USPS reverses course, will ship packages with lithium batteries
As the U.S. Postal Service continues to rev up for what's expected to be a record holiday year, the agency recently issued a press release that signals it is backing off a self-imposed ban on shipping packages overseas that contain products with lithium batteries. Now that the policy reversal will enable more holiday packages to be sent, address verification software will undoubtedly become a critical tool for businesses shipping and mailing during the busy season.
The USPS enacted the erstwhile lithium battery ban just earlier this year after it suspected exploding power packs caused two cargo plane crashes since 2006.
However, effective November 15, the USPS will start accepting packages that have electronics installed with lithium batteries and are bound for international locations, such as the Army, Fleet and Diplomatic Post Offices.
"The Postal Service is pleased to be back in the business of shipping gifts containing lithium batteries internationally and to our service members overseas," said Giselle Valera, vice president of global business for the USPS. "Postal employees are gearing up for a busy holiday season, and we’re ready to help customers send care packages to loved ones around the world."