Knowing what can and cannot be mailed is crucial, regardless of how often you visit the post office or how infrequently you use “snail” mail. Check out this list of ten goods that the USPS has designated as prohibited for sending in the state of Indiana before you go to the post office to send your next box.
Live Warm-Blooded Animals
You wouldn’t try to mail a puppy across the nation, which seems like common sense to me, but as they say, common sense isn’t always very common. Which animals are prohibited from being mailed? hamsters, mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, cats, guinea pigs, squirrels, and flying squirrels.
Live Not-So-Warm-Blooded Animals
We cannot overlook our reptile buddies because not everyone like cute, cuddly, furry animals. For your information, venomous reptiles such as snakes and turtles are not permitted to be shipped.
Handguns & Ammunition
Only authorized manufacturers and dealers are permitted to mail or receive firearms. However, rifles are mailable as long as they are empty, thus that is not the case.
Alcohol
Wine, liquor, and beer are all prohibited.
Strike-Anywhere Matches
Alright, I just discovered that matches come in a variety of types. I used to believe that a match was just a match, but I was mistaken. They are not permitted in the mail because a strike-anywhere match can be lighted by friction against any surface.
Fireworks & Explosives
This is yet another instance of common sense. These things are prohibited for (what ought to be) clear safety grounds.
Gasoline
I believe it is safe to say that sending any form of combustible liquid or material by mail is not something you should attempt.
Marijuana (medical or otherwise)
It is unlawful to mail marijuana over state lines since it is still a federally banned substance, despite the fact that it is permitted for recreational use in a number of states.
Airbags
I believe it would be more appropriate to inquire why you are attempting to mail an airbag rather than why it is prohibited.
Liquid Mercury
It is forbidden to mail liquid mercury in any quantity, as well as gadgets that contain a noticeable amount. Older gadgets like thermostats, barometers, and thermometers contain mercury.
This list is more of a general overview of the kinds of things that the USPS prohibits. USPS.com lists a far greater number of restricted products and item categories.
It’s also crucial to remember that these prohibitions only apply to the USPS and could not be applicable to other mail carriers like FedEx and UPS. Make careful to verify with those companies first, as they have their own policies and limitations.
