USPS to Prohibit International Mailing of Lithium Batteries

[Lunchbox]

My bitchy local USPS clerk refused to accept my package with battery shipping to UK because of this new rules.

https://liteblue.usps.gov/news/link/...y/news03s2.htm

"Starting May 16, USPS will prohibit international mailing of lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries. The new regulations also prohibit shipments to or from Army, Fleet and Diplomatic Post Offices...."

While heading back to my car, I read the notice that said starting May 16. Today is only May 14. I walked back. She has to accept my package! Ha! I won!

[cgbier]

Great job in sticking it to the man!

Dang, if they won't ship them batteries internationally anymore, then that means that that crap will be shipped on the slow boat to the territories. That means I'll have to wait about 3-6 months on a shipment of batteries then - Great, really Great!

I mean it was only a question of time until they come up with such a B/S idea, but still.....

Taky, can you do me a favor and check how much UPS will ask for 1 lb to zip code 96950? I was on the verge to order some stuff from you...

[Lunchbox]

It affects a few things.. Not only just shipping batteries. Imagine you sold a digital camera, laptop, or even an iPad, you can't ship with USPS because it has battery inside. However, we can use UPS or FedEx. It's just more expensive.

USPS has been whining about losing revenue. Need to lay off, shut down offices, reduce business hours... but they are willing to pass these shipments to their competitors.

cgbier, this only affects international shipping. Not domestic. I guess Saipan has a zip code. It should be considered domestic. Or even so, if you have things to buy, do it now. I can still ship it out tmrw March 15.

[cgbier]

Yeah, it is considered domestic, but won't go by airmail (5-10 working days), but on the boat (3-6 months).

I'll check how much the wife lets me divert from the house repair...

[Lunchbox]

I just checked, USPS express shipping is $28, 4 days delivery

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However, we can use UPS or FedEx.

Well, not really. You should check their requirements. It's complicated.

[Lunchbox]

I checked with UPS already. The only requirement is to stick a warning label outside the package. They also asked to have each battery individually wrapped. I have that label prepared in a photoshop file.

[Almohada]

Wow that sucks!!!!!! Guess you're gonna lose business unless you are willing to jack up shipping prices.... ouch!

Seriously, they're just begging you on their hands and knees to go to UPS. Why this change???? It's been fine for 30 years, how come now? Did something change in the batteries???????????????? So so so stupid and uncalled for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cgbier]

I have the feeling that USPS is killed off with force. Vive la privatization! (or so)

28 bucks seem reasonable (thanks for the effort). I'll just do some consolidation. Never mind FEDEX. I paid some 90 for shipment of a DVD set once. FEDEX thinks US-Territories are international.....

[Lunchbox]

There were a few incidents li-ion battery catches fires on flight. They want to ban li-ion battery on passenger flights too but that's just impossible.

From what I understand, only problem is batteries are not wrapped individually might have touched each other's contact causing shorts.

[Lunchbox]

Found this Fedex guildline PDF

http://images.fedex.com/us/packaging...ents_fxcom.pdf

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By the way, most organizations and companies differentiate between PRIMARY CELL lithium batteries and rechargeable lithium batteries,
where some even differentiate between the various types of rechargeable lithium battery chemistry.
You really need to read up on all current regulations regarding these batteries, as they are constantly updated and changed/modified...

[Lunchbox]

Even in the original USPS post, this ban will last till Jan 2013 as there might be new rules by that time. Seems like they can lax the ban for any equipment has a li-ion battery installed.

[1]

Found this Fedex guildline PDF

Exactly: "... when the package contains 100Wh or less lithium per battery or
20Wh or less lithium per cell."

100Wh isn't THAT much!!!

[cgbier]

January 2013? After the new President is sworn in?

[Lunchbox]

"The Postal Service’s modification will remain in effect until at least January 2013. At that time, international aviation rules may be changed to allow mailing of lithium batteries when installed in personal electronic devices they’re intended to operate.
The Postal Service is working with other organizations to determine if exceptions to the new rule can be developed before January 2013."

[Almohada]

January 2013? After the new President is sworn in?

LMAO I wonder which candidate is pro li-ion battery shipping

[cgbier]

Well, at least that would have more relevance to me than gay marriage.

[Dr. Benway]

Yesterday I took delivery of an order from Adorama by UPS. From the U.S. to Thailand - flawless. LP-E6 batteries, CF cards, SD cards, Azden EX-503L, etc. Watching the whole process online via UPS trascking was fun. Forget USPS.

[Gillvane]

Don't forget DHL. I get all my shipments from China to the US by DHL and they do a great job.

[Lunchbox]

DHL quit business in the US. They only have fleet here to deliver package from other countries.

[cgbier]

Seems like the territories will finally be excluded from that rule. Yippie to our (non-voting) Congressman for his lobbying.