Items prohibited to ship via the US Postal Service

The United States Postal Service, also known as USPS, has its limitations. For this reason we will tell you what objects are allowed to send 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 inquire about the packages being shipped.

Items prohibited to ship via the US Postal Service

The United States Postal Service is usually very permissive with the objects you can send through it. In any case, there are certain limitations that you must take into account. Therefore, we discuss the objects strictly prohibited by the USPS.

  • Marijuana: While certain parts of the United States are permissive with regard to marijuana, marijuana cannot be shipped in any of its forms through the USPS (including medical marijuana).
  • Gasoline: Gasoline or any other volatile fuel cannot be shipped. Take into account that this involves other flammable objects, in fact, there are certain limitations with glues, perfumes, paints, enamels.
  • Explosives: clearly in correlation with the above, it is strictly prohibited to ship explosives with USPS.
  • Airbags: the US Postal Service prohibits sending airbags. This refers specifically to vehicle air bags.

Keep in mind that private companies also have their own regulations. Therefore, if you plan to use FedEx, you must know what the rules for sending packages are, and the same principle is true for other companies.

Permitted and Prohibited Objects or Allowed with USPS Exceptions

On the other hand, there are some items that in special circumstances can be sent through the USPS or that represent a more exhaustive analysis . In any case, it is best to communicate directly with the company and inquire about the following objects.

  • Alcohol / Cigar and Tobacco – Typically any type of alcoholic beverage is prohibited from shipping through the USPS, in addition to cigarettes and tobacco. However, there are some circumstances in which it could be allowed, we again invite you to contact the US Postal Service.
  • Aerosols: USPS states that butane, propane and certain fire extinguishers can be shipped through its services. Even so, it is best to consult with all types of gas prior to shipment.
  • Dead / Cremated Remains: You might be surprised, but USPS allows the shipment of cremated remains of both people and animals. Either way, the use of a sturdy container should be considered, although contacting the company prior to shipment is recommended. Clearly the exception is made for cremated remains, since corpses cannot be sent under other conditions.
  • Firearms: firearms can be shipped by authorized manufacturers, however, there are certain limitations in relation to this and ammunition is strictly prohibited.
  • Fragile Items – You can safely ship fragile items through the USPS, but only if they are adequately protected.
  • Live animals: normally, live animals cannot be sent through the US postal service. In any case, there are certain exceptions, so it is best to contact the institution.
  • Medications: Prescription drugs are usually prohibited by the USPS, something similar happens with non-prescription drugs.
  • Poisons: Poisons are usually prohibited, although there are certain exceptions. Clearly, this should be discussed directly with the company in order not to incur any prohibition.

There are many other items that are prohibited for transportation through the United States Postal Service . In any case, those shown above represent a synthesis 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 fulfilled when claiming a lost package with the USPS in the United States and other similar problems.