subject: What Items Are Courier Companies Barred From Transporting [print this page] Some people deal in industries which produce goods that aren't quite in the normal category of products that are typically being hauled by couriers across the country every day. In situations like these, it is normal for people to need to find out what a Boston messenger service can and cannot transport, as this information might affect the way they decide to structure their own business. There are some items which couriers are simply outright barred from transporting, and others which they are allowed only to transport when they have special permits and equipment.
First of all, don't try and ever send anything that is illegal, like drugs, with a courier company, they will find out, and you will get caught. This isn't what most people are worried about though, and instead it is items like medical material and anything which might be considered hazardous which requires special consideration. Medical material such as blood, specimens, and pharmaceuticals, can only be carried by certain messenger companies, and they have to have the right equipment, trained professionals, and permits. The same thing applies to hazardous material, as it must be transported in such as way as to limit the chances of exposure to the outside world should the shipping vehicle become damaged or breached in some way.
There are other items which your courier might not be permitted to carry if you are trying to ship anything across international borders. As soon as you start trying to ship something to another country, you have an entirely new set of rules and regulations you must be concerned with. First, you can't ship anything that will be illegal on that side of the border, even if it is legal in your country of origin. Next, anything that is covered under any kind of international trade agreement must have the appropriate permits and documents filled out, or your courier will not be allowed to carry them over the border.
Usually, all you have to do is call your courier directly so see if they can or cannot carry something that you'd like to have shipped. If you have questions about importing and exporting certain types of goods, you might want to also contact your local government offices or a customs broker that might know more about what permits would be required in order to allow your courier to carry your specific type of cargo if it is covered under a trade agreement.
