Acceptability

Restrictions to acceptability are noted below:

1. Mail must be prepared consistent with DMM requirements. In no circumstances may matter intended for mailing exceed 108 inches (length and girth combined), or weigh more than 70 pounds.
2. Accountable mail (insured, C.O.D., certified, etc.) is not acceptable as bypass mail. (Accountable mail requires the signature of the addressee or the addressee's agent upon receipt to provide proof of delivery or indemnification for loss or damage.)
3. Building construction materials are not acceptable as bypass mail. This includes lumber, insulation, flooring, concrete, cement, or other materials for construction. If you are not sure if the items you want to enter into the bypass mail system are considered building construction materials, contact the manager of the Anchorage Air Mail Facility at 907–266–3365.
4. Freeze and chill items are being accepted into the bypass mail program. However, shippers and addressees must understand that these types of items are entered into the mailstream “at own risk.” The Postal Service does not have freezers or coolers to store such items, nor does the Postal Service require carriers to have freezers or coolers. The carriers in Anchorage have offered the use of their freezers and coolers for temporary storage until flight time. Some carriers at hubs have freezers and coolers. Due to the diverse weather conditions in Alaska, there are times that these items may arrive at the final destination in a spoiled or thawed condition. To reduce damage and loss to freeze and chill merchandise, the shipper must adhere to the following requirements:
1. Segregate all freeze and chill items on their own pallets.
2. Clearly identify pieces and pallets of freeze and chill as appropriate.
3. Verify that all freeze items are frozen solid at the time of acceptance at the carrier's facility.
4. Package all freeze items so that, in the event of a thaw, adjacent packages will not be damaged.
5. Items identified as “hazardous material” by the Postal Service and/or FAA or DOT regulations will not be accepted as bypass mail. If the Postal Service finds any hazardous material in a bypass mail shipment, it will refuse the entire shipment. If a second violation occurs, the Postal Service will remove the shipper from the bypass mail program. The shipper should contact DOT or the local carrier for specific instructions concerning hazardous material.