The Postal Service wants employees to remind customers of the many resources available when they ship cremated remains through the mail.
Customers who use their own packaging must follow the guidelines detailed in Publication 139, How to Package and Ship Cremated Remains, available on usps.com.
The publication provides general instructions, packaging information and Label 139 (a 4-by-6-inch bright orange label required for cremated remains shipments), as well as instructions on addressing domestic and international packages.
Customers who don’t use their own packaging can order a cremated remains mailing kit at usps.com.
The kit contains a Priority Mail Express cremated remains box, also known as Box CRE, preprinted with Label 139 on all sides (including the top and bottom); bubble cushioning; a self-sealing plastic bag; reinforced Priority Mail tape; and a copy of Publication 139.
Additionally, customers will find useful information in a video with step-by-step instructions on the Postal Service’s YouTube channel, as well as Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail.
