Boxed lithium cells
Approved cartons secured to a pallet
48 × 40 × 40 in
Packaged weight: 600 lb
- Cubic feet
- 44.44
- Density
- 13.50 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
85
85
Lithium Battery LTL Shipping Guide
Freight Class for Lithium Batteries
To estimate your shipment, use the Lithium Battery Freight Class Calculator.
The Lithium Battery Freight Class Examples use the current 13-tier density scale, effective July 19, 2025, and range from Class 50 to 85.
These are density-based estimates.
Lithium Battery density calculator
Calculate Your Lithium Battery Freight Class
A palletized lithium-battery shipment is preloaded as an example. Adjust the packaged dimensions or weight to calculate your lithium battery freight class.
Your result
Cubic feet
40.00
Density
20.00
lb/cu ft
Estimated freight class
70
This is an example density-based estimate. Update any field to calculate your shipment.
Lithium Battery shipment examples
Lithium Battery Freight Class Examples
These examples use packaged outside dimensions and the site’s density-to-class chart. They are examples only, not fixed classes for all lithium battery shipments.
Palletized battery packs
Protected finished battery assemblies
48 × 40 × 36 in
Packaged weight: 800 lb
- Cubic feet
- 40.00
- Density
- 20.00 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
70
70
Crated battery modules
Dense energy-storage modules
48 × 40 × 30 in
Packaged weight: 1700 lb
- Cubic feet
- 33.33
- Density
- 51.00 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
50
50
Lithium Battery shipment comparison
Lithium Battery Freight Class by Shipment Type
Lithium battery shipments may include small cells in approved cartons, finished equipment battery packs, or heavy energy-storage modules in crates. Density can vary widely, while state of charge, terminal protection, test documentation, damage condition, and carrier acceptance require separate review beyond density guidance.
| Lithium Battery shipment | Typical packaging | Density tendency | Stackability | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxed lithium cells | Approved inner packaging and marked outer cartons | Medium | Usually stackable | Prevent short circuits and movement while keeping required marks visible. |
| Equipment battery packs | Foam-fitted cartons or cases secured to a pallet | Medium to high | Limited | Protect connectors, housings, and battery-management electronics. |
| Energy-storage modules | Bolted crate or engineered skid | High | Often non-stackable | Confirm lifting points, module orientation, and concentrated weight. |
| Damaged or defective batteries | Specialized containment or approved salvage packaging | Varies | Non-stackable | Ordinary LTL acceptance may not apply; obtain explicit carrier approval. |
lithium battery shipping options
Choosing a Shipping Method for Lithium Batteries
The right service depends on lithium battery size, packaging, stackability, and handling needs.
| Lithium Battery shipment | Common shipping option |
|---|---|
| Approved cartons of small lithium batteries | LTL subject to documentation and carrier acceptance |
| Palletized equipment battery packs | LTL with terminal and regulated-material review |
| Crated energy-storage modules | Specialized or dedicated service |
| Damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries | Specialized carrier and packaging approval required |
Large, irregular, non-stackable, unusually valuable, or specially handled lithium battery shipments may need carrier review before booking.
Lithium Battery Packaging, Stackability, and Damage Risk
Lithium Battery Packaging
- Use packaging approved for the battery type, configuration, and condition.
- Insulate terminals and connectors to prevent short circuits or accidental activation.
- Keep required marks, labels, documentation, and orientation information visible.
Lithium Battery Stackability
- Approved outer cartons may be stackable only within tested compression limits.
- Finished battery packs often require limited-stack handling to protect housings and connectors.
- Crated modules should not be top-loaded unless the engineered crate is rated for it.
Lithium Battery Safety and Carrier Review
- Protect cells, housings, connectors, cooling plates, and battery-management electronics.
- Do not tender swollen, punctured, overheated, or otherwise damaged batteries as ordinary freight.
- Confirm state-of-charge, test-document, regulated-material, and carrier-acceptance requirements.
Before Requesting a Lithium Battery Freight Quote
How to Measure a Packaged Lithium Battery Shipment
- Measure after approved inner packaging, outer cartons, overpacks, and pallet protection are complete.
- Include terminal guards, spacing materials, crate framing, and pallet overhang.
- Use the total packaged weight of batteries, cases, thermal protection, cartons, and pallet materials.
Lithium Battery Freight Quote Checklist
- Measure the finished carton pallet, case, overpack, or crate containing the lithium batteries.
- Record the total packaged weight of the complete lithium-battery shipment.
- State whether the approved outer package can be safely stacked within its tested limit.
- Include photos of terminal insulation, package condition, marks, labels, and securement.
- Confirm documentation, state-of-charge, regulated-material, and carrier-acceptance requirements before booking.
Freight Planning Calculators
Calculate and Plan Your Lithium Battery Shipment
Use the freight class, density, pallet, and linear-feet calculators to plan your packaged LTL shipment.
Freight Class Calculator
Estimate freight class from packaged dimensions, weight, and density.
Freight Density Calculator
Calculate cubic feet and pounds per cubic foot for packaged freight.
Pallet Freight Calculator
Plan pallet dimensions, shipment weight, density, and configuration.
Freight Linear Feet Calculator
Estimate trailer-space usage for pallets and non-stackable freight.
Freight classes shown on this page are density-based estimates for shipment planning. Actual classification may also depend on value, handling requirements, liability, stowability, dimensions, and other commodity-specific factors. Confirm the final freight class with your carrier, broker, or official NMFC resources before shipping. NMFC® is a registered trademark of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. FreightClassCalculator.tools is an independent calculator and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or licensed by NMFTA.