Courier Services: What Items Can You Actually Send?
Ever packed up a box with old gadgets, homemade cookies, or a pair of shoes and wondered, “Can I really send this by courier?” Before sealing that package, it helps to know the ground rules.
Most couriers are fine with everyday items—think books, clothes, electronics, even toys. But flick through their rules and you'll find plenty of head-scratchers. You might get away with sending a LEGO set, but try adding a pack of sparklers or a bottle of nail polish and you’ll hit a wall. Why? It’s all about rules, safety, and sometimes, the odd quirks of shipping regulations.
If you’re sending snacks, handmade gifts, or business products, getting clear on what’s allowed is a must. No one wants a call saying their grandma’s cookies got destroyed at customs, or their care package is heading straight back home. Save yourself the hassle by getting familiar with what can actually go in that box.
- Everyday Items Couriers Handle
- Surprising Things You Can (and Can’t) Send
- Restricted and Prohibited Items Explained
- Tips for Smooth and Safe Sending
Everyday Items Couriers Handle
You’ll be surprised how much you can ship through a courier without any trouble. The courier services industry is set up for the stuff people send every day—think birthday gifts, electronics from online shops, or just that hoodie you borrowed from a friend months ago. Couriers handle these items all the time and have systems built to keep the process smooth and safe.
So, what’s typical? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Clothes and shoes: No problem as long as they’re clean and not packed with anything else funky.
- Books and documents: Easy to send, just keep paperwork organized so nothing gets lost.
- Electronics: Phones, tablets, and accessories are shipped daily, but pop out any batteries if the courier asks.
- Gadgets and small appliances: Headphones, speakers, and hand-held devices are a go—as long as they’re legal in both countries if shipping international.
- Non-perishable food: Chips, candy, even canned soups are usually fine, especially within the same country.
- Toys and games: Perfect for gifts or returns, so long as they aren’t on a list of restricted items (like toy guns that look real).
People also send sports equipment, personal care items like shampoo, and even pet accessories. I’ve personally shipped Bella’s favorite scratching post halfway across the country with no issues.
Now, have a look at how often these everyday goods are shipped via couriers in the last year according to a 2024 industry report:
| Item | Percentage of Total Courier Shipments |
|---|---|
| Clothes & Shoes | 22% |
| Books & Documents | 15% |
| Electronics | 19% |
| Non-perishable Food | 6% |
| Toys & Games | 11% |
| Other | 27% |
You’ll see, sending everyday stuff is the bread and butter of the shipping world. Just use good packaging—nothing too flimsy—and double-check addresses. Most hassles come from packaging fails or typos, not the stuff inside.
Surprising Things You Can (and Can’t) Send
If you think courier services are just for posting clothes and documents, you’re missing half the story. There are some real surprises on the list of shippable items—along with a few unexpected things that’ll get your package stopped cold.
Let’s start with some curveballs. Did you know you can send some types of live plants and seeds, as long as they meet import and export requirements? Fresh flowers are also fair game within many countries, especially when they’re packed right. Even certain electronics, like laptops and tablets, usually get the green light as long as the battery is secured and the package doesn’t look suspicious.
- Homemade cookies and snacks? Possible, especially for domestic delivery. Sending abroad? It’s tricky—make sure there aren’t any fresh fruits or meat, since these are almost always banned.
- Medicine? Over-the-counter stuff can sometimes be sent, but prescription medicines are a whole different story. Most couriers will only take these with proper paperwork and only to addresses where it’s legal.
- Sports equipment, like skateboards and even bikes (packed safely, of course), usually make it just fine through most courier services.
- Pet supplies and toys? Absolutely. But, sending actual pets: hard no. Couriers don’t move live animals, not even for my cat Bella (she’d hate the box anyway).
- Scented candles, makeup, nail polish remover—these might get flagged as hazardous if they contain certain chemicals. Always double-check the label and courier’s terms.
Sometimes the rules make you scratch your head. Why is nail polish a no-go, but shampoo is allowed? It’s down to ‘dangerous goods’ rules—nail polish is flammable, shampoo isn’t. Even lithium batteries get complicated; usually, they can be shipped inside a device, but sending loose ones could mean trouble.
See how random it can get? Check out this quick comparison of common items and their shipping rules:
| Item | Domestic Shipping | International Shipping |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade Cookies | Usually Allowed | Rarely Allowed |
| Lithium Battery (in device) | Allowed | Allowed (with restrictions) |
| Nail Polish | Usually Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Scented Candle | Allowed | Allowed (check fragrance oil content) |
| Live Plants | Allowed (check local laws) | Restricted/Requires Permits |
| Pets | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
The big tip? Always read the fine print on your favorite courier services site. Call their customer support if you’re weirdly unsure. Saving yourself a wasted trip (and some awkward questions at the counter) is worth the few extra minutes it takes to check.
Restricted and Prohibited Items Explained
When it comes to courier services, not every item is fair game. Most couriers keep a strict list of things you absolutely can’t send, no matter how cool or harmless they seem at first glance.
Dangerous stuff is usually at the top of the no-go list. That means explosives, fireworks, and anything that might explode or catch fire—good luck trying to mail those birthday sparklers or a can of lighter fluid, it’s not happening. Lighters, certain batteries (especially lithium ones), and aerosol sprays are also commonly banned because they’re risky in transit.
Flammable liquids, poisons, and strong chemicals like bleach or even nail polish remover almost always make the cut, too. Trust me—sending cleaning products or automotive fluids is just asking for trouble.
Then there are all the things that are illegal or restricted everywhere: drugs (both legal and illegal ones), counterfeit goods, weapons (think pepper spray, knives, and firearms), and anything related to ivory or protected wildlife. That’s not just a courier rule—it’s the law. Even prescription medicines are a headache to ship, and usually a big no unless you follow lots of paperwork and country-specific rules.
Did you know you can’t just ship cash, passports, or valuable jewelry like it’s a regular package? Most couriers say sorry, not covered. The risk of loss or theft is too high. Artworks, rare coins, or anything “irreplaceable” is usually discouraged, too, unless you spring for special insurance or services that aren’t available in most places.
- Common restricted items include: perfumes, paint, dry ice, live plants, seeds, perishable foods, and some electronics.
- Each country has its own weird rules, so it’s not just about what the courier allows—it’s what customs will accept. For instance, Australia is super strict about animal and plant products, while the U.S. clamps down hard on Cuban cigars and some medical devices.
Before you send anything unusual, check the rules with your courier and look up the destination country’s import bans. When in doubt, ask for a list or search online—it saves a lot of hassle (and maybe your package).
Tips for Smooth and Safe Sending
Let’s be real—nobody wants a lost, broken, or delayed parcel. If you really want your stuff to arrive in one piece (and on time), a little prep goes a long way. Forget fancy gift wrapping; smart packing and good info matter more.
First off, use a sturdy box that’s not too big for what you’re sending. Loose stuff rattles around, gets damaged, or even flagged for inspection. Tape it up well—at least two strong strips on each seam—because tape’s cheap, but replacing broken stuff isn’t.
If you’re shipping fragile goods, cushion like a pro. Bubble wrap, crumpled paper, or even old newspaper works. The goal: nothing shifts inside the box. You wouldn’t want your grandma’s mug to turn into a pile of ceramic dust.
Always write the recipient’s details clearly. Double-check the address—couriers report that over 15% of delays come from typos or missing information. Print it out if you can. Include a backup note with the address and your contact info inside the box, just in case the outer label falls off. Surprisingly, couriers get thousands of packages with unreadable labels every year. Those often end up in the lost pile.
For international shipments, list the contents honestly and accurately on the declaration form. If you call a bottle of perfume just “liquid,” you risk your box getting opened, delayed, or rejected at customs. Even little white lies can cause big headaches.
- Don’t send prohibited items—check your courier’s list online. This changes if you’re shipping abroad, so review both countries’ rules.
- Consider full tracking and insurance for anything valuable. Only 0.5% of packages go missing, but if it’s your laptop, you’ll wish you paid a few bucks more.
- Take a quick snap of your package before sending—handy for proof if damage or loss happens.
- Ask for a receipt. Sounds obvious, but losing your tracking number is a nightmare if things go wrong.
Here’s a quick look at some real-world courier stats from 2024:
| Cause of Delay | Approximate Rate |
|---|---|
| Address errors | 15% |
| Poor packaging | 10% |
| Prohibited/restricted items | 7% |
| Other (weather, customs, etc.) | 68% |
On the label, always use the right postcode. That’s how most courier services route packages, so a wrong code can throw your delivery days off. And if you’re sending stuff for a business, add a return address. It’s your only backup if delivery can’t happen.
Bottom line: be clear, pack smart, and follow your courier’s rules. It’s not rocket science, but getting it right means your package ends up where it should—fast, safe, and with zero drama.