How to ship
non-hazardous,
non-dangerous liquids
non-hazardous,
non-dangerous liquids
How to ship
non-hazardous,
non-dangerous liquids
Here's what you’ll find on this page:
What’s the best way to ship non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids?
Packing liquids for shipment can be challenging. Whether you’re shipping paint, beauty products, hand sanitizer, or something else, you need packaging that preserves your product, prevents spills, and creates a positive experience for your recipient, especially if you’re shipping liquids to a customer. But liquids can be hazardous or dangerous, even if the products themselves don’t seem dangerous. That’s why it’s important to follow regulations and abide by restrictions. Find out how to ship liquids safely.
Prep to ship non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids:
Here’s what you might need
Water-resistant shipping box
Packing tape
Strapping tape
Watertight container
Corrugated dividers
Absorbent packing material
Bubble packaging
- Water-resistant shipping box
- Packing tape
- Strapping tape
- Watertight container
- Corrugated dividers
- Absorbent packing material
- Bubble packaging
How to pack non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids for shipping
Follow these step-by-step instructions to help you ship non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids safely.
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These steps apply only to non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids. If you’re shipping hazardous or dangerous goods, contact the FedEx Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Hotline at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339. Refer to the current FedEx Service Guide for terms, conditions, and limitations applicable to FedEx delivery services.
Store the liquid and secure the containers.
We recommend using watertight plastic containers for liquid shipping. Avoid filling containers all the way to the top. This provides space for the liquid to expand without causing the container to burst. Note that even if the container has a screw-on top, you still have to tape the closure shut to prevent the top from vibrating off. We recommend placing strapping tape in an X over the closure from the top to the bottom of the container to help prevent spills.
Pack the containers.
If you’re shipping multiple containers of liquid, it’s important to separate the containers from each other—and from the walls of the box—to help prevent damage. You can wrap each container in bubble packaging and add an additional sheet between the walls of the box and the containers. You can also use a corrugated box divider to keep the containers separated. Be sure to include an absorbent like paper towels, cotton balls, cellulose wadding, or moisture-absorbing packets to soak up any liquids that spill. And add packing paper or bubble packaging to fill any empty spaces in the box to cushion the containers during shipping.
Seal and label your shipment.
Use the H taping method to apply at least three strips of adhesive tape (at least 2" wide). Do this to the top and bottom of the box. Then tape all seams and flaps.
Place your label on the top of the package; this increases the chances that it will be shipped in the preferred orientation. Marking your box with “This End Up” doesn’t guarantee that it will remain that way while in transit.
NOTICE: This packaging information is provided to FedEx customers to help reduce loss or damage due to improper packaging. It is NOT intended to be a comprehensive guide for packaging items we accept for transit. We make no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding this information. Proper packaging is the sole responsibility of the shipper.
Supplies for shipping non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids
If you’re packing liquids yourself, get supplies like bubble packaging, packing tape, and more at a FedEx Office location.
Packaging pointers:
Tips for shipping non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids
- Keep multiple containers from touching each other during shipment by separating them with bubble packaging or corrugated dividers.
- Include an absorbent material, like paper towels, inside your packaging to soak up any spilled liquids.
- Ship non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids in watertight plastic containers whenever possible.
- Tape lid in an X pattern when the liquid container has a screw-on top.
- Fill empty voids in the box or envelope with packing paper or bubble packaging.
- Use the smallest box that will accommodate both the container and adequate cushioning.
Keep multiple containers from touching each other during shipment by separating them with bubble packaging or corrugated dividers.
Include an absorbent material, like paper towels, inside your packaging to soak up any spilled liquids.
Ship non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids in watertight plastic containers whenever possible.
Tape lid in an X pattern when the liquid container has a screw-on top.
Fill empty voids in the box or envelope with packing paper or bubble packaging.
Use the smallest box that will accommodate both the container and adequate cushioning.
Special shipping circumstances
Shipping dangerous goods
Before shipping dangerous or hazardous materials, get information about regulations and packing requirements by calling the Dangerous Goods hotline at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339. Press “81” or say “dangerous goods.” Then press “4” for the next available Dangerous Goods agent. Please do not ship liquids that have strong odors, like essential oils or marinated garlic. If these burst, they can contaminate other shipments.
Which liquids are considered dangerous?
Some liquids are obviously dangerous or hazardous, like butane, gasoline, jet fuel, nitrogen-refrigerated liquid, and some chemicals. Others aren’t so obvious but can still be dangerous, like aerosol sprays, dry ice, lighter fluid, nail polish, nail polish remover, paint, perfume, and solvents. This isn’t an exhaustive list, so if you have questions, contact the Dangerous Goods hotline.
Shipping alcoholic beverages
Alcoholic beverage shipping is highly regulated. Shipping rules are different based on the shipment’s origin and destination. If you’re an individual consumer, you cannot ship alcohol. If you’re a business, you need appropriate alcohol licenses, and you must be enrolled in the FedEx Alcohol Shipping Program to ship to your customers in approved states and countries. Learn more about shipping alcohol or see our wine packaging guidelines.
Get help from the experts
Shipping liquids can get complicated. The packaging engineers in our packaging lab are there for you. They can make recommendations to help protect your products, improve your packaging’s sustainability, and so much more.
Service options for shipping
non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids
Ready to ship non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids? Great! Now you just need to pick a shipping service. Consider how fast your shipment needs to arrive. Shipping speed—along with origin, destination, and package size and weight—will impact liquid shipping costs. The following shipping options are appropriate for non-flammable, non-hazardous liquids. For all others, please contact the Dangerous Goods hotline.
“I need to ship non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids overnight.”
If your shipment needs to arrive by the next business day, choose one of the FedEx Express® overnight options:
- FedEx First Overnight®
- FedEx Priority Overnight®
- FedEx Standard Overnight®
“I have more flexibility in my delivery schedule.”
If you’re more interested in a cost-effective non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids shipping option that still arrives quickly, choose between these services:
- FedEx Ground® (to ship to businesses)
- FedEx Home Delivery® (to ship to residential addresses)
“I need to ship non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids outside the U.S.”
If you need to ship liquids to another country, you can choose from one of our international services. Before you ship, check the international shipping restrictions for the country or territory you’re shipping to, since some countries restrict shipments of alcohol and other liquids.
Shipping non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids in bulk?
If you’re sending a shipment of non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids that’s over 150 lbs., consider FedEx Freight less-than-truckload (LTL). You’ll get 70% off when you sign up for an account. Or if you’re sending multiple shipments to the same destination, see if multiweight pricing might be right for you.
Ready to ship?
Use your FedEx account or log in as a guest. Have your shipping info ready and your credit card handy.
Have one of our couriers pick up your shipment from your home or office for a small fee.
Drop off your shipment at a FedEx® Drop Box, FedEx Office location, or other participating retailer.
Calling all businesses: Sign up and save
When you open a new FedEx account, you can save 20% on
FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery shipments and up to
70% on FedEx Freight® LTL services.
Calling all businesses: Sign up and save
When you open a new FedEx account, you can save 20% on FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery shipments and up to 70% on FedEx Freight® LTL services.
Helpful resources
Get more info about shipping hazardous materials, including a link to the FedEx Service Guide.
With FedEx Delivery Manager®, you can get tracking details and alerts about your delivery, and even have it held for pickup at a secure location.
Get details about shipping labels, including how to create and print them at home, and get information on return labels. Plus, read FAQs.
Need packing supplies? Head over to a nearby FedEx Office location.
Want to learn more about shipping specialty items? Check out our How-to Hub for guides and tutorials for shipping everything from cupcakes to computers.
FAQs about shipping non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids
How much does it cost to ship non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids?
It depends on where the shipment is coming from and where it’s going, its weight and size, and how quickly it needs to arrive. Get a rate quote.
Can I ship alcoholic beverages with FedEx?
Alcohol is highly regulated, and shipping rules vary based on origin and destination. Individual consumers cannot ship alcohol. Businesses need appropriate alcohol licenses and must be enrolled in the FedEx Alcohol Shipping Program to ship to their customers in approved states and countries. Learn more about shipping alcohol or see our alcohol packaging guidelines.
How can I ship aerosol spray like disinfectant?
Before shipping dangerous or hazardous materials, get information about regulations and packing requirements by calling the Dangerous Goods hotline at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339. Press “81” or say “dangerous goods.” Then press “4” for the next available Dangerous Goods agent.
What’s the best way to ship hand sanitizer?
Because hand sanitizer has a high alcohol content, it’s flammable. Shipping regulations vary based on the size of the containers and the percentage of alcohol in the product. See our hand sanitizer shipping guidelines for more details.
Can I ship perfume?
Yes, in limited amounts, and only within the U.S. Be sure to pack it using the steps outlined above using a sturdy outer package and follow these guidelines:
- Individual glass containers can’t exceed 8 fluid ounces.
- Individual plastic containers can’t exceed 16 fluid ounces.
- Shipments can’t exceed 192 ounces and can’t be packaged in white FedEx packaging. For larger quantities or business shipping, contact the Dangerous Goods hotline.
Can I ship shampoo and lotion?
Yes. These are non-hazardous liquids, and you can pack and ship them using the steps outlined above.