the team must confirm whether any proposed service can accept the actual item.
Official reference information
IATA battery guidanceTell us what needs to move.
Our team will review the cargo and coordinate a proposal for the confirmed service requirements.
Prepare your enquiry