Most people assume delivery drivers can bring just about anything to your door, but that’s not really true. There are plenty of things they’re not allowed to carry, either because of safety issues, legal rules, or company policies. After talking to a few drivers, it turns out there’s a whole list of items they say are completely off-limits, no matter how much someone wants them delivered. So here are some items that delivery drivers simply can’t transport.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Alcohol (without permits)
Drinking wine, beer or spirits may be ok, but drivers cannot just throw it into a pile of other deliveries. Most states require a special license to transport alcohol. Without it, your friendly neighborhood delivery driver is not going to be able to drop that whiskey bottle at your door.
Illegal drugs
You won’t find a single driver who will risk delivering illegal drugs. Even if they are sneakily packaged inside of something else, the driver could face very serious consequences if they get caught. It’s simply not worth the risk.
Firearms and ammunition
Guns, bullets, and other firearm parts are on the no-fly list for most delivery services. Transporting them is often illegal and very heavily regulated. Only specially licensed carriers can deliver weapons and ammunition.
Explosives
Fireworks, flares and other explosives are another obvious no-no for drivers. If a box full of them is bouncing around in the back of a hot truck, that’s a recipe for disaster. Explosives are highly regulated and require special shipping conditions.
Gasoline or propane tanks
Gasoline, propane, and other flammable liquids or pressurized gases are not a normal part of a delivery driver’s day. They leak, spill or can ignite if not stored in ideal conditions. That propane tank for your barbecue will have to come from a certified supplier.
Cash (large amounts)
Cash in an envelope is one thing, but stacks of bills are another matter entirely. Drivers aren’t authorized to transport large sums of money. This is a job for armored trucks and professional couriers.
Live animals
Pets are members of the family, but they are not packages. Delivery drivers are not authorized to transport live animals like dogs, cats, or even rabbits. It is dangerous and very stressful for the animals. Pet transport services exist for this exact reason.
Human remains
This one sounds strange, but some people have actually tried mailing human ashes or body parts. Regular drivers are not allowed to transport anything like that. Human remains require special legal and health procedures carried out by professionals.
Hazardous chemicals
Powerful cleaners, toxic laboratory chemicals, and other industrial chemicals are a big no-go. Spilled during transport, they can harm the driver and damage other packages. Hazardous materials need special labeling, equipment, and carriers.
Stolen goods
Delivery drivers aren’t always going to know what is inside a box. If the driver discovers stolen property, they are required by law to refuse the delivery. If this happens, most companies will work with law enforcement officials. It’s one of the few situations where you know a package will not be delivered.
Perishable food (most cases)
Unless it’s a dedicated grocery service with refrigeration, drivers can’t handle raw meat, dairy, or anything that spoils quickly. These foods can go bad in just a few hours, especially in hot weather. Nobody wants spoiled groceries showing up at their door.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
