How to Package and Ship

Cremated Remains

The United States Postal Service offers the only legal method of shipping cremated remains domestically or internationally. When a family member assumes the responsibility of shipping a loved one’s cremated remains, they can trust the USPS Priority Mail Express® Service.

You may be reading this brochure because:

■ A relative, someone you know, or a pet has died and been cremated, and you need to ship the remains to someone at another location within the United States or another country.

■ You and your family have opted to distribute the cremated remains of a loved one between family members at other locations within the United States or another country.

■ You are sending cremated remains to an artisan or craftsperson to incorporate the remains into blown glass, jewelry, or other works of art.

There are specific requirements for preparing, packaging, and shipping human or animal cremated remains. The Postal Service is here to help you understand how to meet these requirements and take the necessary steps to protect this special mailing. By

following these requirements, you can be confident that you have done everything you can so that your loved one’s remains can arrive at the intended destination safely.

Packaging

Choose A Container

There are many options available to store cremated remains — from simple wooden boxes to decorative urns. However, if you plan to ship the cremated remains, you will need to have padding and two containers — an inner container and an outer container:

Your Inner Container

■ We recommend that you consult with a licensed funeral director to help you select the best container. This will be helpful especially if you have plans to divide the remains among family members.

■ The inner container must be strong and durable and be constructed in such a manner as to protect and securely contain the contents inside and it must be properly sealed so that it is siftproof. A siftproof (continued on next page)