Body butter, face cream, hand salve- it seems like there’s no limit to the number of products promising smoother, healthier-looking skin.
So, if you’ve got one of these products and want to share it with the world, then you need to know about USPS’ rules for shipping liquids. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know so you can mail your lotions and potions with peace of mind!
Can I Mail Lotion with USPS In [currentyear]?
Lotion can be shipped through USPS in [currentyear]. It must be packaged so as not to spill or damage mail or USPS equipment. It must be in a container that uses screw caps or soldering clips to ensure full closure. Glass and other breakable containers of more than 4 fluid ounces must be cushioned within a sealed, waterproof container.
If you’d like to learn more about sending lotion in the mail, which services you can ship lotion with and more, keep reading our article to learn about USPS’ shipping rules for this product!
Can I Send Liquids in the Mail?
Before getting into the specific shipping requirements for sending lotions through USPS, let’s take a quick look at USPS’ general liquid shipping policy.
USPS allows customers to ship liquids that don’t cause injury through air or ground services.
This means that as long as a liquid is not corrosive, flammable, or poisonous, you’ll be able to send it without much hassle.
While not required, it’s a good idea to include a label indicating that the package contains liquids. This label can also list the product ingredients on the outside of the package.
When sending liquids or lotions of more than 4 ounces, you should triple-pack the container with insulating materials and use leakproof, sealed containers.
Can You Ship Lotion in Priority Mail?
Lotions and other approved liquids can be sent through any of USPS’ shipping services.
This includes:
- Priority Mail Express (1- to 2-day shipping time)
- Priority Mail (1- to 3-day shipping time)
- USPS Retail Ground (2- to 8-day shipping time)
USPS’ mix of affordable rates and quick delivery times makes it one of the best carriers for shipping liquids.
How Do You Send Lotion in the Mail?
Lotions should be sealed and should have either a screw-top, a clip, or be soldered shut to reduce the risk of spillage.
If using a screw-top, make sure it can be turned at least one and a half times.
Do not ship liquids sealed with only a friction-top (also known as a push-down seal).
Such containers pose a high risk of spillage and may result in damage to other mailpieces or mail equipment.
If shipping glass containers or containers greater than 4 ounces, you must triple-pack the containers to reduce the risk of breakage.
This means padding around the original container, then surrounding it with a sealed, leak-proof container lined with absorbent materials (e.g. a plastic bag lined with paper).
Finally, that bundle should be enclosed in rigid packaging.
USPS recommends using a Priority Mail box, a Flat Rate box, or a box made out of corrugated cardboard (it’s more durable) for the external packaging.
In addition, the postal service recommends placing bottles in cardboard or foam trays and using dividers to keep the bottles upright and separate.
This is an especially important step if shipping lotion in breakable containers.
It’s not required, but it’s also a good idea to include an external label stating that your package contains approved liquids.
Does It Cost More to Ship Liquids with USPS?
USPS does not charge more for shipping lotions or liquids.
Can You Send Lotion in the Mail Internationally with USPS?
You can ship lotion and other liquids internationally, but you must abide by shipping regulations, both for the United States and for the destination country.
While shipping lotion shouldn’t pose much of a problem, we do recommend checking out USPS’ Individual Country Listings page to see if your destination country has any liquid prohibitions.
Note that international APO/FPO/DPO shipments are treated as domestic mail, but are subject to foreign countries’ laws.
Like domestic shipments containing liquids, those destined for other countries should be carefully packaged to avoid the risk of spillage and/or breakage.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on shipping clothes USPS, USPS laptop shipping, and shipping shoes USPS.
Conclusion
Because lotion is a safe, non-toxic, non-flammable liquid, shipping it through USPS is a breeze. You can use any of USPS’ shipping services and won’t be charged more just because you’re sending liquids.
Just be sure to use secure bottles, leak-proof packaging, and plenty of padding to ensure that your shipment arrives at its destination safely and spill-free!
