Attention Bay State residents: Did you know there are limitations on what you can send through snail mail?  If you plan on sending anything through the U.S. Postal Service in Massachusetts, you may need to pay heed to this list before sticking a stamp on it. Some of the items are self-explanatory, but there are a few that may catch you by surprise.

You cannot send the following items before taking your next trip to the local post office:

Air Bags

Massive Airbag Recall Prompts Safety Concerns
Getty Images
loading...

Ammunition

bullets 9mm closeup
Sascha Burkard
loading...

Explosives

14. Dark Star
Bryanston Pictures
loading...

Gasoline

1952
Evening Standard // Getty Images
loading...

Liquid Mercury

Shiny mercury metal drops and droplets isolated on white background, Hg
AlexeyVS
loading...

Marijuana (aka "Wacky Weed")

rgbspace
rgbspace
loading...

Keep in mind, the shipping of Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) requires a little more attention as these substances could injure people or cause damage if not handled properly, such as chemicals or flammable items.

Nadine_C
Nadine_C
loading...

Some HAZMAT items are strictly prohibited, and they are restricted to send out via US mail.

no alcohol sign
geargodz
loading...

You are also prohibited from sending alcoholic beverages as our advice is to give the bottle in person to your intended recipient.

Tarzhanova
Tarzhanova
loading...

Tobacco products, cremated remains, dry ice, glue, hand sanitizer, nail polish, paint, prescription drugs and perishable items are also restricted, but not banned.

Photo by Mikael Seegen on Unsplash
Photo by Mikael Seegen on Unsplash
loading...

Poisons are also restricted, but should be banned as they are considered toxins. You are responsible for knowing the toxicity of any material you want to mail. keep in mind that some poisons may be sent by air and ground transport, others only by ground.

Maestrovideo
Maestrovideo
loading...

You can't transport live animals from one destination to another. You are better off going to a local animal shelter to find a four legged friend. Keep in mind, they are living things and are subject to rules and regulations to protect their well-being.

BOTTOM LINE: Be aware and careful on anything that needs to be mailed from the post office because any banned item could result in a fine and could lighten your wallet in the process.

(Some information obtained in this article courtesy of our sister station, www.fun107.com and .https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm)

Inside Amazon: A Detailed History of America's Biggest Online Retailer

Stacker compiled a list of key moments in Amazon's history and its current business from a variety of sources. Here's a look at the events that turned an online bookstore into a global conglomerate and a self-made entrepreneur into the world's second-richest man.

Gallery Credit: Andrew Lisa

 

 

More From WUPE