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Battery Logistics Solutions

Effectively managing the complex logistics of the battery market

Classified as dangerous goods due to their chemical makeup, batteries require special handling, storage, transportation, recycling and end-of-life protocols to ensure safety. Carriers also need specific certifications to ship these materials. Regulations governing battery storage and value-added services present an extra layer of complexity, as they are inconsistent between regions, countries and municipalities, and are constantly changing as technology evolves.

We tailor our modular, compliant solutions in response to our customers’ specific requirements and rapidly growing needs. This approach gives us the flexibility to provide either end-to-end support or focus on specific stages in the battery lifecycle.

Global Footprint

Our network of expert teams extends to every continent. It allows us to support customers everywhere with end-to-end battery logistics solutions.

Local Know-How

Our experts are familiar with the compliance and safety regulations in their respective locations that affect the various aspects of battery logistics.

Formula E Logistics Partner

As the Official Founding and Logistics Partner to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, we’ve been shipping batteries, charging units, racecars and more to venues around the globe since 2013.

Certified Expertise in Battery Transport

We have the International Air Transport Association Center of Excellence for Independent Validatory (IATA CEIV) certification, ensuring the safe, compliant handling of lithium batteries during air transport.

Battery Logistics Solutions For Each Lifecycle Stage

At DHL, our expert teams know exactly how to manage the special challenges involved in battery logistics. We understand that no one size fits all: Batteries come in a wide range of sizes and weights depending on their application – from battery energy storage systems (BESS) and electric vehicles (EV) to construction and mining equipment. Each requires a different approach when it comes to transport, warehousing and circularity. We work closely with our customers to identify their unique requirements and tailor efficient, compliant and modular solutions that deliver exceptional results.

Battery Transport

Batteries are classified as hazardous materials – and transporting them is a delicate business. We have the global presence and extensive local expertise to deliver batteries safely and on time, wherever needed. Whether by air, sea or road, our battery transport solutions comply with all international norms and regulations.

Air Freight

Transporting batteries by air requires specialized knowledge and support that goes beyond standard dangerous goods handling, such as case-dependent airfreight regulations. DHL has a global network of battery logistics experts to ensure that your batteries are transported safely, securely and on schedule in line with IATA, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations.

Ocean Freight

Our ocean freight experts will find the right International Maritime Organization (IMO)- and IMDG-compliant solution to move everything from battery materials to out-of-gauge (OOG) shipments. This includes battery cells, modules, packs, and goods containing batteries, including finished EV, machines and BESS – depending on the cargo and the prerequisites necessary for transport. We also monitor the condition and temperature of all cargo to ensure its safe arrival.

Express

When time is critical, DHL is here to support. We offer express services to quickly ship cells and modules of various sizes and weights worldwide, whether for emergencies or premium aftermarket services. With our own dedicated air network for small battery shipments, we ensure swift delivery. Additionally, our Express services include efficient road deliveries of batteries across Europe.

Road & Rail

Reliable battery and battery material shipments by road and rail are essential for our customers. DHL leverages regional road freight networks to ensure safe, on-time deliveries, fully compliant with regional and national dangerous goods regulations. We use specialized equipment like tail lifts to ensure efficient loading and unloading at all locations.

Battery Warehousing and Value-Added Services

Safety is our top priority. Our certified teams are trained in specialized warehousing protocols for hazardous materials. Their local expertise ensures compliance with regional regulations and fire department requirements, which might include advanced fire safety systems or thermal imaging. We also offer additional battery-related services, from testing to repair. 

Inbound-to-manufacturing Warehouse

DHL safely stores batteries, cells, modules and packs prior to their use in manufacturing. We carefully manage and decant these hazardous materials, ensuring the safe and organized transfer from container to storage. Cross-docking and expert sequencing minimize lead times, ensuring customer production lines run smoothly and efficiently.

Aftermarket Warehouse

The complex aftermarket sector calls for a specialized approach to battery handling beyond the guidelines that govern standard dangerous goods. DHL effectively manages the storage and distribution of batteries at the global, regional and local levels. In shared or dedicated warehousing, customers benefit from excellent service, on-time order fulfillment and safe battery handling – in line with all regulations.

Value-added Services

Running battery warehouses involves more than just storage. Our experts check the quality of every battery upon arrival, and again when it leaves our warehouse. Constant monitoring ensures ideal temperature and humidity levels for battery storage.

End-of-life Battery Storage

Handling used, damaged or end-of-life batteries calls for an entirely different approach. We provide logistics services to support the 4 Rs: responsible repair, re-use, re-manufacture and recycling of end-of-life batteries. We also offer storage and cross-dock solutions for both hazardous and green waste. Our experts ensure that all facilities and shipments comply with all relevant safety regulations.

Circularity

Defective and end-of-life batteries pose complexities and hazards that require specialized expertise. DHL has a broad network of waste battery storage sites and dedicated carriers for the transport, repair, reuse, remanufacture, and recycling of these dangerous goods.

Reverse Logistics

DHL safely transports used and defective batteries from dealerships and distributors to aftermarket warehouses and battery suppliers in line with all national, regional and local regulations. We enable responsible recycling and disposal practices through logistics services and partner agreements to help our customers meet their sustainability goals.

Recycling logistics

DHL offers solutions that cover the entire battery lifecycle. Our end-to-end recycling solutions ensure the responsible handling of end-of-life batteries – and can extend to the safe deactivation, dismantling and the extraction of valuable metals in certain geographies. We help implement holistic approaches to battery circularity and scale recycling operations accordingly.

Battery Logistics Case Studies

We collaborate closely with our customers to devise bespoke solutions for battery transportation, storage and circularity. Click below to see how we have helped DHL customers around the world.

Explore Our Battery Logistics Case Studies

Let's Connect

Our Battery Logistics solutions help customers manage the challenges and complexity inherent in the battery market. We provide valuable support in the areas of battery transport, warehousing and circularity. With our modular approach, our expert teams around the world can tailor effective solutions to our customers’ specific requirements.

Contact Our Battery Logistics Experts