In February 2020, the Postal Service™ introduced the Cremated Remains Animal Box. The new box is a smaller version of the original (human) box that was introduced in 2019. The box allows customers to mail animal remains and smaller portions of cremated remains with the same increased visibility. Customers who use the new box are still required to follow the mailing guidelines for cremated remains in Publication 139, How to Package and Ship Cremated Remains.
Customers shipping cremated remains (human or animal), both Domestic and International, are required to use Priority Mail Express® (PME) service only. If the customer chooses to use their own packaging, they must follow the same labeling guidelines.
Note: Customers or sales and service associates must affix the label to all four sides of the PME shipping container, including the top and bottom.
If a customer requests more information about how to ship cremated remains, refer them to Publication 139, which is available at Post Offices, or online at about.usps.com/publications/pub139.pdf.
Postal Service employees can order Label 139 through eBuyPlus by searching for the term “Label 139.” A sample of Label 139 is shown here:
Label 139, Cremated Remains
Dimensions: 4” x 6”
The shipping kits available for cremated remains at no additional cost via The Postal Store® (store.usps.com/store/home) include:
Contains:
n PME Cremated Remains Animal Box:
n Inside Dimensions: 9”(L) x 7-1/4”(W) x 5”(H);
n Outside Dimensions: 9-1/2”(L) x 7-3/4”(W) x
6-1/4”(H); and
n A roll of PME tape.
Contains:
n PME Cremated Remains Animal Box:
n Inside Dimensions: 9”(L) x 7-1/4”(W) x 5”(H);
n Outside Dimensions: 9-1/2”(L) x 7-3/4”(W) x
6-1/4”(H);
n A roll of PME tape;
n A self-sealing plastic bag;
n Bubble cushioning; and
n A copy of Publication 139, How to Package and Ship Cremated Remains.
When delivering packages containing cremated remains, carriers must follow the prompts on their Mobile Delivery Device screen.
— Shipping Products and Services,
Product Innovation, 3-26-20
