Things that can decompose easily or can’t be reasonably expected to arrive at their destination without spoiling can’t be mailed internationally. For example, fresh vegetables, fruit, meat and other items. [4] X Research source Dry ice cannot be sent via international mail. [5] X Research source You may be able to use a carrier who offers temperature controlled freight services, depending on what your sending. Consult with carriers about your individual situation.
Examples of foods that are considered unsafe for canned gifts include herbs or vegetables in oil, breads or cakes, homemade chocolate or fudge sauce, and pumpkin butter. [6] X Research source Use only jars and lids that are recommended for canning, and only recipes tested for processing by reliable sources.
If the item is food that should arrive cold, tell the recipient not to eat or even taste it if the following condition isn’t met: the food should be delivered partially or fully frozen, or at least refrigerator cold. If unsure, the recipient can use a food thermometer to check: it should not be above 40°F (4. 4°C). [8] X Research source
If you’re sending items to an office, make sure that it will arrive on a weekday. Also ensure that the office has refrigerator space for keeping the items cold.
For example, seasoning packets, hardy candy, dried fruits, and canned nuts don’t require refrigeration. Homemade sweets like praline, toffee and sugar cookies don’t need refrigerated packaging because their sugar content wards off bacteria. [11] X Trustworthy Source EatRight. org Organization associated with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics providing advice about food, health, and fitness Go to source
Clearly mark the package “Perishable – Keep Refrigerated” on the outside. The marking should be on the address side of the mailpiece. [14] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
For example, FedEx offers cold shipping for healthcare products like medications and breast milk. You can use other kinds of ice packs, but disposable ice packs are the most economic choice. Test the number and size of ice packs your product needs inside the specific container you select.
Don’t wrap dry ice. Warn the recipient if the packaging contains dry ice. Check with your shipping carrier first and find out the allowable amount of dry ice. If you use dry ice, you need to label the address side of the box that it contains dry ice. You will also need to comply with the rules of your carrier UPS, FedEx, or USPS).
You can purchasing shipping liner bags online or at local office supply stores.
The box should have a Mullen Test of 200 pounds or more to use it for shipping perishable items. A Mullen Test measures how much weight boxes can handle without bursting. For items that need to remain cold, use insulated foam containers with walls a minimum of one and a half inches thick. Then place the foam container inside a sturdy container. [20] X Research source
For food items, make it clear what ingredients are included for the sake of those with allergies or dietary restrictions. If the item should arrive cold, include instructions about ensuring refrigerator coldness (not over 40°F/4. 4°C) when they open the package. Notify the recipient that they should refrigerate or freeze the food immediately, and specify that they should not eat or even taste it if it doesn’t arrive cold. [21] X Research source
Hard cookies ship better than soft cookies, which can break and crumble during mailing.
For chilled or frozen foods, opt for plastic foam peanuts, bubble wrap, bagged foam or Instapak®.
If required, contents should be identified on the address side of the mail. You can use a mailer endorsement if you want to request return, forwarding, or address correction for items that are undeliverable to the address specified. Add the instructions “Fragile, handle with care” on the address side of the mailing piece. If the contents are food, add “Food contents. ”
