General Guidelines for Mailing Food
Sending food items in the mail is absolutely possible. There are guidelines and precautions you need to follow to ensure safe transport of edible goods. Let’s explore the details. Non-perishable items like canned goods, dried fruits, and snacks are generally safe to mail. Perishable items that require refrigeration such as meat, dairy, live animals, plants and certain baked goods have restrictions. They need to be specially packaged, with dry ice or gel ice packs, and delivered quickly.
Dense, dry baked goods like biscotti and fruitcakes can usually be mailed safely. Condiments and seasonings are also fine to send.
The cheapest way to mail 2 lbs or more is through ground shipping services like FedEx or UPS. For standard 2-3 lb packages expect costs from $30 to $150 depending on contents, destination and delivery timeframe. Wrap items securely to preserve freshness. Disclose if box contains dry ice.
How to Package Food for Mailing
How do you send food through the mail? Simply place your foods inside the insulated container and surround them with refrigerant packs at room temperature or about 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Fill all the empty space with packing peanuts to prevent the items from moving around, and ship the insulated container inside a corrugated cardboard box.
How much does it cost to ship perishable food? There isn’t a fixed price for shipping frozen food, as it depends on numerous factors.
Can you mail cookies? The good news is that you can definitely send food safely, even food you prepare in your kitchen, to the recipient of your relief package.
Tips for Specific Items and Shipping Methods
Permissible perishable items are sent at the mailer’s own risk.
Tips on wrapping and cushioning foods for mailing: When mailing cookies, bars and homemade candies, wrap each piece individually and pack items in commercially popped corn, foam packing "peanuts" or bubble wrap to help cushion the trip. Place food in a sturdy box and seal securely.
How do I ship food to another state? Research shipping options to find the best way to send food packages across state borders. Investigate established carriers like UPS and FedEx which offer various delivery speeds and prices.
Wrap items securely and disclose if shipping dry ice. Place foods in an insulated container surrounded by gel packs. Fill empty space with packing peanuts to prevent movement. Costs depend on distance, food type, and speed but average $1.46-$2.24 per mile.
How do you keep it fresh? Store fruit in cool, dry place or fridge if not too cold. Use cold shipping boxes with either dry ice (frozen foods) or gel packs (refrigerated foods). Disclose if containing dry ice.
What are other options besides shipping companies? Look into food delivery apps or restaurants with nationwide shipping for easier delivery. Consider timing and aim for 24 hour arrival. Research is key to find the best shipping strategies for sending perishables across state lines.