What Can and Cannot Be Shipped With UPS?

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What Can and Cannot Be Shipped With UPS?
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"Need clarity on UPS shipping rules? Find out what's allowed and what's restricted, including alcohol, live animals, and hazardous items, for worry-free shipping!

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What Can and Cannot Be Shipped With UPS?

When shipping with UPS, it is very crucial to differentiate between allowed items, restricted items, and prohibited items. Several regulations need to be followed when  freight shipping through UPS, and one of them is the safety and legal requirements regulation. Below is a detailed list of what can or cannot be shipped with UPS.

UPS Prohibited Items: What Can’t Be Shipped

UPS holds prohibited shipment conditions due to safety legal or regulatory requirements that apply to certain items. Here’s an overview of UPS-prohibited items:

  • Shipments Restricted by Law: Products that are prohibited to ship, including hazardous waste or items banned by federal or local legislation.
  • Currency and Financial Instruments: Bank bills, notes, and cash cannot be imported because of the high risk involved.
  • Explosive and Hazardous Materials: Things that are prohibited include things like normal fireworks and other flammable substances.
  • Human Remains: UPS does not allow the transportation of human remains, fetal remains, body parts or embryos.
  • Ivory and Protected Animal Parts: Products such as ivory and shark fins are restricted because they involve the hunting and killing of endangered species.

  • Stamps and Government Documents: Postage stamps and some documents or papers like Customs Declaration Documents and Cash Against Documents (CAD) are prohibited as they require appropriate handling.

UPS Restricted Items: What needs special permission

While some items are generally prohibited, UPS does allow certain items to be shipped under special agreements for regular shippers who meet legal and packaging requirements:

  • Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine and spirits can be shipped by shippers provided that they meet certain conditions, such as obtaining permits and other necessary packaging.
  • Animal Products: Some specific hides, such as mother of pearl or snakeskin, can be used likewise, but only after receiving necessary authorizations.
  • Ammunition and Firearms: UPS has specific guidelines regarding the transportation of ammunition and permits certain firearms only if all federal and state requirements are met.
  • High-Value Goods: The agreements enhance the shipment of items that have high value, such as gold, furs, and precious metals.
  • Perishables and Plants: Fresh products like living plants, seeds, and other products that spoil are acceptable but often need special packing, and an appropriate temperature is essential.
  • Personal and Biological Specimens: Some items, for example, biological substances that fall under category B and certain dead human or animal specimens, can be shipped under certain circumstances and with certification.

Final Verdict

UPS provides many shipping options, but understanding what is allowed and what is prohibited can greatly affect delivery success. It is always important to make sure to abide by the UPS shipping regulations, and in case of any doubt, check on the UPS policies for compliance.

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Benjamin Hayes

Benjamin Hayes is a respected thought leader in the field of logistics, known for his expertise in supply chain management and global transportation. With a career spanning two decades, Benjamin has worked with multinational corporations to develop comprehensive logistics solutions that drive profitability and enhance customer satisfaction. Benjamin writes for Shipixy blog as a freelancer, where he shares his wealth of knowledge, offering practical guidance on optimizing logistics networks, managing inventory, and leveraging technology for competitive advantage.

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