When the Final Journey Involves the Postal Service

Losing a loved one is emotional enough. But when your responsibilities extend beyond grief into logistics — such as mailing cremated remains to another family member, a burial site, or even internationally — the situation can quickly become overwhelming.

Families often ask: Is it really possible to mail cremation ashes? The answer is yes — but only if you do it properly.

Mailing cremated remains requires precision, care, and strict compliance with postal regulations. Mistakes can lead to returned packages, delays, or worse — lost remains. To help you avoid those outcomes, this guide walks you through the five critical steps every family must follow to ensure that mailing ashes is done legally, safely, and with dignity.

Step 1: Only Use USPS — And Understand Why

In the United States, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is the only legal carrier authorized to ship cremated human or pet remains. Major private carriers like FedEx and UPS strictly prohibit the shipment of ashes, and sending them through unauthorized channels can result in confiscation or destruction of the package.

USPS requires that cremated remains be sent via Priority Mail Express service, which ensures faster delivery and includes tracking and delivery confirmation.

Why USPS?

It’s federally regulated.
They provide specialized shipping kits.
Their staff is trained in handling sensitive contents.

Don’t risk shipping with unapproved carriers. USPS is not just the best option — it’s the only one.

Step 2: Package the Ashes Correctly Using a Three-Layer System

The key to mailing ashes successfully is packaging them properly. USPS outlines a three-layer system:

1. Primary Container

This is the urn or container holding the ashes. It must be leak-proof, sealed, and secure. Choose a durable urn or use a plastic temporary container.

2. Inner Liner (Secondary Containment)

Place the primary container inside a sealed, heavy-duty plastic bag (like a Ziploc freezer bag). This is crucial in case the urn is damaged or jarred during transit.

3. Outer Shipping Box

Use a strong, rigid cardboard box (provided in USPS Cremated Remains Kits). Include cushioning like foam or bubble wrap to prevent movement.

Label everything clearly, and include your contact information inside the box as a backup.

Step 3: Apply Label 139 to Alert Postal Workers

USPS has created a specific label for cremated remains: Label 139.

This bright label helps postal workers identify the contents so they can handle the package with extra care and avoid routing errors.

How to Get Label 139:

Request it at your local post office.
Order online from USPS for free.
Included automatically in the Cremated Remains Shipping Kit (Kit #1 or #2).

Affixing Label 139 is not optional — it’s required for all shipments containing ashes.

Step 4: Use the USPS Cremated Remains Shipping Kit

To simplify the process, USPS provides two free shipping kits designed specifically for cremated remains:

Kit #1

A sturdy outer box (20″ x 10″ x 6″)
Priority Mail Express tape
Label 139
Assembly instructions

Kit #2

All contents of Kit #1 plus:
Inner protective box designed to hold the cremated remains container securely

Both kits are available at usps.com or can be ordered for free delivery.

Using these kits ensures you’re following regulations and gives you peace of mind.

Step 5: Fill Out the Right Forms (Especially for International Shipping)

For domestic shipments, no special customs forms are needed, but make sure to declare the contents accurately on the shipping label.

For international shipments, you must:

Declare the package as “Human Cremated Remains”
Fill out a Customs Declaration Form (Form 2976 or 2976-A)
Include all required certificates (death certificate, cremation certificate, etc.)
Check destination country laws before shipping

Some countries do not allow cremated remains to be mailed. Always consult the destination’s embassy or postal authority before mailing internationally.

Bonus: Can You Mail Pet Ashes?

Yes, the same rules apply. USPS considers cremated pet remains under the same guidelines as human ashes. Pet urns should be sealed, packaged securely, and shipped via Priority Mail Express with Label 139 attached.

What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Rules?

Unfortunately, mistakes in this process are more common than you might think.

Packages may be delayed, lost, or returned.
Customs could seize improperly labeled international packages.
Emotional stress increases when tracking is incomplete or incorrect.

It’s not worth taking shortcuts when handling someone’s final remains.

Final Thought: Mailing Ashes Is More Than a Task — It’s a Final Act of Love

Mailing cremated remains isn’t just a shipping job. It’s the last journey you take on behalf of someone you love. Doing it right is about more than regulations; it’s about honoring their life with the care and respect they deserve.

By following these five critical steps, you ensure that your loved one’s remains are treated with the dignity they deserve — every mile of the way.

Yes, You Can Mail Cremation Ashes — But Only If You Follow These 5 Critical Steps!