IAM (International Association of Movers) has surveyed its membership to establish whether the industry is ready to implement the Department of Defense (DoD) policy with respect to the shipping and handling of lithium batteries.

The policy requires shippers of military personal property to include lithium batteries when requested, advise customers of documentation requirements, brief customers about the different kinds of lithium batteries found in items, and package them correctly in line with all relevant guidance and regulations.  The requirement will come into force on 15 May, 2023.  Failure to comply will result in punitive action (i.e. actions intended to punish).

The survey asked if companies were aware of the policy, whether they already shipped these items, whether they had specially trained staff and whether they will be prepared to implement the policy. Although 65% were aware of the policy, 3% had agreements in place to properly pack these items, 6% had staff that could prepare the relevant documentation, 3% had researched the cost of training and only 1.65% claimed to be already compliant.  12% said it would take them less than 60 days to have properly trained staff but over 67% said it would take them more than 180 days to be ready.

Comments from members in response to the survey ranged from those who were prepared to undertake the necessary training to others who called the whole concept ‘crazy’, ‘extremely scary’ and would ‘put lives in danger’.

IAM says it continues to work with the DoD and government shippers to try and establish a workable policy in a workable timeframe. It is also engaged with Department of Transportation hazmat trainers and commercial hazmat training providers to help share information with its membership in anticipation of further updates to the situation.