Shipping of Human Remains Intrastate and Interstate Shipments International Shipments

History of Domestic Shipping reasons for increase: Mobility of today’s society Civil War and development of embalming Abraham Lincoln

Influence of War 9/11/01 WW I: “Graves Registration Service” “ dog tags” WWII: shipping by air, rail, and sea Korean War: rail became obsolete 9/11/01 government and airlines created more restrictions

Intrastate and Interstate Shipments Forwarding of Remains Receiving of Remains Methods of transfer: Common Carrier Private Carrier

Coordination of Air Transport 1) Initial Call 2) Additional Assistance 3) Payments/Arrangements

Coordination of Efforts Responsibilities of “shipping” FD Responsibilities of “receiving” FD

Preparation of Human Remains embalming vs. alternative methods minimize shifting of the HR during transport protect clothing and casket interior minimize/prevent purge

Shipping Containers Transfer containers: approved by the ATA Air tray- wooden tray with a cardboard covering for the casket Combination container/case- particle board box with a cardboard tray and cover Ziegler case- gasket-sealed container that can be used as an insert or separate shipping container Wood box- transfer container made entirely of wood

Cremated Remains 4/21/04 Transportation Security Administration (TSA): all carry-on containers must pass through the x-ray machine containers must allow the screener to see what is inside no containers will be opened opaque containers: checked baggage temporary containers recommended

Paperwork Transit Permit Bill of Lading: (triplicate) 1) carrier 2) shipper (consignor) 3) receiver (consignee) Death Certificate Embalming Report

Transportation Expectations Documentation Arrival Time FH employee delivering the HR to the carrier

International Shipments Points to consider: 1) foreign laws 2) lengthy delays 3) lack of organized system of FHs 4) FH may not be licensed 5) no local FH available 6) airline regulations

International Shipments (cont’d) requirements: Notify and coordinate with consulate. Comply with customs regulations. Strict adherence to receiving country’s rules. Time delays are common. Translation of documents may be necessary. 6) Documents required. (next slide) 7) Adherence to foreign customs/culture.

Documents Required Inspection Death Certificate Passport/Mortuary Passport Letter of Non-communicable disease Embalming Report/Certificate Copy of FD License/Registration Copy of Funeral Bill Inspection

Specific Concerns 1) special permission required 2) official documents 3) inspection of the shipment 4) consular fees and airline freight 5) zinc lined caskets and wooden outer boxes

Follow the regulations of that country to the letter… Follow the regulations of that country to the letter…..shipment may be returned to you at your expense and you will have to reship at your expense!!!!

Forwarding CR to Another Country Documentation required: Death Certificate Crematory Permit Letter from FD Stating “contents”

Receiving Remains from a Foreign Country Specific concerns: Decisions need to be made quickly. Smaller coffins. High fees. US govt. will not advance funds. Container may not fit in standard hearse. Ask if return portion of ticket can be used for air freight charges.

Specific Concerns (cont’d) Advise family to purchase least expensive services…they will have local US expenses as well. No disinterment in foreign country for 2-15 years. Many foreign countries do not issue a death certificate…..the US embassy must get involved to provide death documentation. Foreign hospitals may not have refrigeration. Foreign autopsies are not equal to US standard.