Is un2794 wet battery filled with acid consider a hazmat load??

Ive wrestled with this question.

I have had hazmat many years until I walked away from it and questions like this really drive me up the wall.

Packed customer batteries big and small not hazmat, exempt. But god forbid they get loose on you.

I would not tow that trailer without a HM endorsement even though it's not. It's a catch 22.

 

some do and some don't... the one's I did were exempt... said so on the bol

 

some batteries like car batteries you don't need a placard because I've hauled like out of exide and Interstate before but they're like just sealed car batteries..
just don't do-it Wiley Sanders did regarding battery pieces after destroyed one look at Vernon California and the tragedy of exide over there and all the people poisoned by lead is downright scary..but luckily Wiley Sanders admitted they did it and they paid their $3000000 fine I think

 

Great Question!
Technically, a shipment of UN2794 batteries is still legally consider hazmat because it is still subject to certain requirements of the DOT HMR. HOWEVER, UN2794 batteries do NOT require placarding or a hazmat endorsement on the driver's CDL when shipped compliant with 49 CFR 173.159e (also known as the wet battery exception).

DOT letters of interpretation state that it is up to the carrier whether or not they choose to use this exception. This means that a carrier can use the placarding exception even if the shipper provides placards. This ALSO means that a carrier can refuse to use the exception if they so desire.

As long as your driver has had some training, they do not need a hazmat endorsement when complaint with 49 CFR 173.159e. Always good to play it safe though. If you're not comfortable, don't take it.

A couple notes:
If the load shifts during transit in a manner which causes damage or short circuit to the batteries, it becomes hazmat.
Nothing can be loaded on the trailer by any shipper other than the shipper loading the batteries (no partials).
Except for UN2800 batteries, no other hazardous material can be loaded on the trailer. This includes Class 9 material.
This exception only applies in the US. It does not apply in Mexico or Canada.

*I've personally arranged over 23,000 shipments of batteries and battery parts.

 

Atta Boy
you are truly the acid King