10 Items That You’re Banned from Mailing in Indiana

Whether you are a frequent visitor to the post office, or only occasionally use "snail" mail, it's important to know what items are and are NOT allowed to be mailed. So, before you head to the post office to ship your next package, check out this list of 10 items that the U.S. Postal Service has declared off-limits for mailing in the Hoosier state.

Live Warm-Blooded Animals

It seems like common sense to me that you would NOT try to mail a puppy across the country, but you know what they say about common sense - it isn't always that common. What animals are you NOT allowed to mail? Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rabbits, rats, squirrels, and flying squirrels.

Live Not-So-Warm-Blooded Animals

Cute, cuddly, furry animals aren't for everyone, so we can't forget about our reptilian friends. Just so you know - snakes, turtles, and other venomous reptiles are NOT allowed to be mailed.

Handguns & Ammunition

Handguns are only allowed to be mailed or received by licensed manufacturers and dealers. That is not the case, though, for rifles, which are mailable as long as they are unloaded.

Alcohol

This ban applies to beer, wine, and liquor.

Strike-Anywhere Matches

Okay, I just learned that there are different kinds of matches. I always thought a match was just a match, but that's not the case. A strike-anywhere match can be lit from friction against any surface, therefore, they are NOT allowed in the mail.

Fireworks & Explosives

Here's another example of common sense. These kinds of items are banned for (what should be) obvious safety reasons.

Gasoline

I think it's safe to assume that you should NOT try to mail any kind of flammable liquid or substance.

Marijuana (medical or otherwise)

Even though recreational marijuana is legal in several states, it is still a federally controlled substance, making it illegal to mail across state lines.

Airbags

Instead of asking why an airbag is not allowed to be mailed, I think a better question to ask is why are you even trying to mail an airbag?

Liquid Mercury

Liquid mercury in any amount (and devices containing a visible amount) is prohibited from the US Mail. Mercury can be found in antique devices like thermometers, barometers, and thermostats.

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This list is more of a broad stroke of the types of items that are banned by the U.S. Postal Service. There are way more prohibited items and categories of items listed at USPS.com.

It is also important to note that these bans are specifically for the U.S. Postal Service, and may not apply to other mail carriers like FedEx and UPS. Those companies have their own rules and restrictions, so be sure to check with them first.