Transportation For The Deceased

Body transportation for funerals, whether within the same city, across state lines, or even internationally, requires careful planning, adherence to legal regulations, and a compassionate approach to ensure that the deceased is laid to rest with dignity and respect. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of body transportation for funerals, both domestically and internationally.

Domestic: 

Local Transportation: When a loved one passes away within the same city or town, the process is relatively straightforward. Funeral homes or mortuaries typically handle the transportation of the body to the funeral venue or cemetery. The deceased is usually placed in a hearse for the short journey.  There is a cost associated so be sure to inquire.  If transported by ground for transfer from the place of death to a local funeral home (the “first call” funeral home). A family may decide to switch to another funeral home for one reason or the other. In these cases, the second funeral home that you select will make arrangements to move the body. Keep in mind that this will probably result in additional transportation charges.

In some states, you can transport a human body by ground yourself without the services of a funeral director but it is critical that you make sure that your state allows this. If you plan to cross state lines be sure to check each state you will be traveling through. Some require embalming or refrigeration. If you decide to use the help of a funeral home to arrange for transportation the person taking the call will ask you for a variety of information

Ground Transportation of Human Remains

How the person who has died will be transported depends on how far away the person is from home and what common carriers travel to and from the destination. Depending on the distance, ground transportation is usually the most cost-effective way. The funeral home may send their own vehicle to pick up the body or arrange with an approved carrier. Rail is sometimes used.

Transporting By Air

There are many special requirements for transporting the deceased by air so you cannot arrange air transportation of human remains directly with an airline. In fact, not all carriers will accept this type of cargo. Among the requirements is embalming or refrigeration. Also, shipments of human remains are subject to the “known shipper” regulations of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Many funeral homes and mortuaries have been approved as “Known Shippers” and are aware of the special requirements. 

Interstate Transportation

In cases where the funeral service or burial site is in another state, there are legal and logistical considerations. Funeral directors must comply with the regulations of both the departure and arrival states, which may involve obtaining necessary permits, certificates, and coordination with funeral homes at both ends.

Embalming: Depending on the distance and time between death and the funeral, embalming may be necessary to preserve the body during transportation, especially for longer distances.  However, religions and states have certain regulations so be sure to understand.  

International Body Transportation

When a person passes away while abroad, the process of bringing the body back to their home country is known as repatriation. This typically involves cooperation between the consulate or embassy, local authorities, and a funeral home or service specializing in international repatriation.  Certain paperwork is required for international body transportation, including death certificates, permits, and consular documentation. Funeral directors and relevant authorities handle the bureaucratic aspects.  Different countries have various customs and regulations for the transportation of human remains. These can include quarantine periods, specific container requirements, and inspection procedures. Compliance with these regulations is essential to avoid delays and complications. The best place to find up-to-date regulations regarding the transportation of human remains internationally is receiving countries embassy or consul. It is best to make sure you confirm that you are complying with specific regulations for both bodies and cremated remains. There are a number of firms that specialize in shipping human remains internationally. You can locate these firms through an embassy, on the Internet, or through a funeral home.

Transportation of Ashes

Generally, you can transport ashes as cargo or carry them on the plane with you. Some carriers require advance notice to accept remains as cargo, and documentation, such as the death. 

Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) implemented special procedures for transporting cremated remains and has specific requirements.  TSA agents cannot open urns and containers but they will be X-rayed. If you plan to use a permanent urn for the remains once you reach your final destination, check with your funeral home to see if they can provide you with a temporary urn for air travel. There are also special permanent urns for transporting ashes that meet TSA requirements so they can pass through security.

Shipping domestically

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the only agency authorized to ship cremated remains in the US. FedEx, UPS, and DHL do not ship cremated remains. USPS has instructions are available on the USPS website (click here). Cremated remains (both human and animal) must be shipped by Priority Mail Express® or Priory Mail Express International®.

You may use a box of your choice, but you must apply Postal Service Label 139 to all six sides of the box. Label 139 is available through the Postal Store or a postal retail store. The USPS recommends using the official Postal Service Cremated Remains Kit for packaging your remains. The kit is available through the Postal Store on usps.com.

International shipping

The USPS will also ship cremated internationally unless the country you are shipping to prohibits cremated remains. Priority Mail Express International® must be available for the country to which you want to ship. Verify this with the Post Office or by consulting the International Mailing Manual. In addition to packing your remains as you would for domestic mailing, you must complete the proper customs declaration form.

Costs

“The cost to ship varies widely depending on the type of transportation, the weight of the shipment, and the distance. Ground shipping is typically charged per mile. A typical range is $1.00-$4.00 per mile. Shipping is not the only cost. There will be a charge for the container and fees to the funeral home to make the shipping arrangements. There may also be a fee to the funeral home that is receiving the body. Fees for making arrangements or receiving within the United States can range from as low as $500 or as high as $5,000. This does not include additional costs such as airfare. For international shipments, costs can be quite high, in excess of $10,000 when you factor in airfare” Per Funeralwise 2023.