Can You Mail Rubbing Alcohol?
With the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, many retailers are facing difficulties in keeping their stocks of rubbing alcohol replenished. As a result, you may be exploring alternative options for obtaining this essential item. However, it’s important to understand that mailing rubbing alcohol comes with its own set of challenges. Rubbing alcohol cannot be shipped like a standard package. Most shipping companies and postal services impose strict hazardous material regulations on the transportation of rubbing alcohol due to its flammable nature. Although this does not make it impossible to ship rubbing alcohol, it certainly complicates the process.
This guide will provide you with detailed steps on how to ship flammable materials such as rubbing alcohol, and it will outline the differences in regulations among various prominent shipping carriers. Even though the information here is comprehensive, it is crucial to always verify with the courier or your local post office to ensure compliance with the latest shipping regulations.
How to Mail Rubbing Alcohol
As different carriers have varying protocols for handling hazardous materials like rubbing alcohol, this section will be divided into three parts, focusing on the specific courier or postal service you plan to use:
- USPS
- FedEx
- UPS
USPS
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has relatively lenient regulations concerning the shipment of certain products like hand sanitizers and alcohol wipes. However, if you intend to ship rubbing alcohol, you must adhere to USPS’s hazardous goods shipping guidelines. Here’s how to comply:
- Clearly mark the package with “Surface Mail Only” or “Surface Only” on the address side.
- Label the package with “Consumer Commodity ORM-D” on the address side.
- You may opt to use the DOT’s square-on-point marking that indicates hazardous materials instead of the ORM-D label.
When applying these markings, ensure they are done with a non-soluble material, meaning they should not be easily removed or wiped off during transit. This precaution helps maintain awareness of the potential hazards associated with the package. Permanent markers or stickers are recommended to ensure visibility throughout the shipping process.
Additionally, you must disclose the contents of the package to USPS and include your return address on the exterior if the package contains hazardous materials. Rubbing alcohol must be packed upright and secured with padding to maintain its position during transit. Orientation markings should also be placed on the exterior to instruct postal workers on how to handle the package properly.
FedEx
FedEx, like USPS, has specific exceptions for hazardous goods, particularly for smaller shipments such as hand sanitizers. Unfortunately, rubbing alcohol does not qualify for these exceptions and must be treated as a hazardous material. FedEx categorizes hazardous goods into accessible and inaccessible dangerous goods. Accessible goods can be shipped through their service, while inaccessible goods are deemed unshippable without incurring substantial risk.
To ship hazardous materials via FedEx, you must possess the appropriate training in handling these substances. If you lack this training, FedEx permits you to engage a shipping service or an individual with the necessary expertise to facilitate the safe shipping of your goods. Although international shipments may be restricted, FedEx generally allows domestic shipments of rubbing alcohol, emphasizing land transport to minimize fire hazards associated with air travel.
Is it okay to ship isopropyl alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol is classified as a Class 3 accessible dangerous good by FedEx, alongside other flammable liquids like solvents and paints. Given that FedEx tends to enforce the strictest shipping regulations, it is advisable to consider alternative carriers if possible.
UPS
UPS has a policy that permits the shipment of hazardous materials only under contract, meaning you will need to establish a profile and account with UPS to send packages containing rubbing alcohol. Unlike USPS and FedEx, UPS may allow the shipment of hazardous materials via air, as they operate their own air fleet and can ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Sending rubbing alcohol by air is typically permissible if you are shipping from the continental U.S. to another U.S. location, such as Alaska or Puerto Rico. To do so, your package must be prepared according to the Department of Transportation’s Hazardous Materials Regulations. Air shipments must also conform to the regulations set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) concerning dangerous goods.
UPS has a more lenient definition of hazardous goods and the quantities that can be shipped, allowing only non-bulk deliveries through their service. They also offer a Dangerous Goods Acceptance tool to help you verify compliance with relevant regulations. Be aware that shipping hazardous materials may incur additional handling fees due to the extra precautions required for safe transport.
Some UPS facilities may accept small amounts of ORM-D materials, such as rubbing alcohol, under less stringent guidelines. It is advisable to contact your local UPS office to determine if they fall under this category.
Here are some additional posts you might find interesting:
- Best Rubbing Alcohol for Cleaning
- How To Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer
- Can You Use Rubbing Alcohol To Clean Your Disc Brakes?
- Killing Mealybugs With Rubbing Alcohol
- Using Rubbing Alcohol To Clean Leather
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