The United States Postal Service, also known as the USPS, has its limitations. For this reason we will tell you what objects are allowed to be sent through the US postal service.
USPS provides a high quality service, but it is very different from sending a package or product through Wallapop, and the situation in the United States is different. For this reason, it is important to be informed about the packages that are sent.
Items Prohibited to Ship Through the US Postal Service
The United States Postal Service is usually very permissive about the items you can send through it. In any case, there are certain limitations that you must take into account. For this reason, we tell you about the objects strictly prohibited by the USPS.
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Marijuana: Although certain parts of the United States are permissive regarding marijuana, marijuana cannot be shipped in any form through the USPS (including medical marijuana).
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Gasoline: Gasoline or any other volatile fuel cannot be shipped. Keep in mind that this involves other flammable objects, in fact, there are certain limitations with glues, perfumes, paints, enamels.
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Explosives: Clearly correlated to the above, shipping explosives with the USPS is strictly prohibited.
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Airbags: The US Postal Service prohibits the shipment of airbags. This refers specifically to vehicle airbags.
Keep in mind that private companies also have their own regulations. Therefore, if you plan to use FedEx, you must know what the rules are for sending packages and the same principle is followed with the rest of the companies.
Allowed and Prohibited Items or Allowed with USPS Exceptions
On the other hand, there are some items that in special circumstances may be shipped through the USPS or that represent a more in-depth analysis. In any case, it is best to contact the company directly and ask about the following items.
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Alcohol/Cigarette and Tobacco: Normally any type of alcoholic beverage is prohibited from shipping through the USPS, in addition to cigarettes and tobacco. However, there are some circumstances where it might be allowed, again we encourage you to contact the US Postal Service.
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Aerosols: USPS states that butane, propane, and certain fire extinguishing gases may be shipped through its services. Even so, it is best that with all types of gas a consultation is made prior to shipment.
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Dead/Cremated Remains – You may be surprised, but the USPS allows the shipment of cremated remains of both people and animals. In any case, the use of a resistant container should be considered, although it is recommended to contact the company before shipment. Clearly, the exception is made for cremated remains, since corpses cannot be sent under other conditions.
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Firearms: Firearms may be shipped by authorized manufacturers, however there are certain limitations in relation to this and ammunition is strictly prohibited.
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Fragile Items: You can safely ship fragile items through the USPS, but only if they are properly protected.
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Live animals: Normally, live animals cannot be shipped through the US Postal Service. In any case, there are certain exceptions, for which it is best to contact the institution.
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Medications: Prescription medications are usually prohibited by the USPS, something similar happens with non-prescription medications.
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Poisons: Poisons are generally prohibited, although there are certain exceptions. Clearly this must be discussed directly with the company in order not to incur any prohibition.
There are many other items that are prohibited from transportation through the United States Postal Service. In any case, those shown above represent a summary of those that can be sent and those that have limitations. Remember that you can see everything in more detail on the official website of the US postal service.
It is best to contact the USPS directly with a concern, the same principle that is followed when claiming a lost package with the USPS in the United States and other similar problems.
