Dangerous goods overview

Dangerous goods, as defined by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR), are non-mailable matter. We won’t accept packages that contain dangerous goods or that display dangerous goods symbols, except for lithium batteries described in ABCs of mailing. If any evidence of former hazardous material contents is visible, we can’t accept the package. But in any case, it’s your responsibility to ensure that all markings and labels on a package identify the actual contents.

You can reuse boxes for mail shipments if you’ve removed or completely obliterated all former package markings and labels. Crossing out a label and marking or writing the current contents on a box or package isn’t enough to allow for mailing. You must mark out the former markings and labels completely, even if you wrap the parcel in paper. If the wrapping becomes damaged during shipment, these markings will be visible and we won’t deliver the package.

You can find dangerous goods in everyday items or commodities. See our Transportation of dangerous goods classes and index for details.

If you’re a contract customer or Solutions for Small Business (SfSB) cardholder, an expanded acceptance program is available for:

  • Limited quantities
  • Excepted quantities
  • Lithium batteries

For more details, contact your sales representative or call customer service at 1‑888‑550‑6333.