Lithium-Ion Batteries Transport

Shipping Lithium-Ion Batteries

The global lithium-ion battery industry has witnessed an explosive growth trajectory, fuelled by the increasing demand for portable electronics, electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions as the UK transitions towards a zero-carbon economy. This upward trend is projected to continue, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.5% forecasted over the next 5 years. Such growth opens doors to a plethora of opportunities across various sectors, from consumer electronics to automotive and beyond.

The UK is going head to head with the rest of the world with increased efforts in manufacturing activities to meet the demand with July 2023 data figures showing excellent growth:

£245 million annual market revenue

41 UK-based manufacturers of lithium batteries

The cost of battery packs has fallen 89% since 2008

United Nations Classification of Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries, while revolutionary, carry inherent risks that cannot be overlooked. These energy-dense powerhouses are prone to thermal runaway, a chain reaction resulting in fire or even explosion due to factors like temperature fluctuations, mechanical damage, or manufacturing defects. Such risks have led to the classification of lithium batteries as Class 9 miscellaneous dangerous goods according to the United Nations, emphasizing the importance of their proper handling and transportation.

 

“This process can be triggered by a battery overheating, being punctured, or an electrical fault like a short circuit. In cases where fires occur spontaneously while charging, it is likely due to manufacturing defects.” explains Dylan Khoo, an analyst at tech intelligence firm ABI Research.

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What is Covered in the UN Classification?

UN 3090 — lithium metal batteries (including lithium alloy batteries)

UN 3091 — lithium metal batteries contained in equipment, or lithium metal batteries packed with equipment (including lithium alloy batteries)

UN 3480 — lithium ion batteries (including lithium ion polymer batteries)

UN 3481 — lithium ion batteries contained in equipment, or lithium ion batteries packed with equipment (including lithium ion polymer batteries)

UN 3536 — lithium batteries installed in cargo transport unit lithium ion batteries or lithium metal batteries.

Industry Trends

Originally ran between 2017 and 2022, the Faraday Battery Challenge was a £330 million investment aimed at fostering relationships between lithium battery manufactures and universities to develop and manufacture the next generation of energy storage devices. Since extended to 2025, the budget has reached £541 million and has driven growth within the manufacturing industry. The funding will also help the sector deliver 100,000 jobs in battery supply chain by 2040.

The UK is renowned for high-technology military equipment with rising demand for batteries for unmanned aerial vehicles, targeted and guided weapons and night vision goggles. Defence spending by the UK government has increased 8.51% year-on-year to £45.9 billion in 2022 . The latest Spring Budget 2023 has seen an extra £5 billion allocated for spending until 2025 which should further boost demand for lithium batteries from the defence sector.

According to the US Department of Energy, the cost of an electric-vehicle lithium-ion battery pack has decreased by 89% from roughly US$1,355 per kilowatt in 2008 to US$153 per kilowatt in 2022. Improvements in battery technologies and rising manufacturing volume are the key drivers of the rising affordability of lithium-ion batteries.

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Why Choose JJX Logistics?

Safety Above All

Safety is non-negotiable when dealing with dangerous goods and at JJX Logistics it is at the core of everything we do, leaving no room for compromise. Our team of experts adhere strictly to the latest ADR regulations from the United Nations, mitigating potential risks at every step to ensure the safe delivery of hazardous cargo to its destination.

All of our drivers and goods handlers are fully ADR qualified through the highly accredited Corridans Ltd to transport all nine classes with a particular focus on lithium batteries. Our Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser works closely with our transport team overseeing each consignment. If you have any questions regarding the regulations surrounding the transport and handling of lithium-ion batteries then our team would be happy to help.

Top-notch Supply Chain Security

We recognize the significance of supply chain security and take comprehensive measures to safeguard your cargo from start to finish. This is why we are delighted to say we are now in our 10th year as members of the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA), the leading industry association for supply chain resilience & security professionals, as well as being recognised as an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO).

Perhaps our proudest achievement at JJX is being able to say we are one of only nine companies in the entire UK who hold the prestigious TAPA TSR-1 certificate—the highest standard for transport security. This accolade speaks volumes about our commitment to ensuring the security and integrity of your valuable and dangerous cargo during transit.

Perfectly Located

The West Midlands region holds the joint largest concentration of lithium battery manufacturers in the UK alongside the North West with 15% and is. well known heartland of the UK automotive industry. The proximity to numerous research institutes at the many universities also provides a regular stream of new technological developments.

Located just to the West of Dudley on the Pensnett Trading Estate, our warehouse solutions are bespoke to each customer requirements and are perfectly suited for Just In Time (JIT) delivery to nearby manufacturers. Furthermore, with our time critical same day transport we are able to pick up anywhere in the UK in just 60 minutes.

Unrivalled ADR Expertise

Unlike many logistics companies, we have the capability to transport all nine classes of ADR dangerous goods. Our specialised fleet and expert team can handle an incredibly diverse range of hazardous shipments including Class 1 - Explosives and Class 7 - Radioactive.

What sets us further apart is our ability to transport all nine classes these goods under temperature-controlled conditions, guaranteeing the integrity of temperature-sensitive items throughout the journey. Our industry leading fleet management system by Samsara delivers minute-by-minute environmental updates to our transport planners allowing them to constantly monitor each and every consignment.

Our 24/7 same day and next day pallet and parcel delivery service are second to none. Being part of the Hazchem network strengthens our delivery service giving our customers more options and helping to reduce costs across our different service levels.

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Supply Chain Fulfilment

At JJX, we are flattered to be a frontrunner in the transportation of all nine classes of ADR dangerous goods by road. Our unwavering focus on safety, qualified drivers, temperature-controlled capabilities, compliance with regulations and top-tier supply chain security make us the preferred choice for handling hazardous materials.

This is backed up by fantastic customer service team – the saying goes:  “the customer wants answers, not excuses”. With real delivery time, our track and trace gives the customer visibility and instant proof of delivery.

When you entrust us with your cargo, you can rest assured that it will reach its destination safely and securely. For the most reliable and secure transportation of dangerous goods, contact JJX today. Your cargo's safety is our top priority.

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