Hazardous Materials Shipping
What HAZMAT shipping is, which items require it, and how to ship dangerous goods legally.
What Is HAZMAT Shipping?
HAZMAT shipping is governed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for air shipments. Many everyday products are classified as hazardous materials, including lithium batteries (in laptops, phones, power banks), perfumes and colognes (flammable liquids), aerosol sprays, nail polish, paint, and cleaning chemicals. Shippers must properly classify, package, label, and document hazardous materials. Violations can result in fines up to $500,000 and criminal penalties. Each carrier has specific rules about which HAZMAT items they accept, in what quantities, and via which services (ground-only vs. air-eligible). Some items are completely prohibited from the mail system.
Why It Matters
How Each Carrier Handles HAZMAT Shipping
USPS
USPS allows limited quantities of certain HAZMAT items via ground services only. Lithium batteries installed in devices can ship via air with proper markings. Standalone lithium batteries, flammable liquids over 1 pint, and most aerosols are restricted to surface/ground transport. Many items are entirely prohibited. See USPS Publication 52 for details.
FedEx
FedEx accepts a wide range of HAZMAT shipments but requires proper classification, packaging, labeling, and documentation. Shippers must be trained and certified. FedEx Ground accepts most regulated HAZMAT. FedEx Express (air) has stricter limitations. A HAZMAT surcharge applies to all dangerous goods shipments.
UPS
UPS accepts HAZMAT shipments with proper DOT/IATA compliance. Shippers must complete UPS-approved HAZMAT training. UPS Ground accepts most regulated HAZMAT with proper packaging and labeling. UPS Air services have stricter limitations. HAZMAT surcharges and special handling fees apply.
Tips
Related Terms
Customs Form • Shipping Insurance • Shipping Label
Frequently Asked Questions
Common HAZMAT items include: lithium batteries (and devices containing them like laptops and phones), perfumes and colognes, aerosol sprays (hairspray, deodorant), nail polish and remover, paint, matches and lighters, hand sanitizer, dry ice, and certain cleaning chemicals. Always check your product's Safety Data Sheet.
Lithium batteries installed in devices (like a laptop or phone) can generally ship via any carrier with proper markings. Standalone or spare lithium batteries have stricter rules: USPS requires ground transport, and FedEx/UPS require proper HAZMAT packaging and labeling. Battery quantities are limited per package.
Federal penalties for undeclared or improperly shipped HAZMAT can reach $500,000 in fines and up to 10 years in prison for willful violations. Even unintentional violations can result in fines of $75,000+ per occurrence. Carriers may also ban violators from their services.
For FedEx and UPS, yes -- shippers must complete carrier-approved HAZMAT training that is renewed every 3 years. For USPS, training is not formally required for limited-quantity consumer shipments, but you must understand and follow all applicable rules in USPS Publication 52.
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