How to Pack Liquids for Shipping with USPS and FedEx (2024)

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Shipping liquids isn’t as straightforward as shipping solids, but it can be done. You must follow all the regulations, including marking your boxes correctly, and you may need to use specialized containers. You can ship many liquids through USPS and other well-known companies.

However, some liquids cannot be shipped through the air, and others can only be shipped in smaller quantities. Follow this guide to learn the best method for shipping your liquids and what steps to take.Shipping Glass Bottles Make It Safe and Easy to Send Different LiquidsBefore you get ready to ship out any liquids, take these into consideration:

What Shipping Companies Allow Liquids?

USPS, FedEx, UPS and DHL all allow some liquids, but each has different requirements. Before shipping any liquids, speak directly with the shipping company you’d like to use.Several shipping companies won’t ship nail polish, flammable liquids, perfumes or alcohol.

USPS

USPS allows shipping of non-hazardous liquids, as long as they are in sealed containers with all contents clearly labeled.If you want to ship over 4 oz. of liquid, you must use insulating materials, triple-pack your boxes and use tightly sealed containers like shipping glass bottles.If you’re shipping domestically, USPS is an excellent choice since it doesn’t charge extra for shipping liquids. Its website has a comprehensive list of regulations, and you can also contact your local post office for more information. It also allows the shipment of perishables, as long as they reach their destination before spoiling. Consider using a styrofoam shipping cooler to keep your perishable liquids cool during their journey.

FedEx

FedEx also allows you to ship liquids and provides a convenient step-by-step packing guide to ensure your shipment doesn’t spill in transit.A Styrofoam Shipping Cooler Keeps the Liquids Cold While in TransitYou’ll need to pack your shipment in a sealed, waterproof container and then place them in a water-resistant box. Pack the box with padding to protect your liquid containers and ensure they are upright in the box. Once sealed, clearly label the box as fragile and indicate which way is up.

UPS has more stringent regulations than FedEx or USPS and doesn’t allow the shipping of alcohol or hazardous materials. You’ll need to speak with them about shipping liquids, whether or not perishable, to learn more about their requirements.

Shipping by Air

If you want to ship liquids by air, you must ensure they aren’t hazardous or flammable because of the air pressure change in planes. Combustible liquids, or ones with a flash point of 100°F or lower, cannot travel in an airplane. You must work with a ground shipment company or ship them by cargo ship. However, check with the company before packing your flammable liquids since many have stringent regulations for these dangerous materials.

Shipping Alcohol

Each company has different regulations for shipping alcohol, and you will also need to check with local authorities. While many states allow the direct shipment of alcohol, several do not, including Oklahoma, Utah and Alabama. Some Muslim countries ban the import of alcohol, while many countries impose hefty custom fees.Shipping alcohol by air can be challenging, and you’ll often find it easier to ship by ground, particularly domestically.

Can You Ship Liquids Internationally?

You can ship liquids internationally, but you must abide by your country’s regulations and those of the destination country. These regulations can be strict for alcohol, but you may also need to consider the local shipping company’s rules.

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Can You Ship Hazardous Liquids?

Shipping hazardous materials is possible but requires specialized containers and labeling. There are certain regulations for containers for industrial materials, which you must follow carefully. Hazardous liquids present more of a challenge since spillage could be dangerous.You also must follow all labeling regulations. If you’re unsure how to read hazmat placards, check with your shipping company to confirm you’ve correctly labeled your package. There are nine hazmat classes, each covering a different type of hazardous material. For some hazardous materials like explosives, you may need to work with a specialized shipping company.If you want to ship hazardous liquids across international borders, it’s best to work with an expert who can help ensure you have all the required documentation and packaging to prevent shipping delays.

What You Need to Pack Liquids

Although each shipping company has specific regulations, you’ll need the following supplies to ship liquids:

Waterproof container
Insulated container if the liquid is perishable
Packing peanuts
Tape
Stickers indicating fragile products
Any necessary labels
Bubble wrap

Get Your Shipping Containers Today

Shipping liquids often require specialized containers. Whether you’re shipping by air, water or ground, Air Sea Containers has containers, interior packaging and packaging and labels for hazardous materials available. Call us today at (866) 596-9448 to ensure you get the correct packaging for your liquids.We’re happy to answer questions you have about how to ship liquids.

FAQs

How to Pack Liquids for Shipping with USPS and FedEx? ›

Ship non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids in watertight plastic containers whenever possible. Tape lid in an X pattern when the liquid container has a screw-on top. Fill empty voids in the box or envelope with packing paper or bubble packaging.

How do I pack liquids for USPS? ›

All nonmetal containers of liquid more than 4 ounces, including plastic containers, and metal containers with friction top closures, must be triple-packaged, and include absorbent material capable of absorbing all of the liquid in the container(s) in case of breakage, a leakproof secondary container, such as a ...

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Does USPS check boxes for liquids? ›

When you bring your mail to the post office, employees will ask if there are any liquids, flammable, or hazardous material inside the package. It's your responsibility to make sure anything you mail complies with what's allowed. Each local post office has an area where non-mailable items are detained.

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How do you ship liquids so they don't leak? ›

Double-bag products that contain liquids using water-tight plastic. Line the inside of the foam container with a plastic liner and absorbent material. Place containers inside a corrugated outer box and seal them with packaging tape.

What is the best way to ship liquids? ›

We recommend using watertight plastic containers for liquid shipping. Avoid filling containers all the way to the top. This provides space for the liquid to expand without causing the container to burst.

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Can you mail liquids with FedEx? ›

Merchants are able to ship liquids through FedEx and can find a detailed policy explanation and a step-by-step packing guide on their website. To ensure your package is accepted for shipment: Use a waterproof, sealable primary container.

What are the liquid packing rules? ›

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

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How do you pack toiletries for shipping? ›

You will need to pack the liquid container inside another tightly-sealed container to remove any risks of leakage. In fact, we'd recommend putting the tightly-sealed container inside another container just to be on the safe side.

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Which courier can I send liquids with? ›

APC Overnight and Parcelforce are the only two couriers that will accept liquid on certain services. These include APC Liquid, APC Liquid Saturday, Parcelforce Express 48 Liquid and Parcelforce 48 Liquid Drop Off.

What happens if you ship liquid through USPS? ›

Rules for USPS. Nonflammable liquids and nonhazardous liquids can be sent via USPS, if sealed inside a waterproof container. A recently proposed rule change states that mailers must mark the outer container of a mailpiece containing liquid to indicate the nature of the contents, and include orientation arrows.

Does USPS look inside packages? ›

If the package is not classified as Priority Mail Express™ service (domestic or international), Priority Mail® service, First–Class Package Service™, or an international letter package, it may be opened and its contents examined.

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Will UPS mail liquids? ›

Generally, common liquids that are shipped with UPS include juices, oils, syrups, and creams. It's important to note that some liquids may require special handling or additional documentation.

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How to pack liquids so they don't leak? ›

For an extra layer of precaution, wrap the openings of your liquid containers with plastic wrap before sealing them with their caps. This method helps create a tight seal and prevents any accidental leakage during transit. Plus, it's a cost-effective solution that can save you from potential messes.

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How to pack liquids for a courier? ›

Place the container of liquid into the box.

Keep the lid or cap end pointed upwards. Double-check that the container is wedged in place with its cap on securely. Repeat this with any other containers sent in the same package. If you choose not to use a tray, lay the container in the center of the box.

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How do you pack all liquids in a carry on? ›

Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule:

3.4 ounces or less per container.
1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag)
1 bag per passenger.

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What liquids can you send in the post? ›

Volume per item should not exceed 150ml. There is no restriction on the number of items than can be sent in each package. The items must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof liner, such as a sealed polythene bag, so that any inadvertent leakage is contained within the outer packaging.

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What liquids are OK to mail? ›

USPS allows shipping of non-hazardous liquids, as long as they are in sealed containers with all contents clearly labeled. If you want to ship over 4 oz. of liquid, you must use insulating materials, triple-pack your boxes and use tightly sealed containers like shipping glass bottles.

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