Ordering and Shipping Ashes to Davenport Memorial Glass
Once you place your order, please follow these instructions for shipping your ashes.
Shipping ashes to Davenport Memorial Glass.
### How to Send Ashes to Davenport Memorial Glass Under New USPS Rules (Updated April 2025)
At Davenport Memorial Glass, we’re honored to craft meaningful glass memorials using the ashes of your loved ones. To ensure a smooth process, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS)—the only legal carrier for shipping cremated remains in the United States—has updated its shipping requirements as of March 1, 2025. These changes are designed to improve the visibility and security of cremated remains during transit. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to help you send ashes to us safely and in compliance with these new rules.
#### Step-by-Step Instructions for Sending Ashes
1. **Order a Free USPS Cremated Remains Kit**
– The USPS now requires all cremated remains (human or animal, including ashes used for keepsakes like our glass memorials) to be shipped using their specially designed *Priority Mail Express Cremated Remains Box*. You can no longer use your own packaging, even if labeled correctly.
– Order your free kit online at [USPS.com](https://store.usps.
– **Basic Kit**: Includes a Priority Mail Express box and adhesive tape.
– **Complete Kit**: Includes the box, tape, a self-sealing plastic bag, bubble cushioning, and a copy of *Publication 139: How to Package and Ship Cremated Remains*.
– Kits are free, but you’ll pay for Priority Mail Express shipping when you send the package (more on costs below). Allow a few days for delivery if ordering online, or check with your local post office for availability (though they may not stock them on-site).
2. **Prepare the Ashes**
– Place the ashes (approximately 1/4 teaspoon per memorial item ordered, as we recommend) into a small, sift-proof container (one that won’t leak fine powder). A sealed plastic bag or a small urn works well.
– For extra security, the USPS recommends placing this container inside a sealed plastic bag (included in the Complete Kit, or use your own if ordering the Basic Kit). Write the following on the bag with a permanent marker:
– Your full return address.
– Our address: *Davenport Memorial Glass, P.O. Box 610, CoeurdAlene ID*.
– The words “Cremated Remains.”
– This ensures identification if the outer label is damaged.
3. **Pack the Cremated Remains Kit**
– Open the USPS Cremated Remains Box (pre-printed with “Cremated Remains” on all sides).
– Add cushioning material (bubble wrap or the provided bubble cushioning) to the bottom, sides, and top to prevent movement during shipping. If you’re using the Basic Kit, you’ll need to supply your own padding.
– Place the sealed plastic bag with the ashes inside the box, ensuring it’s snug and secure.
– Seal the box with the included Priority Mail Express tape (or heavy-duty packing tape if you run out).
4. **Label and Ship via Priority Mail Express**
– Take the prepared box to your local post office or schedule a USPS pickup. You *must* use Priority Mail Express (domestic) or Priority Mail Express International (if shipping from outside the U.S.), as these are the only services allowed for cremated remains.
– At the post office, inform the clerk that the package contains cremated remains. They’ll process it with the appropriate Priority Mail Express shipping label (no additional “Label 139” sticker is needed since the box is pre-marked).
– Shipping costs vary by distance and weight but typically range from $25 to $50 for domestic Priority Mail Express (e.g., a small package weighing under 1 lb from California to your location). International rates will be higher. You can estimate costs on [USPS.com](https://www.usps.co
– Tracking is included with Priority Mail Express.
5. **Notify Us** (optional)
– Once shipped, email us at [dmglass208@gmail.com] with the tracking number and expected delivery date. This helps us confirm receipt and contact you the Friday after arrival to review your order.
#### Important Notes on Quantity and Timing
– Please send only 1/4 teaspoon of ashes per memorial item ordered to avoid extra return shipping fees (see below).
– Orders typically take 4–6 weeks to complete and ship back to you after we receive the ashes.
#### Additional Charges for Returning Excess Ashes
We use a small amount of ashes (1/4 teaspoon per item) to create your glass memorial. If you send more than needed, we’re happy to return the excess ashes to you. However, under the new USPS rules, we must also use a Priority Mail Express Cremated Remains Box to ship them back, which incurs additional costs on our end (currently $27.50 for domestic Priority Mail Express, subject to change based on USPS rates and your location).
To cover this expense, customers are responsible for any additional shipping charges we incur when returning excess ashes. We’ll notify you of the exact cost when confirming your order and add it to your invoice. To avoid this fee entirely, please measure carefully and send only the requested amount (1/4 teaspoon per item).
#### Why the New Rules Matter
The USPS updated these requirements to ensure cremated remains are handled with the care and respect they deserve. The pre-printed boxes and Priority Mail Express service improve tracking and security, giving you confidence that your loved one’s ashes reach us safely. We’re committed to working within these guidelines to honor your trust in us.
If you have questions about shipping or need help with the process, feel free to contact us at [208-641-9201]. Thank you for choosing Davenport Memorial Glass to create a lasting tribute to remember your loved one.
All we need is a 1/4 teaspoon of ashes along with your contact info (name/number/address) if you have your order number please include it.
I believe that it helps the beauty and magic of a piece when I know who I am working with. If you have a photo to send along with the ashes, or want to write up a little bio on your loved one/pet, I will gladly read it.
Post office regulations state cremated remains must be packed in a spill proof container. We recommend putting the ashes into a baggie and placing it into a padded envelope. USPS is the only courier that ships cremated remains.
If you are shipping from out of the country, your package will automatically go through USPS upon entering the United States. Just be sure to let your local postal worker know that your sending ashes.
Ship to:
Davenport Memorial Glass
P.O. Box 610
Coeur d’Alene, ID
83816
Thank you for trusting in Davenport Memorial Glass to handle your loved ones ashes. We look forward to making something beautiful for you.
Disclaimer
All sales are final upon completion of your order. Orders can only be refunded or changed before the shipping process. The buyer is responsible for all shipping costs, including returns.
There will be a $10 processing fee on all canceled orders.
Sizes, shapes, tones/colors may vary due to the nature of our hand made art glass.
The ashes will sometimes turn black upon encasement in glass. While most ashes appear white in the glass, we are unable to determine or make any changes to the nature of this happening.
All orders expire after one year of purchase (expiration) date. Refunds or returns can not be processed after expiration date.