For all methods of transport the U.S. legal requirements are laid down in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 173.159) which state: 1. Batteries should be individually wrappedso that there is no chance of the terminals coming into contact with any external material or other battery terminals in the same package –. Non-spillable lead acid batteries (those that use Gel or Absorbent Glass Matt technology) require the same packaging as those filled with acid. Carriers will usually require these to be drained of acid and enclosed in an acid proof liner. Some may state that the battery is also covered with soda ash (which neutralizes acid). Check with your carrier for specific. Just because your lead acid battery won't do what you want it to do like start and engine does not mean that it is completely dead. Shorting out the terminals could still cause over-heating, an explosion or a fire. As such, so long as the.