Fall is the season of shipping weird stuff across the world.
Here’s how to manage some of the more difficult things to ship.
Under the right (or wrong) conditions, lithium ion batteries can explode.
This leads to somevery specific rulesabout how and where they can be shipped.
Batteries must be small:The bigger the battery, the more charge it can hold.
The more charge something can hold, the bigger the boom it can make if something goes wrong.
If it’s anything bigger than an average laptop or tablet battery, consult the shipping company first.
Get shipping insurance for anything that costs more than $100.
Also be sure toproperly documentthe value of your equipment in the event you better make a claim.
As with anything else, be sure to ask your shipping carrier for any specifics.
Alcohol
Shipping alcohol is pretty restricted across the board.
That license is not one that most individuals are not likely to acquire.
Fedex and UPSdohave a license to ship alcohol, but that doesn’t necessarily meanyoudo.
If you’re unsure about your particular area, call a nearby location and ask.
Though it’s still a good idea to have one ready just in case.
The Adult Signature Required option may charge an additional fee.
Also wrap the package in something that can contain liquid if it breaks.
If you’re going to ship alcohol, stick to one or two bottles.
However, there are certain rules you should follow and best practices so you can keep your shipment safe.
However, FedEx has a general guideherethat explains how and when to use dry ice to cool your packages.
The biggest thing to keep in mind, though, is that your dry ice needs to breathe.
So don’t make your packages air tight and use styrofoam instead of coolers if you use it.
Also, be sure your box is labeled.
Anything that goes “boom” on purpose like firearms are explosives are typically restricted to licensed operators.
Hopefully this will at least put you on the right path first.
Photos byAlan Wu,Jes,dellabellaflora, andmararie.
