The shipping of prescription drugs is a tricky one because such drugs have a life-altering impact on people. Drug production, sale, and shipping are regulated heavily with different rules and regulatory frameworks. In fact, not just in the USA but also in other areas, the challenge is that shipping rules change with world regions. The regulations of mailing prescription drugs internationally fluctuate from place to place, country to country. In such a situation, if you are a pharmaceutical manufacturer, you must be unsure of how to mail prescription drugs to different areas legally.

Mailing prescription drugs

Mailing of prescription drugs is only allowed for the organizations that are registered under the DEA. Since DEA is the regulatory authority in controlled substances and drugs, it also decides which entities can mail prescription drugs. Only some classes of people are exempt from DEA registration and are allowed to send prescription drugs directly. These people are active defense and law enforcement officials.

Apart from this, only such people can mail prescription drugs returning the drugs to their manufacturer. When the drugs in question are recalled or are not up to the quality of genuine prescription drugs, you can mail them back to the manufacturer directly.

Suppose you plan to take the help of a shipping service like FedEx, UPS, or USPS for mailing prescription drugs internationally or locally. In that case, you must follow the federal laws of shipping prescription drugs. Always try to research federal laws around prescription drugs shipping and all rules your shipping service makes mandatory to follow.

A Penalty For Shipping Prescription Drugs Incorrectly

There are different types and extents of penalties you pay if you fail to comply with prescription drug shipping federal regulations. The scope of punishment and penalty depends on which state you have shipped them from and what type of prescription drugs you have sent. Apart from central regulations governing the shipping of prescription drugs, there are federal laws decided by each state that one must be aware of. The least you can do is be aware of the drug shipping laws of the state of your residence.

Moreover, if you have already chosen the shipping service to ship prescription drugs with, the service will let you know the shipping rules for the substance.

If you ask whether you can ship prescription drugs through UPS, you can do that if you follow their packaging and shipping rules around drugs. On the other hand, you also need to know that shipping FedEx prescription drugs internationally is an option for private carrier service.

How To Send Prescription Drugs For Domestic And International Shipping

Because sending prescription drugs by shipping and mail requires compliance with many federal and state laws, often, people do not prefer to mail them through shipping services. However, if you are wondering: can you ship prescription drugs through UPS or USPS? Yes, you can. You have to follow a regulatory framework to do so.

Here are a few things you can do to check if you are mailing prescription drugs correctly.

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After selecting the courier service you want to send your package, go to their official website and search for as much content on mailing prescription drugs and controlled substances through the service. This helps you learn about the rules and regulations around packaging and shipping prescription drugs. If you have any queries, you should contact customer support or the service's helpline so that there are no mistakes from your side.

Next, you should read up on the legality of shipping the drug you are sending according to your residential state. Take your time learning about the rules so that you do not trap yourself in penalties or punishment later on.

Try to delve deeper into the clauses of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970. This will help in safeguarding your consumers' health and adhering to all safety protocols while shipping.

When sending it for shipping, always label the package properly and write the recipient's full address. Adhering to these precautions will help in the proper, accurate delivery of the box.

Even if you worry about shipping prescription drugs internationally, these are the basic precautions and information that you must follow while dealing with prescription drugs.

What is Priority Mail Cubic?

Priority Mail Cubic is a specialized service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that prices packages based on their outer dimensions rather than weight. This unique pricing model can lead to significant savings, especially for small, dense packages weighing up to 20 pounds.

Key Features:

Dimension-based pricing: Rates determined by package size, not weight
Weight limit: Up to 20 pounds
Delivery timeframe: 1-3 business days
Insurance: $100 included for free
Tracking: Free package tracking included
Savings: Up to 90% off retail shipping rates

USPS Cubic Pricing Tiers

Priority Mail Cubic uses a tiered pricing system based on the package's volume. There are five tiers:

Tier 0.1: Up to 0.1 cubic feet
Tier 0.2: 0.101 to 0.2 cubic feet
Tier 0.3: 0.201 to 0.3 cubic feet
Tier 0.4: 0.301 to 0.4 cubic feet
Tier 0.5: 0.401 to 0.5 cubic feet

Calculating Your Package's Cubic Tier

For Boxes and Rigid Packages:

Measure the outer dimensions (length, width, height) in inches
Round each measurement down to the nearest quarter inch
Multiply length x width x height
Divide the result by 1728 (cubic inches in a cubic foot)
The result is your package's cubic feet measurement

Example: For a box measuring 12.3" x 9.5" x 3":

Round down to 12.25" x 9.5" x 3"
12.25 x 9.5 x 3 = 349.125
349.125 / 1728 = 0.202 cubic feet
This package falls into the 0.3 cubic feet pricing tier

Note: Maximum size for any single dimension is 18 inches

For Envelopes and Soft Packs:

Measure the length and width of the empty envelope
Round down to the nearest quarter inch
Add the length and width together
Use the total to determine the pricing tier:
- Tier 0.1: Up to 21"
- Tier 0.2: 21.01" to 27"
- Tier 0.3: 27.01" to 31"
- Tier 0.4: 31.01" to 34"
- Tier 0.5: 34.01" to 36"

Restrictions

Tubes and rolls are not eligible for Cubic pricing
Maximum combined length and girth is 84 inches

Benefits of Using Priority Mail Cubic

Cost savings: Cheaper than weight-based pricing for small, heavy items
Predictable pricing: Easy to calculate shipping costs based on box dimensions
Fast delivery: 1-3 business day delivery to any US address, including PO boxes
Free tracking: Monitor shipments at no extra cost
Included insurance: $100 of coverage with every shipment
No surcharges: Residential and fuel surcharges included in the price

Tips for Maximizing Savings

Optimize packaging: Use the smallest box possible that safely fits your items
Consider breaking up large orders: Sometimes shipping in multiple smaller boxes can be cheaper
Use cubic feet calculators: Online tools can help quickly determine your package's tier
Compare rates: Always compare Cubic rates with other shipping methods
Use Commercial Pricing: Accessing Commercial Pricing rates can lead to even more savings

2024 USPS Priority Mail Cubic Rates

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Accessing Priority Mail Cubic Rates

Priority Mail Cubic isn't available at regular Post Office counters. However, many online shipping platforms and 3PL providers offer access to these rates. By partnering with a fulfillment provider, you can easily access these discounted rates and streamline your shipping process. For small-scale sellers not yet ready for a 3PL, Pirate Ship offers free access to USPS Priority Mail Cubic rates with no monthly fees or minimums.

Can You Ship Prescription Drugs?