Keep orders moving and avoid a rejected parcel: check whether an item is accepted before you promise delivery. The same product may be treated differently by different carriers—or by different transport modes.
Once you know what is in the parcel, start on Send to see the options and prices that apply to it.
What is this shipping checklist for?
It helps you check acceptance before a parcel reaches collection or handover. First identify the item and how it is packed; then check the rules for the exact carrier, service and mode you plan to use. Don’t assume that acceptance by one provider—or for one mode—means acceptance by another.
Prohibited, restricted or conditional: what’s the difference?
- Prohibited: the carrier will not accept the item under the relevant rules. Don’t book it for that service.
- Restricted: the carrier applies limits or extra requirements. Check what applies before you offer delivery.
- Conditional: the carrier may consider the item after review, approval or specified handling. Treat it as unapproved until the carrier confirms acceptance.
How do I check whether an item is accepted before booking?
- Describe the contents precisely. Note components that may matter, such as batteries, liquids, aerosols or flammable substances.
- Check the chosen carrier’s prohibited and restricted-item guidance for your intended service and transport mode.
- If the guidance doesn’t clearly cover your item, contact the carrier before booking. Include the exact product, packaging, any battery or liquid details, and the mode you intend to use.
- Ask whether permits, declarations, special packaging, labels or product documents are required. Prepare them before booking.
- Keep the carrier’s response with the order record. Don’t tell your customer the item is approved until you have confirmation.
Which easy-to-miss items may need an extra check?
- Electronics: check whether the product contains a lithium battery and note its details.
- Perfumes and aerosols: check the carrier’s rules rather than assuming an everyday product is automatically accepted.
- Liquids, flammable substances and dry ice: confirm the exact product, packaging and intended mode with the carrier.
- International postal items: check whether complete declarations, labels or supporting documents need to accompany the parcel.
Make item checks part of your order handover routine
For each order, record the item check, any carrier confirmation and the documents or packing requirements. Once acceptance is confirmed and you’ve booked, share the order update with your customer. A repeatable check helps you handle orders more professionally without restarting the research each time.
Ready to check the options for your parcel?
After you’ve confirmed the item is accepted for your chosen provider and mode, go to Send to see the options and prices that apply to your parcel.
