Fall is the season of shipping weird stuff across the world. While most packages won't raise an eyebrow, there are some things like alcohol, lithium ion batteries, and perishable items that have their own special rules. Here's how to manage some of the more difficult things to ship.
It's worth mentioning that while there are a number of regulations on what can and cannot be shipped, most packages won't be searched unless you give them a good reason to. This complicates a lot of shipping regulation because it means it's possible and even common to ship items illegaly.
A successful story from someone who shipped a bottle of beer or a lithium ion battery doesn't necessarily mean it's legal to do so in that situation. We'll do our best to keep you informed on regulations, but be sure to check your state laws and use common sense.
Electronics and Batteries
Shipping electronics comes with some special regulations due to the lithium ion batteries found in most modern gadgets. Under the right (or wrong) conditions, lithium ion batteries can explode. This leads to some very specific rules about how and where they can be shipped. Generally speaking, here's what you need to know:
- Batteries need to be installed in the device: Obviously, restricting lithium ion batteries would halt nearly all electronics shipping. However, as long as a device has the battery properly installed in the device it was meant to operate, it's usually okay.
- Batteries must be small: The bigger the battery, the more charge it can hold. The more charge something can hold, the bigger the boom it can make if something goes wrong. In most cases, any consumer-level battery that you ship will be small enough, but there are rules about how big batteries can be without a license. If it's anything bigger than an average laptop or tablet battery, consult the shipping company first.
- Electronics should probably be insured: Electronics can be damaged easily, even if you pack them well, depending on where they go. Get shipping insurance for anything that costs more than $100. Also be sure to properly document the value of your device in the event you need to make a claim.
As with anything else, be sure to ask your shipping carrier for any specifics. Regulations vary by state as well as internationally, and from company to company, so always confirm before you ship. Remember, regardless of your destination, your parcel may be going through extremely hot, very cold, or turbulent environments on its way to its destination.
Alcohol
Shipping alcohol is pretty restricted across the board. The United States Postal Service doesn't allow you to ship any alcohol at all without a license (though the Postmaster has suggested it be allowed). That license is not one that most individuals are not likely to acquire. Fedex and UPS do have a license to ship alcohol, but that doesn't necessarily mean you do.
States have the right to determine their own rules for shipping alcohol in or out of their state, so it's hard to make blanket statements. If you're unsure about your particular area, call a nearby location and ask. Some places require that you have a license to ship alcohol, while others will accept it as long as it it's properly packaged. Generally speaking, here's what you'll need to ensure if you can ship alcohol:
- An adult must sign for the package:FedEx and UPS both require that a package include the Adult Signature Required option, which states that an adult over the age of 21 must sign for the package in person. FedEx's rule states that a government-issued ID is required, but UPS does not explicitly claim this requirement. Though it's still a good idea to have one ready just in case. The Adult Signature Required option may charge an additional fee.
- The bottle must be safely packaged: Alcohol containers are fragile and contain liquid that can be dangerous or even flammable in the right concentration. To prevent breaking your package, make sure it's surrounded in at least a couple inches of soft material like bubble wrap or peanuts. Also wrap the package in something that can contain liquid if it breaks.
- You can't ship a lot of alcohol: It should go without saying, but if you're a business or you're shipping in volume, you're going to be hit with some different regulations. If you're going to ship alcohol, stick to one or two bottles.
It's also worth acknowledging the most common piece of advice you will get regarding shipping alcohol, which is not to declare it. As with anything on this list, it's possible to use your own packaging and simply lie about the contents of your parcel. While we don't advise breaking the law, if you're going to go this route, at least avoid using the USPS. Because FedEx and UPS are licensed to ship alcohol, it's only a violation of company policy to ship alcohol. However, using the USPS to ship alcohol is illegal, and the ramifications of getting caught are far worse.
Perishable Items
Items that can go bad aren't as restricted like some other things on the list. However, there are certain rules you should follow and best practices in order to keep your shipment safe.
- Reduce (and know) the time your package will be in transit: The longer an item is in transit, the longer it can go bad. This isn't the time to skimp on shipping unless you're 100% sure your items will still be good by the time you get there.
- Use proper temperature-controlled packaging: Tossing a block of cheese in a cardboard box and calling it a day is a quick way to ruin your cheese. If your package isn't pressure-sensitive, you can use things like a cooler (which then goes in a cardboard box) to keep your items the right temperature. Styrofoam is also a good option, particularly if you plan to…
- Use dry ice or other coolants to keep items cool: Dry ice is a tricky issue and one you should absolutely consult with your shipping company on first. However, FedEx has a general guide here that explains how and when to use dry ice to cool your packages. The biggest thing to keep in mind, though, is that your dry ice needs to breathe. So don't make your packages air tight and use styrofoam instead of coolers if you use it. Also, be sure your box is labeled.
Totally Restricted Items (Like Firearms and Animals)
There are some shipping rules that just can't (and shouldn't) be skirted. Anything that goes "boom" on purpose like firearms are explosives are typically restricted to licensed operators. In some cases like shipping a gun, it's possible if you have a personal license, but you'll need to check your own state laws, on top of the United States Gun Control Act of 1968.
Here is a brief, non-comprehensive list of items that are either not permissible to ship by any of the three major carriers, or that are heavily restricted to the point of requiring licenses:
- Firearms
- Explosives
- Radioactive materials
- Live animals
- "Articles of exceptional value" like expensive art pieces
Of course, these aren't the only items, but they're among the most common (presumably most of you aren't going to be shipping cars). If you need to explore further banned items, here are the lists of prohibited and restricted items as defined by the various carriers themselves:
Generally speaking, unless it's super dangerous or super illegal, there are ways to ship it. However, no matter what the general guidelines are, you'll always need to double check with your carrier. Hopefully this will at least put you on the right path first.
Photos by Alan Wu, Jes, dellabellaflora, and mararie.
