How to Mail Cremated Remains

Did you know the U.S. Postal Service offers the only legal method of shipping cremated remains domestically or internationally? FedEx won’t do it, nor will the United Parcel Service. The USPS Priority Mail Express® Service will send the ashes of a person or a pet where they need to go.

A few tips to know before you head to the Post Office:

1. You’ll need to pack the remains in two containers – an inner container and an outer container (i.e. a box) with padding between the two.
2. The inner container must be strong and durable. It must

   be properly sealed so that it is siftproof. A siftproof container prevents loose powder from leaking or sifting out during transit.
3. While not a requirement, it’s recommended that the inner container be placed in a sealed plastic bag.
4. For international shipments, the inner container must be a funeral urn.
5. Use padding around the inner container, such as bubble wrap or foam peanuts, to prevent breakage during transportation.
6. The outer container is a cardboard shipping box. You might want to line it with plastic, just in case there’s leakage from the inner container.
7. Make sure there is no movement of the contents within the shipping box.
8. Before closing and sealing the shipping box, place a slip of paper with both the sender’s and addressee’s address and contact information inside the box. That way, if the label on the outside is obscured, postal employees can still find out where it’s to go by looking inside the box.
9. Clearly identify the contents as cremated remains! The post office provides a handy free label to put on the outer container.
10. Ship the box via Priority Mail Express Service.

You can get more directions from the US Postal Service.

Hail and Farewell: Cremation Ceremonies, Templates and Tips offers families guidance and ideas for creating meaningful, memorable memorial services after a loved one has been cremated. MORE INFORMATION

The book’s title refers to the last line of an ancient elegiac poem written by the Roman poet Gaius Valerius Catullus approximately 2,000 years ago. He mourns the death of his brother, who died while Catullus was traveling abroad. Upon his return, he sadly addresses his brother’s cremated remains, “… with brotherly weeping. And forever, brother, hail and farewell.”

Hail and Farewell: Cremation Ceremonies, Templates and Tips, is published by Light Tree Press and retails for $10.00 (plus shipping and NM sales tax as applicable).  Order your copies today!

Do you need a cremation urn, jewelry or keepsakes? Visit the A Good Goodbye Memorial Store for cremation products!