The Dos and Don'ts of Shipping Meat with USPS

Shipping perishable items such as meat can be a challenging task, but the United States Postal Service (USPS) provides several options to ensure the safe delivery of your package. In this blog post, we will discuss the steps you need to take to ship meat and other perishable items with USPS.

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Step 1: Choose the Right Shipping Method

USPS offers several shipping methods that are suitable for perishable items. The two most commonly used options are Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail. Priority Mail Express is the fastest shipping option, and your package will be delivered overnight or within two days. Priority Mail, on the other hand, offers a slightly longer delivery time, usually within 1-3 business days, depending on the destination.

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Step 2: Proper Packaging

Proper packaging is crucial when shipping perishable items such as meat. Here are some tips to follow:

Use a sturdy, insulated container. A Styrofoam or polystyrene container is ideal as it provides excellent insulation to keep the contents cold.

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Use frozen gel packs or dry ice to keep the meat at a safe temperature during transit. Make sure to follow the USPS guidelines for using dry ice, as it is considered a hazardous material.

Wrap the meat in plastic wrap or freezer paper to prevent any leakage.

Place the meat in a sealable plastic bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag.

Place the meat and gel packs/dry ice inside the insulated container and seal it securely.

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Step 3: Shipping Restrictions

USPS has strict guidelines for shipping perishable items, so it's essential to familiarize yourself with these regulations before sending your package. Here are some of the restrictions you need to keep in mind:

• USPS has strict guidelines to ship live animals, please see more details here.
• USPS does not accept packages containing any hazardous materials, including explosives, flammable liquids, or radioactive materials.
• Dry ice is considered a hazardous material and must be packaged according to USPS guidelines.

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Step 4: Postage and Delivery

When shipping perishable items with USPS, it's essential to ensure that you have the correct postage. You can use the ShipSaving online shipping software to determine the cost of your shipment.

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USPS also offers several delivery options for perishable items, such as signature confirmation, which ensures that the package is delivered only to the recipient. You can also request that the package be held at the post office for pickup or scheduled for redelivery at a convenient time.

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Final Words

Shipping perishable items such as meat with USPS requires proper packaging, understanding of shipping restrictions and regulations, and choosing the right shipping method. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that your package arrives safely and at the desired destination.

ShipSaving allows everyone to get the lowest-possible shipping prices as large merchants and simplifies the shipping process, allowing you to purchase and print a label to complete the delivery of your package even from home.

‍Sign up for a free ShipSaving account and save up to 89% off USPS shipping rates!