How to Ship HAZMAT with UPS

Shipping certain Limited Quantity hazardous materials (HAZMAT) through UPS can be done safely and compliantly when specific guidelines are followed. This article outlines how to prepare and ship certain Limited Quantity hazardous materials using UPS as a carrier on Shippo.

Note:

It is the shipper’s responsibility to ensure compliance with UPS and federal regulations when shipping hazardous materials. Improper labeling or classification can result in regulatory fines, shipment delays, or safety risks.

UPS allows certain Limited Quantity hazardous materials to be shipped via UPS® Ground without requiring special shipping papers or certifications — but strict conditions apply.

Understanding What Qualifies as “Limited Quantity”

Limited Quantity items typically do not require special paperwork and may include:

• Aerosol cans
   
• Nail polish
   
• Fragrances (alcohol-free or compliant packaging)
   
• Personal or therapeutic oils
   
• Self-tanning products
   
• Dry ice (under 5.5 lbs)
   
• Lithium batteries in equipment (total weight under 5 kg / 11 lbs)
   
• Certain medications and household chemicals
   

These items can pose risks if mishandled and must be properly packaged and labeled to meet DOT and UPS Limited Quantity requirements.

Declaration Requirements

• Do Not Check “Shipment Contains Hazardous Materials” Option: When creating a label for Limited-Quantity shipments that qualify, you should not select the “shipment contains hazardous materials” checkbox when creating a shipping label.
   
• Use UPS® Ground Service Only: Limited Quantity shipments must travel via UPS® Ground only. Destinations requiring air transport — including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico — are not supported for HAZMAT.
   
• Proper Markings Required: While no shipping papers are needed, shippers must still follow all applicable packaging, labeling, and marking requirements per the HM-215K standard and UPS policy.
   

Creating a HAZMAT Shipment using UPS as a carrier on Shippo

For Web App Users:

1. Create or select an order.
    
2. Ensure your item(s) qualify under Limited Quantity rules.
    
3. Select UPS® Ground as your shipping method.
    
4. Do not select the “shipment contains hazardous materials” option.
    
5. Proceed to purchase and print the label.

Important Notes:
 

• Fully regulated hazardous materials (HAZMAT) shipments are not supported through UPS as a carrier on Shippo at this time. However, you may ship HAZMAT using your own UPS account if it is authorized for hazardous materials shipping.
   
• UPS does not accept fully regulated hazardous materials at customer-facing locations or via Internet Shipping—these require a UPS pick-up. Some locations may accept Limited Quantity ground shipments within the 48 contiguous states. For more information, please visit: Hazardous Materials Shipping Service Definition | UPS - United States 
   

Hazardous Items That Cannot Be Shipped Using UPS on Shippo

UPS considers the following terms common indicators of fully regulated hazardous materials. These items are not eligible for shipping with UPS as a carrier on Shippo:

• Acidic
   
• Caustic
   
• Combustible
   
• Compressed gas
   
• Corrosive
   
• Explosive
   
• Flammable (e.g., gasoline)
   
• Infectious or communicable
   
• Inflammable
   
• Poisonous or toxic
   
• Radioactive
   
• Volatile
   

If your shipment contains any of these types of materials, contact UPS directly for guidance by calling the Hazardous Materials Support Center at 1-800-554-9964.

Shipping Restrictions by Region

Shipping HAZMAT materials through UPS® Ground service is not available for the following regions:

• Alaska
   
• Hawaii
   
• Puerto Rico
   
• Catalina Island
   
• Any location requiring air-only service

Support

For questions about UPS hazardous materials shipping, contact the UPS Hazardous Materials Support Center at 1-800-554-9964.