Can I ship hazardous materials via UPS?

Can I ship hazardous materials via UPS?
by Fred Savio, owner of two New Jersey The UPS Store locations http://www.theupsstoreeggharbortownship.com
http://www.theupsstoremayslanding.com

Sometimes boxes arrive at The UPS Store with hazardous materials markings. We cannot ship hazardous materials from The UPS Store locations.

The most common markings are ORM-D labels on boxes. ORM stands for "Other Regulated Materials." It is commonly found on AVON product boxes. This is because AVON carries perfume and other flammable items in their product line. Shipping of ORM-D materials back to the shipper is allowed only at the customer counter (i.e., hub) facilities. The personnel at the customer counter are trained in handling hazardous materials. The UPS Store locations may not accept these packages for shipment.

If you are reusing a box that was sent to you, and it has the ORM-D label on the outside of the box, but you are not sending back any hazardous materials, The UPS Store can accept this package if you remove the ORM-D label (without damaging the integrity of the box). The UPS Store personnel may not remove the label for you, per federal regulations.

The following types of items are generally considered hazardous materials and there are restrictions on whether or not they can be shipped:

• Explosive Materials (fireworks)
  
• Compressed Gas (cylinders, paint ball CO2 canisters)
  
• Flammable Materials (perfume, alcohol)
  
• Poisonous Materials (chemicals, cleaners, photographic supplies)
  
• Toxic Materials
  
• Infectious Waste (blood)
  
• Radioactive Materials
  
• Corrosive Materials (car batteries)
  

So, avoid trying to ship anything from the list above. If you are unsure about whether or not something is classified as hazardous materials, visit your local The UPS Store location and discuss the item(s) with a store employee. You can also contact The UPS Hazardous Materials Support Center directly at 1-800-554-9964.