Small batteries.  Big compliance responsibility.

Online: Transportation of Small Lithium & Sodium Ion Batteries by Ground + Air

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Web code: SMALLLITHIUM

2025 requirements for shipping small and medium lithium and sodium ion batteries via ground (49 CFR) and air (IATA DGR) transport.

Check out our Lithium Battery Shipping Guide

The regulations that govern transportation of Lithium Batteries are constantly evolving.  This online course describes the DOT regulations (49 CFR) in effect on January 1, 2025, the 2025 IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (66th Edition) and US Postal Service Publication 52.  This online session covers all regulatory requirements for the transportation (air, rail or ground) of LITHIUM ION,  LITHIUM METAL AND SODIUM ION BATTERIES (UN 3480, UN 3481, UN 3090, UN 3091, UN 3551 and UN 3552).  

DOT and IATA requirements for shipping vehicles solely powered by a lithium or sodium ion battery are addressed.    This includes when to follow the rules for using UN 3171, Battery-Powered Vehicle versus the new shipping descriptions introduced in 2025:  UN 3556, Vehicle, Lithium Ion Battery Powered, UN 3557, Vehicle Lithium Metal Battery Powered and UN 3558, Vehicle, Sodium Ion Battery Powered. 

Course also describes the new rules introduced in the 2025 IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for the maximum State of Charge (SOC) / Indicated Battery Capacity requirements when shipping rechargeable batteries via air transport.

This course is shorter than our Transportation of Lithium and Sodium Ion Batteries course, as we only discuss requirements for shipping small and medium Lithium Ion, Sodium Ion and Lithium Metal Batteries via ground (49 CFR) and air (IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations).

Small lithium ion and sodium ion cells have a maximum watt hour rating of 20 Wh when shipped ground and air.  Small lithium ion and sodium ion batteries have a maximum watt hour rating of 100 Wh when shipped ground and air.   Note: UN 3551 (Sodium Ion Batteries, no equipment) is always fully regulated for air transport, regardless of the watt hour rating.

Medium lithium ion cells have a maximum watt hour rating of 60 WH when shipped domestic US ground only.  Medium lithium ion batteries have a maximum watt hour rating of 300 WH when shipped domestic US ground only.   There is no 'medium' designation for sodium ion batteries.

Small lithium metal cells have a maximum aggregate lithium content of 1 gram when shipped ground and air.   Small lithium metal batteries have a maximum aggregate lithium metal content of 2 grams when shipped ground and air.

Medium lithium metal cells have a maximum aggregate lithium content of 5 grams when shipped domestic US ground.   Medium lithium metal batteries have a maximum aggregate lithium metal content of 25 grams when shipped domestic US ground.
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This session addresses the following topics specific to Lithium and Sodium Ion Batteries:
  • Differentiating lithium metal vs. lithium ion batteries vs. sodium ion batteries
  • Determining if a lithium or sodium ion  battery or cell is "fully regulated" or "small", or "medium"
  • IATA air regulations packing instructions:  Sections I, IA, IB and Section II
  • A comprehensive review of the requirements for shipping lithium and sodium ion batteries "contained in equipment" vs. "packed with equipment" vs batteries shipped without equipment
  • Hazardous properties of lithium and sodium batteries, safety concerns and incident reporting
  • Requirements for selection of packaging, affixing package marks/labels, and completion of shipping papers (for Section IB via air)
  • State and operator (airlines) variations specific to lithium and sodium ion battery shipments
  • State of Charge Limits for air transport of Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries
  • When to use the "Lithium Battery or Sodium Ion Class 9 Label" vs the "Battery Mark".   Includes updates to the design of the "Battery Mark"
  • Prohibition of Lithium Ion, Sodium Ion Batteries and Lithium Metal Batteries, without equipment, on Passenger aircraft
  • Use of the 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook
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This course INCLUDES required US DOT General Awareness and Security Awareness training.  Students will be provided with an electronic manual that includes all course materials.  

Students are provided with the 2025 Lithium and Sodium Ion Battery Shipping Guide that summarizes the major requirements.  Package illustrations, shipping paper templates and more are included.

Students may stop and restart this course at their own pace.  The course consists of video, practice problems and an examination.  Students should allocate approximately 8 to 9 hours at the computer in order to complete this course.  Upon successful completion of an online test, students will be issued a certificate.  Students can always call or e-mail an instructor while working on course materials.

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