The food e-commerce market is booming. Online grocery sales alone are projected to reach $187.7 billion by 2024, up from $95.8 billion in 2020, according to a report from Mercatus. For small food businesses, being able to efficiently ship their products to customers is crucial for success in this growing market. And for many, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is the shipping carrier of choice.
USPS offers affordable rates, quick delivery times, and services to over 157 million residences and businesses across the country. They also have specific provisions for shipping perishable items like food. However, navigating the regulations and best practices for shipping food can be tricky.
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully ship food via USPS. You‘ll learn:
- What types of foods you can ship
- How to properly package food shipments
- The best USPS services for shipping food
- Costs to ship food with USPS
- Labeling requirements for perishables and hazardous materials
- Tips for eco-friendly and sustainable food packaging
- What to do if a food shipment is damaged or delayed
Whether you‘re a food entrepreneur, subscription box service, or just want to send a care package of homemade treats, this guide will help you ensure your food arrives fresh, safe, and ready to enjoy. Let‘s jump in!
What Types of Food Can You Ship with USPS?
Most foods, both perishable and non-perishable, can be shipped via USPS as long as they are packaged appropriately. However, some items do come with restrictions or special requirements.
Non-Perishable Foods
Shelf-stable, non-perishable foods are the easiest to ship. These include:
- Chips, crackers, and cookies
- Nuts and trail mix
- Candy and chocolate (in cool weather)
- Canned or jarred goods
- Dried fruits
- Tea, coffee, and spices
- Baking mixes
These items can be shipped with standard packaging and don‘t require refrigeration. However, it‘s still important to wrap them securely to avoid crushing or damage.
Perishable Foods
Perishable items that require refrigeration are a bit more complicated to ship, but it can be done. Perishable foods that can be shipped via USPS include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meats, fish, and poultry
- Dairy products like cheese and butter
- Baked goods
- Chocolates and candies (in warm weather)
- Live plants and cut flowers
Perishables must be packaged with insulation and cooling agents like gel packs or dry ice to maintain appropriate temperatures. They also come with additional labeling requirements. More on packaging perishables later in this guide.
Restricted or Prohibited Items
A few food and food-adjacent items have shipping restrictions or are prohibited:
- Alcohol: Shipping beer, wine, or liquor via USPS requires a special license and contract. Unlicensed shipping of alcohol is strictly prohibited.
- Live animals: Obviously, live animals cannot be shipped as "food." This includes live seafood like lobsters or oysters.
- Dry ice: While dry ice itself is not a food, it‘s commonly used as a refrigerant when shipping frozen food. USPS considers dry ice a hazardous material, and it comes with a host of rules and regulations. More on that later.
If you‘re unsure whether your food product is allowed, check the USPS website or ask at your local post office. But in general, most foods are permitted as long as they are properly packaged.
How to Properly Package Food for USPS Shipping
Proper packaging is crucial to ensure your food arrives safely and in compliance with USPS regulations. Here are the key steps:
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Start with a sturdy box. Use a new, corrugated cardboard box that‘s rated for shipping. Reusing old boxes risks the structural integrity of the package.
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Wrap items individually. Wrap each food item securely in plastic wrap, foil, or resealable bags. This prevents moisture transfer and keeps flavors from mingling.
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Use leak-proof containers for liquids. Any sauces, dips, or other liquids should be packed in sealed, leak-proof containers with tight-fitting lids. Secure with tape to prevent spills.
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Cushion contents generously. Fill any empty space in the box with cushioning materials like air pillows, packing peanuts, shredded paper, or foam. Contents should fit snugly with no room to shift.
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Double-box delicate items. Fragile foods like chips or cookies benefit from a box-within-a-box setup. Pack them in a smaller inner box, cushion well, then place that box inside a larger outer box with additional padding.
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Use insulated containers for perishables. Items that must stay cold need a sturdy insulated foam container with walls at least 1.5 inches thick. This goes inside your shipping box.
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Include refrigerants. Gel packs or dry ice keep perishables at safe temperatures. Use at least 1 pound of gel packs per 3 pounds of food, or 5-10 pounds of dry ice per 24 hours. Remember, dry ice has additional regulations and labeling requirements.
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Label thoroughly. Clearly label your package with the recipient‘s address, return address, and any required labels for perishables or hazardous materials.
With your food properly packed and labeled, it‘s ready for the mail! But which USPS services should you use? Let‘s take a look.
The Best USPS Services for Shipping Food
USPS offers several mail services that are well-suited for shipping food items. The right one for your needs will depend on your timeline and budget.
Priority Mail Express
Priority Mail Express is USPS‘s fastest shipping service, with overnight delivery to most locations. It‘s a great choice for perishables that must arrive quickly, like seafood or meats. Delivery is guaranteed within 1-2 business days, with tracking and insurance up to $100 included.
Flat rate options are available for Priority Mail Express, with prices starting at $26.95 for a regular flat rate envelope. Weight-based pricing for packages starts at $28.40 for a small box.
Priority Mail
Priority Mail is another quick and affordable option, with delivery within 1-3 business days. It‘s ideal for perishables with slightly more flexible timelines, like cheeses or baked goods. Tracking and insurance up to $50 are included.
Flat rate boxes are a popular choice for Priority Mail, with prices starting at $9.45 for a small box. Weight-based pricing starts around $8.70, depending on size and destination.
First-Class Package Service
For non-perishables under 1 pound, First-Class Package Service is the most economical option. Packages usually arrive within 1-3 business days and include tracking. Prices start at $4.50 for packages up to 4 ounces.
Note that any shipments containing hazardous materials like dry ice cannot go First-Class, as those items are prohibited on passenger aircraft.
USPS Retail Ground
For perishables that contain more than 5 pounds of dry ice, USPS Retail Ground is the only shipping option, as quantities of dry ice over 5 pounds cannot go via air transportation. Delivery time is 2-8 business days. Rates are weight-based and start around $8.50.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship Food with USPS?
Shipping costs for food items depend on the service you choose, package weight and dimensions, and destination. Here are some ballpark cost ranges for common food shipments:
- Non-perishables under 1 pound: $5-15 via First-Class Package Service or Priority Mail flat rate envelope
- Non-perishables over 1 pound: $9-25 via Priority Mail, depending on size and distance
- Perishables under 5 pounds with gel packs: $25-45 via Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail, depending on size and distance
- Perishables over 5 pounds with dry ice: $45+ via USPS Retail Ground, depending on size and distance
To get an exact price for your shipment, use the USPS Postage Price Calculator. Be sure to include the weight of your packaging materials and refrigerants in the total package weight.
Special Considerations for Shipping Frozen Foods with Dry Ice
Dry ice is a popular refrigerant for shipping frozen foods, as it keeps items colder than gel packs. However, since dry ice sublimes into carbon dioxide gas, it‘s considered a hazardous material and comes with extra rules and restrictions.
Packages containing dry ice must have a Class 9 DOT miscellaneous hazardous material warning label. They must also be marked with "Dry Ice" or "Carbon Dioxide Solid," along with the net weight of the dry ice in kilograms.
Dry ice must be packaged in a way that allows the release of the CO2 gas. For foam coolers, leaving one corner of the lid unsealed usually provides sufficient ventilation. With plastic coolers, you‘ll need to make a small hole for venting.
USPS also requires a shipper‘s declaration for dangerous goods to accompany any dry ice shipments. This form identifies the contents and hazards of your package. You can find it on the USPS website.
Properly labeling and documenting your dry ice shipment is essential. Skipping this step can lead to your package being returned or even destroyed. When in doubt, check with your local post office for guidance.
Tips for Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Food Packaging
Shipping food often means using a lot of single-use packaging materials. However, there are ways to make your shipments more environmentally friendly without compromising safety or freshness. Here are some tips:
- Use recyclable or biodegradable packing materials. Look for packing peanuts made from cornstarch, paper or cardboard padding, or biodegradable air pillows.
- Avoid mixed materials. Stick to one type of plastic or paper in your packaging. Mixing materials makes recycling more difficult.
- Minimize packaging where possible. While you need enough cushioning to protect your food, avoid using excessive fill. Right-sized packages also cut down on waste.
- Choose eco-friendly insulation. Insulated liners made from recycled denim or wool are effective and sustainable alternatives to foam.
- Source local and seasonal ingredients. The less distance your food has to travel, the lower the carbon footprint of your shipment.
By making small changes to your packaging and sourcing, you can reduce the environmental impact of your food shipments. Many consumers today prioritize sustainability, so eco-friendly practices can even be a selling point.
What to Do If a Food Shipment Is Damaged or Delayed
Even with careful packaging and expedited shipping, occasionally food shipments may arrive damaged or spoiled due to delays. Here‘s what to do in those situations:
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Document the damage. Before discarding anything, take photos of the damaged packaging and spoiled contents. You‘ll need this for any insurance claims.
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Contact USPS. If your package was insured, you can file a claim online. You‘ll need to provide proof of value and damage. If your package was delayed, a refund may be available for certain guaranteed services.
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Communicate with your customer. If you‘re a business shipping to a customer, proactively reach out to them about the issue. Offer a replacement shipment or refund. Responsive customer service can go a long way in earning repeat business.
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Use it as a learning opportunity. Analyze what went wrong with the shipment. Was the packaging inadequate? Did you underestimate the amount of refrigerant needed? Adjust your packing and shipping process accordingly for future orders.
Having a plan in place for when things go awry can help you resolve issues quickly and maintain positive relationships with your customers.
The Future of Food Shipping with USPS
The rise of e-commerce and growing consumer demand for convenient meal solutions means the market for shipping food is poised for continued growth. USPS is well-positioned to meet this need, with affordable rates, quick delivery options, and unmatched last-mile service.
In fact, USPS has a long history of safely shipping food. In the early 1900s, they began offering parcel post service for farm-fresh products. In 1918, they introduced insured mail specifically for food items. As refrigeration technology improved over the 20th century, USPS expanded their offerings to include more perishables.
Today, USPS continues to innovate to better serve food shippers. They‘ve partnered with companies like Freshly to offer specialized meal delivery services. They‘re also exploring new technologies like temperature-monitoring sensors to ensure food safety throughout the shipping journey.
For businesses and individuals looking to ship food, USPS remains an reliable and cost-effective option. By staying up-to-date on best practices and regulations, using appropriate packaging, and choosing the right shipping services, your food can arrive fresh and delicious to customers across the country. Just remember to properly label those dry ice shipments!
