USPS Packaging Instruction 10D | Postal Explorer

USPS Packaging Instruction 10D

Adult Bird Boxes

Disease-free adult birds may be mailed domestically when shipped under all applicable governmental laws and regulations, including the Lacey Act, the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Animal Welfare Act, regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and any state, municipal, or local ordinances. Each container must meet container specifications. Refer to 521, 522, and 526.4.

Proper Shipping Name

Not applicable.

ID Number

Not applicable.

Mailability

International Mail: Prohibited.
Domestic Mail: Permitted via Priority Mail Express service only.

Required Packaging

Containers must be designed with consideration of the birds’ comfort, awareness, health, and welfare, including possible temperature fluctuations that may occur during transport. In addition, the container must:

Remain intact and withstand crushing during transportation.
Prevent the birds from puncturing or breaking any part of the container with their own force, or escaping from the container.
Contain shavings or similar absorbent material to prevent damage to the bottom of the container.
Have a secure window (covered and sturdy) designated for a visible inspection of the birds.
Provide sufficient exposure to air to allow the birds to breathe normally through filter-covered ventilation that minimizes the chance of handler contact with solid or aerosolized waste.

Marking

Labels and markings must be placed on the address side of the mailpiece unless specified differently in 221.1 and 325.1.

Each container must be marked with the following information:

“Live Birds — USPS Approved Container # (once issued).”
Complete sender’s and recipient’s addresses (including phone numbers) on the outer packaging for the necessary notification by Postal Service personnel.

Directional arrows indicating “up” position (on at least two sides of the container).