Shippers sometimes wonder if Zoom2U or other couriers transport companies, open packages to scan them for drugs and other prohibited items. Logistics companies and some countries impose specific regulations when shipping such prohibited items with courier services.
You can ship almost any type of item. We are continuously improving our service selection to offer greater flexibility and more solutions to cover every need. In this article, discover the services available and examples of goods you are allowed and not allowed to ship.
Types of services provided by Courier Services
Companies looking for storage, transport and warehousing logistics solutions will certainly benefit from the various international couriers available globally. In the courier industry there is a demand for versatility and variety when it comes to courier services and this is why a service provider will need to provide more than one type of service. While some couriers are focused on delivering one type of service to specific areas, there are those who focus on multiple types of services and can deliver to a variety of areas locally and internationally.
- International courier service – this is a transport service of goods or documents from one country to another. The task of the courier service provider is to ensure that the correct means of transport (air, sea or land) is used for the most efficient delivery.
- Same day express courier service – this is a service provided to those who need a last minute or urgent delivery to be sent and received on the same day. This particular service is very popular in big cities, especially for the delivery of important documentation.
- Overnight courier service – this is great if you need goods to arrive at their destination the next morning or before a certain time in the day. The courier service will usually transport the goods during the night or the early hours of the morning.
- Pallet courier service – this is a service that safely and promptly delivers goods on pallets. This service helps clients to meet strict delivery deadlines at affordable rates.
- Warehousing service – this is a service designed to give companies greater control over their business and goods. This type of service will involve managed storage solutions, pick, pack and dispatch service as well as storage reporting so that you can keep track of your business and its stock.
To understand the courier industry, read our Courier Services: A Complete Guide for 2023 blog post.
Small and medium Shipment Items
Services available to organise smaller deliveries
If your goods can be safely packed into packages, choose one of the Eurosender options below to book your delivery.
We know exactly what you need when shipping electronics: a safe, fast and trackable service. This is why we partner only with reliable and renowned logistics providers, to guarantee your products will always be in good hands.
- Laptops
- Mobile phones
- iPads and tablets
Ship your personal belongings
Booking courier services for shipping your belongings locally or globally is fast and easy with Eurosender. With our door-to-door delivery service, your items will be delivered directly to your doorstep.
- Clothes & Shoes
- Books
- Musical instruments
- Luggage & Suitcases
Logistics services for transporting larger loads
The list of what you can ship with our freight solutions is virtually infinite.
Check the options below for more information about each service or contact us for dedicated assistance.
- Pallet delivery – Ideal for transporting bulky and heavy loads
- Van delivery – A dedicated van for transport within Europe
- FTL and LTL -Efficient solution for moving cargo by truck
Shipping new or used furniture
Book our furniture removal service when selling antique pieces, relocating or buying new furniture. We offer a wide range of shipping services that can be used both by individuals and businesses shipping to their customers or warehouses. Check what furniture can you ship:
- Tables
- Chairs
- Bed & Mattress
- Other furniture
Shipping household items
Whether you are preparing to move or have just sold a used appliance online, we offer flexible solutions for shipping any household appliance, regardless of its volume.
- Fridge
- Air conditioner
- Lamp
- Other household appliances
- shipping household appliances
Sending sports equipment abroad
Sports equipment are among the most popular items that you can ship by courier services. Whether your item is as large as a surfboard or as heavy as gym equipment, you can always count on us to provide safe delivery of your sports equipment.
- Surfboard
- Bike
- Skis
- Gym equipment
- Vehicle transportation
We will arrange any vehicle transportation in Europe based on individual requests. Send us your shipping requirements and one of our logistics experts prepare a quote fully adapted to your needs, in the shortest time possible.
- Car
- Motorcycle
- Tractor
- ATV
What can you send via courier
Types of cargo shipping
Containers & Cargo
Take advantage of our freight services when transporting cargo along your supply chain, locally or worldwide. Benefit from our instant quotes for truck transport or reach out to our experts to get tailored solutions for shipping by air, sea or rail.
- Road freight
- Air freight
- Sea freight
- Rail freight
What items cannot be sent by mail or courier overseas?
Even though the list of what you can ship by courier service is enormous, some items are considered restricted or prohibited by most logistics companies. Some examples are dangerous goods and perishable products. To help you prepare your delivery, we have compiled a complete list of items prohibited for shipping.
Can a USP or DHL courier driver collect a parcel with a forbidden item?
If you are shipping within the European Union, the courier driver will most likely not check the content of the package, until later. Instead, they will rely on the declaration provided by the customer during the booking process. Therefore, every sender is responsible for the content he/she is shipping, and if they comply with the logistics provider’s policy.
In general, if you ship globally, the courier driver will check your parcel when he/she collects it; therefore, it is essential to leave it open until the driver comes. The package will also go through customs and scanners, but more on that, find out below in this article.
UPS, DHL, FedEx and other courier companies have an extensive prohibited items list, and it is well beyond the most prominent examples such as drugs or explosives.
Are you interested in the full list of prohibited items with courier services? Click the button below and find out what is on the prohibited and restricted items list with UPS, DHL, FedEx, and other logistics providers.
List of prohibited and restricted items
How can couriers discover prohibited items in a parcel?
There are several ways in which the courier services can find out that someone is shipping prohibited items. The following are the most common:
With the help of customs
All packages travelling from/to a non-European Union country, go through customs. Naturally, packages sent between the EU and non-EU countries (Albania, Iceland, Macedonia, Montenegro, Norway, Switzerland, etc.) cannot avoid x-rays and manual check-ups.
Since the goods circulate more or less freely among EU members, the parcels travelling by road within the EU are thus not likely to be checked by customs. However, this does not mean that there is no control at all. The authorities still sporadically check a certain number of shipments, which means that there is no way of knowing whether a parcel will undergo customs clearance or not.
Inspection of suspicious parcels
In some cases, even the courier services themselves have the right to open a package and thoroughly inspect its contents in the following situations:
The shipment is damaged or inappropriately packed. In most cases, couriers discover restricted and not recommended items in shipments that show signs of damage and therefore require a closer check-up.
Signs of leakage or smells raise suspicions. While stains on the package might be a sign of leakage, an unpleasant odour can indicate that one is dealing with a perishable item gone bad. Both cases present a justifiable cause for the depot workers to inspect the shipment.
The shape of the packaging itself is suspicious. If the form of the packaging reminds of a restricted or forbidden item, courier service workers are likely to inspect it. To avoid confusion when shipping items that look like forbidden goods consider them packing wisely.
When a shipment is missing
If a package is missing, the courier service will require a complete and accurate description of its exterior as well as its contents to ease and expedite the search process. If they find the package, they might also open it to make sure it matches your description.
What if you place restricted or forbidden items inside a package?
So, what happens if the courier discovers forbidden items inside the package? Unfortunately, there is no straight answer to this question as every courier service has its own rules and procedures. However, some scenarios are most likely:
- The courier service removes the items. In some cases, the courier services simply take the prohibited items out of the package and continue with the delivery process. They might also ship these items back to the sender.
- The courier service confiscates the items. In this case, they will likely destroy the package.
- The courier will return the parcel to the sender. The whole box will be delivered back to the sender’s address.
- The sender must book another service. When shipping items that are not suitable for standard delivery, the courier service can require the sender to arrange the transport with a different company that can safely carry such items.
- The courier will report the sender to the authorities. For example, if a company like DHL opens the package or scans the package for drugs, you may not find yourself in an enjoyable situation. What happens is, if UPS or other companies find drugs in your package, or even other prohibited and illegal items, they will report you to the police.
- The shipping service can also charge the sender if the contents of their package damage other parcels during transport.
How can I avoid shipping prohibited items?
If you are not entirely sure if you can ship a particular item or not, first check the chosen courier’s list of prohibited items on their official pages.
Our shipping professionals are well acquainted with the laws as well as the rules of shipping companies. They know what can and cannot be shipped and will be most happy to advise you.
Prohibited/ Restricted Cargo List in Australia
To avoid disappointment, please take the time to review our prohibited and restricted items list.
Any item that is perishable, damaged, dangerous, illegal, counterfeit, replica, stolen, un-packaged, poorly packaged or containing liquids cannot be carried under any circumstances.
Please note, personal effects are carried on a no-compensation basis.
The following list of items (and items similar in content or description) may not be accepted for carriage by our courier partners and any attempt to ship these items could result in your order being cancelled without refund.
- Prohibited/ Restricted Cargo types:
- Used engines, transmissions, gearboxes or any motor (car, motorbike, boat) parts that are prone to leakage during transport.
- Alcoholic beverages, Beer, Wine, Spirits
- Animals, animal products, animal skins, Fur(s), ivory, endangered animal products
- Antiques, fine art or works of art
- Bullion
- Collectibles and/or irreplaceable items
- Any item worth more than its original purchase price or that is not commonly available currency or negotiable instruments
- Dangerous goods, hazardous or combustible materials including chemicals and paints
- Aerosols & perfumes
- Flammable liquids, petrol, lighter fluid, flammable solids, non-safety matches
- Gases, mace, camping gas, oxidizers, bleach, poisons, pesticides, corrosives, car batteries, lithium batteries, mercury
- Drugs / Narcotics (illegal) and pharmaceutical products
- Explosives
- Detonators, fuses, grenades, mines and explosives, fireworks & flares
- Firearms, parts thereof and ammunition
- Human remains (including ashes)
- Industrial diamonds or carbons
- Medical samples
- Diagnostic specimens, blood, urine, bodily fluids, tissue samples
- Perishable items
- Flowers, dry ice, foodstuffs, items requiring temperature control or special handling, plants, plant products and plants
- Cotton, seeds, teas, tobacco and tobacco products including cigarettes, rice, sugar, grain, wheat, soya and cocoa
- Pornography
- Precious & semi-precious stones (including jewellery)
- Watches & costume jewellery
- Fertilisers, insecticides and pesticides
- Fragile goods such as marble, glass & slate
- Seafood
- Nuclear & radioactive energy/fuel
