ok i found an article on this

ahem (lol)

"When dealing with any device intended to have an electric charge, it is essential to consult the DOT hazmat regulations to determine the scope of the regulations. A number of exceptions are granted in order to make ground shipment of batteries more efficient. It may be that some of your sources misinterpreted the exceptions to mean batteries are not regulated

All DOT exceptions are conditional. If you do not meet the conditions, then you do not qualify for the exception and your shipment will be considered fully regulated. The most fundamental requirement running through all hazmat codes, in all modes of transportation in all countries, is protection against short circuits.

Under CFR 173.220(c), batteries installed in equipment like a lift truck must be secure, and wet batteries must be in an upright position. They must be protected against short circuits and leakage. If you meet these conditions, DOT waives the rest of the hazmat requirements for the transportation of that equipment by highway and rail.

For the additional batteries you returned that were not installed in the equipment, you need to look at 49 CFR 173.159(c). Again, you will find that the majority of the requirements relate to avoidance of short circuits and damage to the battery terminals in transit. For people in the battery business operating their own trucks,

Sec. 173.159(c) provides considerable relief, but again, this relief is conditional. No other hazmat can be on the same vehicle, the batteries must be loaded and braced to prevent damage and short circuits in transit, everything else in the load must be secured and only one shipper's products can be on the vehicle. The exclusive-use part of this exception probably would have made it unavailable for your shipment."

from: www DOT mhmonline DOT com/viewStory.asp?nID=5684

it sounds like he dont need it
but only if hes delivering 1 truck at a time