Prohibited & Restricted Items for Shipping
Quick reference: what FedEx, UPS, and USPS accept and what they do not. Always verify with the carrier before shipping anything unusual.
How the Carriers Think About This
Every carrier splits items into three buckets:
- Prohibited — cannot be shipped under any circumstances (marijuana, hazardous waste, human remains)
- Restricted / Contractual — may be shipped only with a signed agreement and proper licensing (alcohol, firearms, hazardous materials)
- Acceptable — standard items with normal packaging (clothes, electronics, books, household goods)
What counts as "restricted" varies by carrier. An item that one carrier ships freely may be prohibited by another. The shipper is always responsible for knowing the rules.
Quick Reference by Item
| Item | FedEx | UPS | USPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol (wine/beer) | Contract | Contract | ❌ |
| Alcohol (spirits) | Lic → Lic only | Contract | ❌ |
| Firearms | FFL + contract | FFL + contract | ❌ |
| Ammunition | DG account | Ground LQ | ❌ |
| Lithium batteries | Installed ✓ | Installed ✓ | Installed only |
| Marijuana / CBD | ❌ | Contract (hemp) | ❌ |
| Tobacco / vape | Contract | Contract (no vape) | ❌ |
| Dry ice | Class 9 hazmat | Class 9 hazmat | Limited medical |
| Perishable food | Contractual | Contractual | Some services |
| Live animals | Contract only | Contract only | Some allowed |
| Hazardous waste | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Contract = Requires signed carrier agreement + licensing. LQ = Limited Quantity. FFL = Federal Firearms License. DG = Dangerous Goods.
What We Can Help With
We handle most everyday shipping at our counter — FedEx, UPS, USPS, and DHL drop-offs and labels. We can also help with:
- Professional packing for fragile, odd-shaped, and valuable items
- Packaging supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, foam)
- Package receiving — we sign for all 4 carriers
- Advice on how to handle regulated items the right way
Stop by 7554 Fredle Drive, Concord Township — no appointment needed.
We are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. This information is for educational purposes and reflects carrier policies as we understand them. Laws vary by state and change frequently. Always consult the carrier directly and review applicable federal and state regulations before shipping regulated items.
Reference: UPS official prohibited items list →
Frequently Asked Questions
Get quick answers to the most common questions about packaging, carriers, pricing, and what to expect.
Can I ship perfume or cologne?
Can I ship nail polish or nail polish remover?
Can I ship aerosol cans?
Not sure if your item is shippable? Bring it in or call us — we will give you a straight answer.
Contact Us →
