How To Mail Cremains: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you're distributing them among family members, incorporating them into memorial items, or sending them to an ash scattering service, you may be curious about how to mail cremains. While you’re certainly able to ship ashes, you do need to follow some specific instructions.

Photo Credit: USPS

1. Cremains May Only Be Shipped Using USPS

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the only shipping carrier that transports cremains. With their services, you must use Priority Mail Express® and Priority Mail Express International® for shipping cremains domestically and internationally.

• Priority Mail Express: This service provides next-day to 2-day delivery service by 6:00 PM and lets you ship packages up to 70 lbs to any state at the same price. Prices start at $31.40 at a Post Office and include USPS Tracking®.
• Priority Mail Express International: Ships to about 180 countries within 3-5 business days with a flat rate option for packages up to 4 lbs. Includes USPS Tracking and up to $200 insurance for loss, damage, or missing contents.

2. Cremains Can Be Shipped Internationally

As noted above, you can use Priority Mail Express International to mail cremains internationally when the designating country does not prohibit the contents and when Priority Mail Express International service is available to that country. Verify this availability by checking the Individual Country Listing in the United States Postal Service Mailing Standards, International Mail Manual (IMM®).

3. Packages with Cremains Should Use Label 139

The US Postal Service now requires Label 139 on all shipped cremains. You must visit your local Post Office™ to ship your package.

4. Consider Buying a Cremated Remains Kit

You can ship cremains in a box of your choice. However, no matter the box, you’ll still need to apply Label 139 to all sides of the package, including the top and bottom. You can also order one of two USPS Cremated Remains Kits:

1. Cremated Remains Kit 1 includes:
   • A sturdy box (14-3/4" L x 10-1/4" W x 10" H)
   • A roll of Priority Mail Express packing tape
2. Cremated Remains Kit 2 includes everything in Kit 1, plus:
   • Bubble cushioning
   • A self-sealing plastic bag
   • A copy of Publication 139, How to Package and Ship Cremated Remains

PLEASE NOTE: You can order a Cremated Remains Kit for FREE from the Postal Store on USPS.com. These kits are not available at your local USPS location; they are only available online.

5. Pack Your Cremains Properly

USPS allows the shipment of properly packaged human or animal cremains domestically and internationally. To follow their criteria, follow the instructions highlighted in Publication 139:

Use a Sift-Proof Container

To start, you’ll need a primary “sift-proof container,” which means a secure, sealed container that can contain fine particles. This container should:

• Have a Tightly Sealed Lid
• Be Made of Durable Material
• Show No Signs of Perforation

If you’re shipping internationally, the inner primary container must be a funeral urn. Consider consulting a licensed funeral director about your container choices.

Place the inner sift-proof container in a strong outer box with padding. You must then apply Label 139 to all six surfaces of the box.

Seal & Address the Sift-Proof Container

Should the shipping label detach from the outer container, the Postal Service™ recommends putting the sift-proof container in a sealed plastic bag. You should then adhere a label with a return address and delivery address on the sealable bag.

Use Cushioning Material

Place sufficient cushioning around the primary sift-proof container to prevent it from shifting inside the outer shipping package during transit and to prevent breakage.

Add Sift-Proof Container to Outer Shipping Package

You must ship the cremains with an outer shipping container. This container can be a USPS-produced or customer-supplied shipping package. We recommend using the USPS’s complementary Cremated Remains kit. Additionally, before closing and sealing the shipping package, the Postal Service recommends adding a slip of paper inside the package with both the sender’s and recipient’s address and contact information.

Address Your Package

Domestic Shipping:

• Double-check the mailing address, especially the ZIP Code. You can use Look Up a ZIP Code™ on USPS.com
• Include the addresses and ZIP Codes™ for you and your recipient
• Mailers may generate single-ply Priority Mail Express labels through Click-N-Ship® or other USPS-approved methods
• Use a complete return and delivery address (The exact address format as an envelope)
• Use ink that does not smear
• Write or print address labels clearly

Additional International Shipping:

• The cremation certificate should be attached to the outer box or easily accessible (if available)
• The mailer must indicate the identity of the contents (Cremated Remains) on the required applicable customs declaration form
• To determine the applicable required customs form, see IMM Section 123.61
• Use a complete return address and delivery address

A Mail-In Ash Scattering Service

If you are looking for a way to celebrate your loved one, consider a customizable mail-in ash scattering ceremony. We’ve simplified the process by offering a mail-in service. With Farmstead Scattering, you can mail cremated remains, and upon arrival, we’ll honor your loved one by scattering their ashes on our working farm. With our services, you can choose a specific location and customize the scattering ceremony. Visit our service page or reach out today to learn more.

Feature Image Credit: USPS