10 Things You Can’t Ship (and What to Do Instead): A Guide From Newport Beach Mailboxes & More
Shipping restrictions catch people off guard every week, usually at the counter with a taped box in hand. Each carrier sets its own rules, and the U.S. Postal Service lists its limits in Publication 52, its guide to hazardous, restricted, and perishable mail. At Newport Beach Mailboxes & More, these ten items come up most often. Rules differ between USPS, UPS, and FedEx, so treat this as a starting point and confirm with the carrier before you pack.
Can you ship alcohol through the mail?
No, not as an individual. USPS prohibits mailing alcoholic beverages, and UPS and FedEx only accept alcohol from licensed shippers who have signed an agreement with them. If you want to send wine as a gift, order it from a winery or retailer licensed to ship to the recipient’s state.
Is it legal to mail marijuana in California?
No. Cannabis is legal under California law but remains illegal federally, and USPS prohibits mailing it. Hemp-derived products with no more than 0.3 percent THC are treated differently and can be mailed under specific conditions. Anything else should stay home.
Can you ship cash?
UPS and FedEx do not accept cash. USPS allows it, but a lost envelope of bills is hard to recover. Send a check, money order, or electronic payment, and use USPS Registered Mail if you must mail something of high value.
Can you mail lithium batteries?
Damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries cannot be shipped by any of the major carriers because they can overheat and catch fire. Batteries installed in a working device are usually accepted, with limits. Take damaged batteries to a household hazardous waste site instead.
Why can’t you ship perfume or nail polish overseas?
Both contain flammable liquids. USPS accepts limited quantities for ground transport inside the United States but does not allow them in international mail. For a gift abroad, buy the item from a seller in the destination country.
Can you mail aerosol cans?
Within the U.S., small aerosol cans like hairspray can usually travel by ground only, never by air. They cannot go to international addresses through USPS. Ask before packing them with anything going by air or overseas.
Can you ship fireworks or ammunition?
USPS prohibits both. UPS and FedEx handle ammunition only for approved shippers under hazardous materials rules, which rules out most individuals. Buy locally at the destination or work with a licensed dealer.
Can you mail prescription medication?
Controlled substances, such as many pain and ADHD medications, can only be mailed by entities registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration, like pharmacies. If someone needs a refill while traveling, have their prescriber or pharmacy transfer it to a pharmacy near them.
Can you ship a used gas-powered tool?
Only in limited cases. USPS prohibits gasoline, and equipment that once held fuel, like a lawn mower or chainsaw, must be fully drained and free of fumes. Many shippers decline these items entirely. Freight services or a local sale are often easier.
Can you ship a pet?
No. USPS, UPS, and FedEx do not carry dogs or cats in their parcel networks. Use an airline cargo program or a licensed pet transport company that handles animals directly.
Where can you get shipping help near Newport Beach?
These local shipping centers can help you send what is allowed:
- Newport Beach Mailboxes & More
- The UPS Store, Corona del Mar
- The UPS Store, Lido
- Mailboxes Irvine
- AIM Mail Center, University Drive
1. Newport Beach Mailboxes & More
Newport Beach Mailboxes & More has operated at 2618 San Miguel Drive in the Newport Hills Shopping Center for about 15 years, led by CEO Joseph Swan. The store handles packing, domestic and international shipping, and art shipping, so customers can ask about an item before it is boxed. Mailbox rentals, notary services, document services, and LiveScan fingerprinting are available at the same counter.
2. The UPS Store, Corona del Mar
This franchise location on East Coast Highway offers shipping and mailbox services.
3. The UPS Store, Lido
This franchise location on Via Lido offers shipping and mailbox services.
4. Mailboxes Irvine
Mailboxes Irvine is a shipping and mailbox store on Campus Drive in Irvine.
5. AIM Mail Center, University Drive
This Irvine location of the AIM Mail Center chain offers shipping and mailbox services.
Check before you pack
Most shipping refusals come down to a few categories: anything flammable, anything federally controlled, and anything alive. When an item falls into one of them, there is usually a better route, often through a licensed seller or a specialist carrier. Before your next shipment, look up the item in the carrier’s restricted list, and bring questions to the counter before the box is sealed. It saves a return trip and keeps your package moving.
