Can You Ship Liquids Through Usps?

Shipping liquids can be complicated, as carriers like USPS have restrictions in place to ensure safe transit. USPS guidelines prohibit mailing many flammable, hazardous, and perishable liquids through standard ground mail. Acceptable liquids must be properly packaged and labeled to prevent leaks or damage. Shipping rules vary based on the mail class used – whether it’s ground shipping, Priority Mail, or Express Mail. There are also separate regulations for shipping liquids internationally through USPS. Understanding USPS guidelines for mailing liquids is important for successfully shipping items like perfumes, creams, alcohol, oils, etc.

USPS Restrictions on Liquid Shipments

The USPS places restrictions on mailing liquids domestically and internationally. There are general restrictions as well as regulations around mailing hazardous materials:

In general, only limited quantities of liquid can be mailed through USPS. According to the USPS Domestic Mail Manual, liquids up to 70 ounces per container and a total of 160 ounces per piece can be mailed domestically via ground transportation when properly packaged. However, stricter quantity limits apply for air transportation and for international shipping.

Hazardous, flammable, toxic, and corrosive liquids are more heavily restricted. Items like gasoline, oils, perfumes, and household cleaning products cannot be shipped through USPS 1. Mailing these substances in any quantity domestically or internationally via USPS is strictly prohibited.

Acceptable Liquids to Ship

There are certain types of liquids that can be shipped through USPS as long as they are properly packaged. According to the USPS guidance, acceptable liquids include:

Water and Other Beverages

Non-alcoholic beverages like water, juice, tea, coffee, soda, and sports drinks are permitted for shipping via USPS ground and priority mail, as long as they are in properly sealed containers. Alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and liquor have more restrictions but can be shipped in limited quantities domestically (source 1).

Certain Cosmetics and Toiletries

Many common cosmetics and toiletries like shampoo, lotion, perfume, makeup, and more can be shipped if properly sealed in leak-proof containers. Nail polish is restricted and requires special labeling, but most other beauty items are permitted (source 2).

Some Foods and Condiments

Non-perishable foods like peanut butter, honey, and maple syrup can be sent through USPS. Refrigerated items that spoil easily cannot go by mail, but shelf-stable foods, sauces, oils, and other pourable food items are allowed if properly packaged (source 1).

Proper Packaging

When shipping liquids through USPS, proper packaging is essential to prevent leaks and damage. Here are some key tips for packaging liquid shipments:

Use spill-proof containers like bottles with screw-on lids or snap-on caps for holding the liquid. Avoid containers with push-on lids which can pop open during transit. Tape the lid or cap closed as an extra precaution (Stamps.com).

Cushion the liquid container well within the packaging. Use bubble wrap, crumpled paper, or foam peanuts to prevent the container from shifting and banging around. This protects against leaks if the package is dropped or tossed.

Absorbent material should surround the cushioned liquid container to soak up any potential leaks. Use paper towels, newspaper, cotton balls or specially designed leak-proof pads.

The outer packaging should be a sturdy box made of corrugated cardboard with no punctures or holes. The box should be strong enough to hold the contents securely without collapsing.

Address the package clearly and affix proper postage to ship liquids through USPS. Following proper procedures for packaging will help ensure safe transit.

Ground Shipping Regulations

The USPS specifies several rules and regulations for shipping liquids via Ground shipping methods within the domestic U.S. Some key guidelines include:

Weight and Size Limits:
– Total package weight cannot exceed 70 lbs.

– Packages over 13 oz must use First-Class Package Service, Priority Mail, or Parcel Select Ground.
– Maximum size limits are 108 inches length plus girth combined. Any single side cannot be greater than 60 inches (from https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/101.htm).

Additional Services:
– Insurance can be purchased up to $50,000 coverage for lost, damaged, or missing contents. However, perishable items including liquids cannot be insured (from https://www.ups.com/us/en/help-center/packaging-and-supplies/special-care-shipments/liquids.page).
– Delivery Confirmation provides electronic tracking of packages from acceptance to delivery.
– Signature Confirmation requires a signature at delivery to verify the date and time the package was delivered and who signed for it.

Priority Mail Regulations

Priority Mail offers faster transit times compared to other shipping options through USPS. However, there are stricter limits on the quantities of liquids that can be shipped.

Only up to 4 liters of liquid can be shipped at one time through Priority Mail. This includes items like shampoos, lotions, perfumes, and oils. Bottles containing liquids must be very securely sealed and wrapped with enough absorbent material to contain leaks and spills in case of damage.

According to the USPS, “The outer mailing container must be strong enough to protect glass containers from crushing or breaking” (source). For example, sturdy cardboard boxes with dividers are recommended.

Due to transit speeds, if a package containing liquids were to leak it could potentially damage other mail. So the quantity restrictions are in place to minimize this risk.

Express Mail Regulations

Express Mail offers the fastest delivery for shipping liquids through USPS. According to the USPS website, Express Mail shipments are prioritized to provide overnight delivery to most U.S. addresses and destinations.

However, there are some restrictions on mailing certain liquids through Express Mail. Hazardous materials like flammable liquids, oxidizers, corrosives, and other chemicals are prohibited. Certain everyday liquids like perfumes containing alcohol are also not permitted. According to the USPS domestic shipping restrictions page, the only alcoholic beverages allowed are wine and beer, which have strict quantity limits per shipment.

In general, non-hazardous liquids like shampoo, lotions, oils, and other toiletries can be shipped through Express Mail if properly packaged. But certain limitations apply depending on the destination, quantity, and mailing surcharges. Customers should reference the USPS website or consult with a postal worker to determine if a specific liquid item is permitted for Express Mail delivery.

International Shipping

Shipping liquids internationally via USPS has additional restrictions and requirements compared to domestic shipping. According to the USPS website https://pe.usps.com/text/Imm/il_008.htm, all international mail is subject to customs examination and regulations in the destination country. There are restrictions on shipping certain liquids like alcohol, perfumes, aftershave, and potentially dangerous liquids.

Some destinations have outright bans or restrictions on receiving liquids through the mail. For example, the United Kingdom prohibits shipping liquids like alcohol, perfume, and aftershave. Many Middle Eastern countries do not allow perfumes and fragrances to be shipped. Russia and some former Soviet Union countries ban liquids containing alcohol.

To ship international packages with liquids, additional customs forms may be required like the PS Form 2976-E or 2944. These forms require you to detail the contents, quantity, and value of liquids being shipped. Failing to properly declare shipments can lead to penalties or customs delays and confiscation. Checking with each destination country’s customs agency is advised.

Alternatives for Liquid Shipping

While USPS places restrictions on shipping liquids, there are some alternative carriers that provide more options. The three major nationwide shipping companies—FedEx, UPS, and DHL—each have their own specific rules and guidelines when it comes to shipping liquids. Additionally, freight shipping or regional carriers may be viable alternatives depending on the type of liquid and quantity being shipped.

FedEx allows ground shipments of non-hazardous liquids in quantities up to 30 kg per package. Acceptable liquids include foods, non-alcoholic beverages, lotions, shampoos, perfumes, and more. Proper packaging in leak-proof containers is required. UPS has similar allowances for ground shipping of non-hazardous liquids up to 30 kg.

For expedited shipping, FedEx and UPS have more restrictions in place, including limitations on volume per package and alcohol content. However, expedited shipping of some liquids is possible by working directly with their freight or specialty shipping teams.

DHL imposes restrictions on liquids based on the concentration and flashpoint. Non-hazardous liquids can typically be shipped ground or air, given proper packaging guidelines are followed.

Freight shipping can be a good option for bulk liquid shipments, especially locally. Freight carriers often have specialized equipment like tank trucks for liquid transportation. Regional shipping companies are another alternative particularly for local delivery of non-hazardous liquids.

Summary

In summary, there are some restrictions around shipping liquids through USPS, but many household liquids can be shipped if properly prepared. The key points are:

• USPS prohibits shipping alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and liquor through their standard mailing services.
• Non-hazardous liquids like water, juice, oil, etc. can be shipped if triple packaged – sealed inside a leak-proof inner container, surrounded by absorbent material, placed inside a leak-proof outer box.
• Ground packages have no limits on liquid volume, but each inner container cannot exceed 1 quart.
• Priority mail limits liquids to 72 oz per inner container, while express mail limits liquids to 64 oz.
• For international shipping, each country will have specific restrictions that must be followed.

For more information, refer to the USPS website section on shipping restrictions and prohibited items.