Paint is a common household item that many people need to ship for various reasons, such as moving, selling, or donating. However, shipping paint is not as simple as putting it in a cardboard box and sending it off. Paint is considered a hazardous material by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and it must be handled with care and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
In this blog post, we will explain how to ship paint safely and legally with FedEx or USPS, two of the most popular shipping carriers in the U.S. We will cover the following topics:
- How the Postal Service classifies paint and what are the shipping restrictions
- How to order and use the proper packaging and follow the labeling requirements
- How to ship paint domestically and internationally with FedEx or USPS
- What are the alternatives to shipping paint and how to dispose of it properly
By the end of this blog post, you will have a better understanding of how to ship paint and what are the best practices to avoid any problems or penalties. Let’s get started!
How the Postal Service Classifies Paint and What are the Shipping Restrictions
Paint is a liquid that can be flammable, combustible, or corrosive, depending on its ingredients and properties. Therefore, the Postal Service classifies paint as a hazardous material (HAZMAT) or a dangerous good (DG), and imposes certain conditions and limitations on its shipment.
According to the Postal Service, paint can only be shipped via ground transportation, such as Parcel Select or Retail Ground. Paint cannot be shipped via air transportation, such as Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express. This is because paint can pose a fire or explosion risk if exposed to high temperatures or pressure changes during flight.
Additionally, paint can only be shipped in limited quantities, which means small amounts of a hazardous substance that are unlikely to cause harm in case of an accident. The DOT defines limited quantities for paint as follows:
- For flammable liquids (such as oil-based paint), the maximum amount per inner receptacle is 1 pint (16 ounces), and the maximum amount per outer packaging is 1 gallon (128 ounces).
- For combustible liquids (such as latex paint), the maximum amount per inner receptacle is 1 quart (32 ounces), and the maximum amount per outer packaging is 8 quarts (256 ounces).
The DOT also requires that the outer packaging must be marked with the words “Limited Quantity” or “Ltd Qty” and the UN number of the hazardous material, which is UN1263 for paint. The outer packaging must also have a clear indication of the sender’s and recipient’s names and addresses.
If you want to ship paint that exceeds the limited quantity thresholds or that is not eligible for ground transportation, you will need to use a different carrier, such as FedEx, that can handle fully regulated hazardous materials. However, this will entail more costs and paperwork, as we will explain later.
How to Order and Use the Proper Packaging and Follow the Labeling Requirements
The Postal Service requires that paint must be shipped in combination packaging, which consists of three components: an inner receptacle, an intermediate packaging, and an outer packaging. The purpose of combination packaging is to prevent leaks, spills, or damage during transit.
The inner receptacle is the paint container itself, which must be sealed tightly and made of metal, glass, or plastic. The intermediate packaging is a cushioning material that surrounds and protects the inner receptacle, such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or newspaper. The outer packaging is a sturdy cardboard box that contains the intermediate packaging and the inner receptacle.
The Postal Service offers free combination packaging for shipping limited quantities of hazardous materials, such as paint. You can order these packages online or pick them up at your local Post Office. The packages come with pre-printed markings and labels that indicate the contents and the shipping method. You just need to fill out the sender’s and recipient’s information and affix the appropriate postage.
Alternatively, you can use your own combination packaging, as long as it meets the following criteria:
- The inner receptacle must be leak-proof and compatible with the paint.
- The intermediate packaging must be absorbent and cushioning enough to prevent movement or breakage of the inner receptacle.
- The outer packaging must be strong and durable enough to withstand normal handling and transportation.
- The package must be able to pass a 4-foot drop test without any leakage or damage.
You also need to make sure that your package has the correct markings and labels, as mentioned above. You can print them yourself or obtain them from the Post Office or other sources. You must also include a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) inside the package, which provides information about the paint’s hazards, precautions, and emergency procedures.
How to Ship Paint Domestically and Internationally with FedEx or USPS
Once you have prepared your package, you can ship it with FedEx or USPS, depending on your preference and needs. Here are some tips and guidelines for each carrier:
- FedEx: FedEx allows you to ship paint domestically and internationally, as long as you comply with all applicable laws and regulations. You can use FedEx Ground for shipping paint within the U.S. and Canada, or FedEx International Economy or FedEx International Priority for shipping paint to other countries. You will need to create a shipping label online or at a FedEx Office location, and provide information about the paint’s description, quantity, and classification. You will also need to sign a Hazardous Materials Certification and attach it to the package. FedEx charges a hazardous materials fee for shipping paint, which varies depending on the destination and the service level. You can find more information about FedEx’s hazardous materials policies and fees on their website.
- USPS: USPS allows you to ship paint domestically, but not internationally, as we explained earlier. You can use Parcel Select or Retail Ground for shipping paint within the U.S., which are the cheapest and slowest options. You will need to create a shipping label online or at a Post Office location, and provide information about the paint’s description, quantity, and classification. You will also need to sign a Hazardous Materials Disclosure Statement and attach it to the package. USPS does not charge a hazardous materials fee for shipping paint, but you will need to pay for the postage and the insurance, if applicable. You can find more information about USPS’s hazardous materials policies and rates on their website.
What are the Alternatives to Shipping Paint and How to Dispose of It Properly
Shipping paint can be a hassle and a risk, especially if you have large quantities or non-compliant types of paint. Therefore, you may want to consider some alternatives to shipping paint, such as:
- Buying paint at your destination: If you need paint for a specific project or purpose, you may be better off buying it at your destination, rather than shipping it from your origin. This way, you can save time, money, and trouble, and avoid any potential issues with customs or carriers. You can also choose the exact color and quality of paint that you need, and avoid any waste or excess.
- Donating or recycling paint: If you have leftover or unwanted paint, you may want to donate or recycle it, rather than shipping it or throwing it away. This way, you can help the environment and the community, and reduce the amount of hazardous waste in landfills. You can find local organizations or programs that accept paint donations or offer paint recycling services, such as Habitat for Humanity, PaintCare, or Earth911. You can also check with your local government or waste management agency for any regulations or guidelines on paint disposal.
- Drying or solidifying paint: If you have no other option but to dispose of paint, you should never pour it down the drain or in the trash, as this can cause environmental and health problems. Instead, you should dry or solidify the paint before throwing it away, so that it becomes non-hazardous and inert. You can do this by leaving the paint container open in a well-ventilated area, or by adding an absorbent material, such as cat litter, sawdust, or sand, to the paint. Once the paint is completely dry or solid, you can place it in a plastic bag and put it in the regular trash.
Summary
Shipping paint is not a simple task, as paint is considered a hazardous material that requires special care and attention. Here are some of the most important things to remember when shipping paint:
- Paint can only be shipped in limited quantities and via ground transportation with the Postal Service, or in fully regulated quantities and via air or ground transportation with FedEx.
- Paint must be shipped in combination packaging, which consists of an inner receptacle, an intermediate packaging, and an outer packaging, and must have the proper markings and labels, such as “Limited Quantity” and “UN1263”.
- Paint must be accompanied by a Material Safety Data Sheet or a Safety Data Sheet, and a Hazardous Materials Certification or a Hazardous Materials Disclosure Statement, depending on the carrier.
- Paint may be subject to additional fees, restrictions, or inspections, depending on the destination and the carrier.
- Paint should be shipped with caution and responsibility, and alternatives to shipping paint should be considered, such as buying, donating, recycling, or disposing of paint properly.
We hope this blog post has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. Thank you for reading and happy shipping!
