The United States Postal Service have introduced a new labeling system with effect from August 26th 2013 to make it easier to identify parcels contained cremated remains. Before the introduction of label 139, customers would generally just mark a package as “containing human cremated remains” to ensure postal workers handled the package with care.
Using Label 139 to identify cremated remains
Label 139 is a non-trackable adhesive label that can be attached to a package if the sender identifies the contents as human cremated remains. The label is not required, but its introduction will make it easier for USPS to identify cremated remains within their system. Handling cremated remains is something of a sensitive nature, and the United States Postal Service is the only carrier service by which you can mail cremated remains. As the cremation rate continues to increase and more families use USPS to ship remains, the introduction of improved labeling should help improve the careful handling of these ‘sensitive’ packages.
Mailing services for cremated remains
Cremated remains can be mailed through the United States Postal Service using Priority Mail Express and Registered Mail. This includes Priority Mail (excluding Critical Mail), First-Class Package Service and First-Class Mail Parcels. For more detailed information about mailing cremated remains within the continental United States or internationally, read our post about how to mail cremated remains.
I have been researching and writing about the death care industry for the last fifteen years. End of life services and experiences are something most of us choose not to reflect upon until we are suddenly faced with dealing with it. I have been contributing comprehensive and independent resources for families that explain how the funeral industry operates, and the laws that govern funeral practices. Sara writes for US Funerals Online and DFS Memorials LLC, as well as contributing to other forums and publications for the death care industry. I have a BA in Cultural Studies. This helps my analysis of cultural death care rituals, alongside a career background in Business Management. The death care industry is undergoing an epoch of change and this fascinates me.
