UPS Shipping Rules: Restrictions & Prohibited Items

If you're unfamiliar with UPS shipping rules, you might be surprised to learn what items are prohibited from being shipped through the service. In this blog post, we'll provide a summary of some of the most important restrictions and prohibited items. So, if you're considering using UPS for your next shipment, read on!

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UPS Shipping Rules Liquids

UPS shipping rules state that you cannot ship liquids through the service. This includes items such as perfumes, colognes, and other similar items. Things considered to be liquids will not be accepted for shipping and will be returned to the sender.

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If you're shipping liquids with UPS, you'll need to follow these guidelines:

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Packed In Leak-Proof Containers

When packing liquids for travel, it is essential to use leak-proof containers. It should place the container in a secondary container that is durable and leak-proof. This will prevent the liquid from leaking and damaging other items in your luggage. When packing delicate items, such as electronics, it is also essential to use a secondary container. This will protect the items from being damaged by the liquid.

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Labeled With The Proper Shipping Information

When shipping a package, it is essential to ensure that it is labeled with the correct shipping information. This includes the recipient's name and address and your return address. It is also vital to have a list of contents on the label so the shipping company can appropriately process the package. In addition, you must cushion the box well to prevent breakage. UPS has strict rules about shipping liquids, so they must follow their guidelines if you send a drink. By following these simple rules, you can ensure that your package arrives safely at its destination.

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‍Related: How To Ship Liquids?

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UPS Shipping Rules For Alcohol

UPS has different rules for shipping alcohol, depending on whether it is domestically or internationally.

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For domestic shipments, the alcohol must be packaged in a leak-proof and tamper-evident container. You must also label the package with the words "contains alcohol" and the percentage of alcohol by volume.

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For international shipments, the alcohol must be packaged in a container that is both leak-proof and tamper-evident. In addition, the package must be accompanied by a customs declaration stating that the contents of the box are alcoholic beverages. The declarant must also provide an estimate of the value of the contents of the package.

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There are a few essential things to keep in mind when shipping alcohol with UPS:

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- Alcohol cannot be shipped via air - it must be shipped via ground transportation.

- The total weight of the package must not exceed 70 lbs.

- The maximum shipping container size is 18" x 14" x 14".

- Alcohol can only be shipped to states where alcohol is legal.

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Related: ‍How To Ship Alcohol Nationwide: Step By Step Guide For Beginners

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Packed in Leak-Proof Containers

If you're planning to travel with alcohol, it's essential to make sure it is packed in leak-proof containers. No one wants to arrive at their destination to find that their liquor has leaked out and ruined their clothes. In addition, many airlines have strict rules about packing alcohol in checked luggage, so it's essential to be aware of the ups shipping rules for alcohol before traveling. Using leak-proof containers, rest assured that your liquor will arrive safely and sound at your destination.

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It would help if you placed a container in a secondary container that is durable and leak-proof:

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This will prevent the liquid from leaking and damaging other items in your luggage. When packing delicate items, such as electronics, it is also essential to use a secondary container. This will protect the items from being damaged by the liquid.

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Labeled With The Accurate Shipping Information

When shipping a package, it is vital to ensure that it is labeled with accurate shipping information. This includes the recipient's name and address and your return address. It is also essential to have a list of contents on the label so the shipping company can appropriately process the package. 

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Related: How to Get Free Samples on Amazon?

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Cushioned To Prevent Breakage

Alcohol is a fragile product that can be easily damaged during shipping. As a result, UPS has strict rules in place for how alcohol must be packaged to ensure it arrives safely at its destination. All alcoholic beverages must be cushioned to prevent breakage and shipped in completed shipments with no other packages. In addition, the shipper must consist of a completed UPS Alcohol Shipping Agreement. These measures may seem like a lot of hassle, but they're necessary to ensure that your alcohol arrives intact and undamaged.

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Related : How to Get Free Shipping Supplies from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL

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UPS Restrictions Based on Size 

UPS has implemented specific rules for size. The rules are assigned for the packaging sizes and weight of the parcels. The maximum weight of a package is 150 lbs or 70 kg, while the total length is 107.9 inches or 274 cm. The dimension requirement is 165 inches.

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When the shipping package exceeds the limit, it is not accepted for the transportation process. These are usually subjected to an Over Maximum Limits charge. It is often shipped by either UPS Worldwide Express Freight or UPS Freight service.

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UPS Restrictions Based On Items

Usually, you have questions before shipping, such as can I ship aerosol cans via UPS. There are some lists of items that are restricted in UPS. 

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- Electronic cigarettes

- Dangerous goods

- Non-domesticated animal products, non-domesticated

- Articles of high value

- Live animals

- Firearms and weapons 

- Furs

- Gold or other precious metals

- Biological substances

- Perishables

- Personal effects

- Tobacco

- Plants and Seeds

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UPS Restrictions Based On Ground Shipping

Ground shipping restrictions are in terms of UPS mailing restrictions. The contents are restricted, considered dangerous, and the ones that can damage other equipment or merchandise. Packages or parcels that are operationally impractical for transportation are limited. Even the boxes not wrapped in an appropriate order as per the packaging rules are rejected.

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It includes high-value, illegal, and perishable items like rules liquids. UPS does not provide any necessary arrangements for food items. So be careful before you ask yourself can you ship food ups. 

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Prohibited Items Under The UPS Rules

If an item is prohibited, it means it is strictly not allowed to be shipped by UPS. Service will automatically be declined if your shipment's contents are not permitted. Below is the list of UPS-banned items.

- Ammunition 

- Hazardous waste

- Shark fins

- Shipments prohibited by law

- Fireworks

- Industrial diamonds

- Bank bills, notes, or currency 

- Watches above the value of US$500

- Marijuana

- Ivory

- Postage stamps

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Related: ‍How to Ship Hazardous Materials

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How to Prevent UPS Shipping Issues with SimplFulfillment 

Shipping Delays

One of the most common shipping issues is delays. This can be caused by several factors, including weather, traffic, and problems with the carrier. Fulfillment services can help avoid delays by working with multiple pages and using real-time data to track shipments.

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‍Related: A Complete Guide to UPS Tracking

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Damaged Shipments

Another common issue is lost or damaged shipments. This can often be due to poor packaging. Fulfillment services can help to avoid this by using high-quality packaging materials and shipping insurance.

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Shipping Errors

Shipping errors can also be a problem, especially if orders are shipped to multiple locations. Fulfillment services can help avoid this by using accurate order tracking and a centralized order management system.

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High-Shipping Costs

Finally, high shipping costs can be a problem for eCommerce businesses. Fulfillment services can help avoid this by offering discounts on shipping rates and negotiating rates with carriers.

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Conclusion

UPS shipping is a great way to get your products to your customers quickly and efficiently, but there are some restrictions and prohibited items that you'll want to be aware of. If you want to save on shipping costs, partnering with a fulfillment company like Simpl Fulfillment is essential, which can help you navigate these rules and regulations. Contact us today for more information about our affordable rates and how we can help streamline your shipping process.

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