How does INCON-LOGISTIC Ltd. transport lithium-ion batteries?
If you have questions about the transportation of lithium-ion batteries, you are in the right place. In this blog post, we will take a detailed look at the role of global shipping in the international economy and specifically address the strict regulations regarding the transportation of various batteries. You will learn why INCON-LOGISTIC Ltd. is a great choice for this task, and you can also read a brief report on one of our special shipments from China.
Why is it worth choosing international air freight?
The number of international orders is steadily increasing, making international freight forwarding a crucial component of modern global trade. Consider examples like AliExpress, eBay, or the highly successful Shein. Anyone can order everyday items from all over the world with just a few clicks, but there are times when we need a specific part that can only be obtained from another country, or sometimes even from another continent. This highlights the importance of fast, efficient, and secure transportation in 2024.
Despite its prevalence, international freight forwarding is not a straightforward task. The complexity primarily arises from various legal, customs, and regulatory requirements, as well as logistical challenges and cultural differences. Proper planning and the establishment of strategic partnerships are essential for successful international shipping to ensure that all cargo arrives on time and cost-effectively.
Air freight is one of the best and fastest options when it comes to transporting cargo, especially if it’s something out of the ordinary, over thousands of kilometers. Such special products may include pharmaceuticals, food items, sensitive instruments, and batteries.
What Are the Advantages of Air Freight?
- Speed: Air freight is the fastest method, allowing products to reach their destination quickly, minimizing the risk of perishability.
- Reliability: Air freight generally arrives at a more precise time, which is especially important for time-sensitive or delicate goods.
- Reduced Risk: Shorter transit times decrease storage duration, thus lowering the likelihood of spoilage and damage.
- Global Reach: The extensive network of airlines allows for quick service to remote or hard-to-reach locations.
- Security: Air freight requires stricter security measures, protecting special goods from damage and sabotage.
What are the main requirements for international battery transportation?
Lithium batteries are fire and explosion hazards, especially in cases of damage or short-circuiting, making their transportation significantly dangerous. Their special handling requirements include temperature and humidity monitoring, appropriate packaging, and ensuring a constant power supply. Various batteries, such as lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries, also carry different hazards; while lead-acid batteries contain aggressive corrosive substances, nickel-cadmium batteries contain heavy metals that can cause environmental pollution.
Like lithium-ion batteries, the transportation of these batteries is subject to strict international regulations, such as those from the IATA (International Air Transport Association) and the IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code), which include the following key requirements:
- Safety Labeling: Each battery must have appropriate warning and informative labels indicating fire and explosion hazards.
- Shipping Documentation: The accompanying papers required for shipments, such as safety data sheets and shipping permits, must accurately and comprehensively detail the type and characteristics of the battery.
- Special Packaging: Batteries must be packaged to withstand physical impacts, providing protection against short-circuits and damage.
- Training and Awareness: Shipping personnel must receive proper training regarding the regulations and procedures for handling and transporting batteries.
- Traceability: Continuous tracking of shipments must be ensured to facilitate quick resolution of any potential problems.
These measures help minimize the risks of accidents and environmental damage, thereby ensuring the safe transportation of lithium-ion batteries.
How does our company, Incon Logistic Ltd., guarantee all of this?
- We provide our clients with comprehensive assistance regarding transportation from start to finish.
- There are no hasty decisions or actions: we carefully examine all data to ensure that the goods comply with all regulations and are transportable.
- We can assist our clients with the appropriate documentation. For air freight, the conditions are very strict; incomplete documentation can result in the refusal of receipt or loading. In such cases, we also provide solutions.
- Thorough review: documentation, packaging, labeling.
- We ensure that our drivers are appropriately trained when the goods are transferred to road transportation.
- Our process is tried and tested: Request for quotation → We alert if the shipment contains hazardous goods (batteries) → Proper labeling and packaging of the goods to be transported → Expert review → If everything is in order, transportation can commence.
- We provide lithium-ion shipping boxes (sourcing them if necessary).
How was it possible to transport a battery-powered stick vacuum from China to Hungary?
Recently, we received an exciting assignment: we had to bring stick vacuums from China. There were numerous details to pay attention to, and organizing the freight presented many challenges. After receiving the inquiry, we immediately set to work solving the task.
The first step was to thoroughly investigate whether the product could be imported into the European Union and sold here. EU regulations require that any components posing harmful effects during use must have the CE mark displayed.
Why is this thorough inspection important? During a product expo in China, our client selected items from 3-4 different companies, but in the end, it turned out that only one was suitable for import into the EU. After ensuring that the packaging was appropriate, the transportation was safe, and the CE certification met the requirements, we notified our client that they could confidently purchase the product.
These vacuums became true world travelers! They flew from Shanghai Airport to us in Budapest on a direct passenger plane. No issues arose during the air freight, thanks to our preparation. At home, we were also present during the customs clearance process and continuously assisted with the procedure, ensuring that the vacuums arrived safely at our client’s destination.
“Our first collaboration with INCON-LOGISTIC Ltd. occurred through a recommendation, which I believe is a fundamental characteristic of a company that operates professionally and ethically. Right from this initial joint project, everything went smoothly, and it was clear to us that we would continue to work with them in the future. However, the real added value for us, beyond just the basic execution of transportation, was the immense help provided by a true expert to someone completely inexperienced. Krisztina Gyulai, not sparing any time, guided me step by step through the process of international shipping, its rules, and avoidable pitfalls, or, when necessary, walked me through the customs clearance processes. I can wholeheartedly recommend Krisztina Gyulai and the INCON-LOGISTIC team to anyone looking for experts in the field of logistics!”
Written by Róbert, Commercial Director.
For INCON-LOGISTIC, organizing each shipment is an exciting adventure. From our experience, international freight transport is filled with challenges, but that is precisely what makes it so appealing. Every step provides us with new lessons, and we are pleased to offer our clients safe and seamless solutions. Through collaboration and careful planning, any obstacle can be overcome! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
If you did not receive the appropriate answers to your questions based on the post, feel free to contact us!
Write to info@incon-logistic.hu!
If you would like to learn more about the international shipping options of INCON LOGISTIC Kft., you can do so by clicking the link below: