The Essential Guide to Shipping Cremated Remains: USPS Regulations & Safety

The Essential Guide to Shipping Cremated Remains: USPS Regulations & Safety

The Essential Guide to Shipping Cremated Remains: USPS Regulations & Safety

 

Shipping cremated remains is not like shipping a standard package. It is an emotional process governed by strict federal laws and United States Postal Service (USPS) regulations.

Whether you are sending remains to a family member across the country or sending a small amount of ash to us for a Custom Memorial Piece, you cannot simply put them in a box and drop them in the mail.

Doing so incorrectly isn't just illegal—it puts the remains at risk of being lost or delayed in the postal network.

To ensure your loved one travels safely and with dignity, you must follow the guidelines outlined in USPS Publication 139. Here is your step-by-step guide.

 

The Golden Rule: USPS Priority Mail Express ONLY

 

The most important rule you must know: FedEx, UPS, and DHL do NOT allow the shipment of cremated remains.

The only legal way to ship ashes domestically is via USPS Priority Mail Express.

Why?

  • Trackable: It provides end-to-end tracking.

  • Guaranteed: It offers a money-back guarantee on delivery times (usually 1-2 days).

  • Secure: Most importantly, it requires a signature upon delivery. This ensures the package is never left sitting on a porch.

Note: You may use "Priority Mail Express International" for overseas shipments, but you must check the specific prohibitions of the destination country first.

 

Step 1: The Inner Container (Sift-Proof)

 

The ashes must be placed in a primary container that is "sift-proof." This means that even if the package is shaken aggressively, no ash can escape.

  • For Jewelry Orders: If you are sending ashes to us, we provide detailed mailing instructions that meets these standards.

  • For Urns: If you are shipping a full urn, the lid must be sealed tight. We strongly recommend taping the lid shut and placing the entire urn inside a sealed heavy-duty plastic bag (min 4 mil thickness) as a failsafe.

 

Step 2: Padding and Cushioning

 

The primary container must not shift inside the box.

  • Wrap the inner container generously in bubble wrap.

  • Fill any empty space in the shipping box with packing peanuts or air pillows.

  • The Shake Test: Before taping the box, close it and give it a gentle shake. If you hear movement or rattling, you need more padding.

 

Step 3: High-Visibility Labeling (Label 139)

 

This is crucial for the respect and handling of the package. You must identify the contents of the package to postal workers so they treat it with care.

You are required to use Label 139. This is a vivid orange sticker that reads "CREMATED REMAINS."

  • Apply this sticker to every side of the box (top, bottom, and all four sides).

  • You can get these stickers for free at your local Post Office.

 

Step 4: The Address

 

Ensure the shipping address is printed clearly and legibly. If you are shipping to us, please use the exact address provided in your order confirmation email.

  • Tip: It is smart to place a slip of paper inside the box with both the sender's and recipient's address, just in case the outer label is damaged.

 

How Our Mailing Instructions Makes This Easy

 

If you are reading this because you want to order Cremation Jewelry, you can breathe a sigh of relief. We handle the logistics for you.

When you place an order with us, we send you Detailed Mailing Instructions.

You simply fill your baggie, seal the envelope, follow the rest of the instructions and hand it to a USPS clerk. We track it the moment it enters the system.

 

Summary Checklist

 

  1. Use USPS Priority Mail Express only.

  2. Use a sift-proof inner container.

  3. Pad the box so nothing moves.

  4. Apply orange Label 139 stickers to all sides.

  5. Require a signature on delivery.

Shipping a loved one is a heavy responsibility. If you have any questions about how to get your ashes to us safely, please contact us.

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