To ship a fur coat, have it cleaned, fill the sleeves and shoulders with acid-free tissue, fold it loosely along its seams inside a breathable cotton garment bag, and pack it in a sturdy box large enough that the fur isn’t compressed. For most people USPS is the practical carrier, because UPS lists furs as a restricted item it accepts only under contract from regular-volume shippers.
Fur is easy to damage and expensive to replace, so the packing, the service and the insurance all matter. This guide covers which carriers take fur coats, how to pack one step by step, which USPS service to choose, how to insure it, and what changes when the coat is going abroad.
Can you ship a fur coat with USPS or UPS?
Yes with USPS, and only in limited cases with UPS. USPS doesn’t treat a fur garment as a restricted item for domestic mail, so you can send one by Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express or USPS Ground Advantage like any other clothing.
UPS is different. Its U.S. list of prohibited and restricted items includes furs, and UPS says it accepts restricted items only on a contractual basis for shippers with regular volume who can comply with all applicable laws. An individual sending one coat usually won’t have that agreement, so plan on USPS. Other carriers publish their own lists, so check before you assume a carrier will take fur.
Faux fur has none of these limits. A synthetic coat ships as ordinary apparel with any carrier, though it benefits from the same careful packing.
How do you pack a fur coat for shipping?
The aim is to keep the pelts dry, uncrushed and able to breathe. Fur that’s packed wet, sealed airtight or squashed flat can mat, crease or develop odors.
- Clean it first. A professional fur cleaning before a long trip removes dirt and oils and gives you a dated record of the coat’s condition.
- Photograph everything. Take clear pictures of the outside, the lining and any labels or existing wear for a possible claim.
- Empty the pockets and close the fastenings. Loose hooks can snag the fur in transit.
- Fill the sleeves and shoulders. Use crumpled acid-free tissue so the shape holds and the sleeves don’t fold flat.
- Fold loosely along the seams. Fold the sides in along the side seams with tissue between the layers, then make one soft fold across the middle. Never fold it tightly or roll it hard.
- Use a breathable bag. Slip the coat into a cotton or other breathable garment bag. Don’t vacuum seal it or seal it in plastic for the trip, because trapped moisture can damage the pelts.
- Box it with room to spare. Choose a new, sturdy double-wall box that fits the folded coat without pressing on it, cushion the bottom, and fill the gaps lightly so it can’t shift.
- Seal and label. Tape every seam and avoid writing “fur” on the outside of the box.
Heat is the other enemy. Avoid shipping in the hottest weeks if you can, ship early in the week so the coat doesn’t sit in a warm truck or warehouse over a weekend, and choose a faster service in summer. Our general guide on how to ship a package covers box quality and sealing in more detail.
Which USPS service is best for a fur coat?
Speed matters for fur, because every extra day in transit is another day of heat and handling. Priority Mail is the usual balance of speed and cost, and Priority Mail Express suits very valuable coats or tight deadlines.
| Service | Delivery commitment | Included insurance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS Priority Mail Express | Overnight to 2-day | Up to $100; more can be added | High-value coats and deadlines |
| USPS Priority Mail | 1–3 business days | Up to $100; more can be added | Most fur coats |
| USPS Ground Advantage | 2–5 business days | Up to $100; more can be added | Lower-value or faux fur in cool weather |
| USPS Registered Mail | Slower; tightly controlled chain of custody | Insurable up to $50,000 | Exceptionally valuable pieces |
Size counts too. A boxed fur coat can be big but light, so check the dimensional weight before you buy. You can compare discounted USPS services for your exact box in the ParcelPath rate calculator; ParcelPath is free to use and gives up to 89% off USPS retail rates, with free USPS pickups so the coat doesn’t need to leave home until the carrier collects it.
How do you insure a fur coat for shipping?
Insure the coat for what it would cost to replace. Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and USPS Ground Advantage include up to $100 of insurance for merchandise, and you can buy additional coverage up to $5,000. For a coat worth more than that, Registered Mail can be insured for up to $50,000 at a Post Office.
Claims are paid on provable value, so keep the receipt, a recent appraisal or the furrier’s valuation with your photos. ParcelPath also offers Shipsurance coverage that can be added when you buy the label.
Can you ship a fur coat internationally?
Often, but it takes more paperwork than a domestic shipment. Many countries restrict or prohibit fur imports, so check the destination’s listing in the USPS International Mail Manual before you ship. Describe the coat precisely on the customs form, including the animal, for example “women’s mink fur coat, used.”
Exporting wildlife products can also require a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declaration, and furs from species listed under CITES need CITES permits. Check the Fish and Wildlife Service’s import and export requirements before you send a real fur coat abroad.
If you’re shipping other luxury garments as well, the same principles apply when you ship a leather jacket or ship a suit without wrinkles. Our roundup of shipping services and solutions compares other ways to move valuable items, and our main guide covers how to ship clothes of every kind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UPS ship fur coats?
UPS lists furs among its restricted items in the U.S. and accepts restricted items only on a contractual basis from shippers with regular volume who can meet all applicable laws. Most people shipping a single fur coat won’t have that agreement, so USPS is the practical choice. Faux fur coats aren’t restricted and ship as ordinary apparel.
Can you vacuum seal a fur coat for shipping?
No. Vacuum sealing a fur coat compresses the pelts and hair and traps moisture against them, which can cause matting, creases and odors. Pack the coat in a breathable cotton garment bag, fill the sleeves with acid-free tissue, fold it loosely along the seams, and use a box big enough that nothing presses on the fur.
What is the best way to mail a fur coat?
The best way to mail a fur coat is USPS Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express, which deliver in 1–3 business days or overnight to two days and include up to $100 of insurance. Buy extra coverage up to the coat’s value, to a maximum of $5,000, or use Registered Mail for pieces worth more.
How much insurance can you buy to ship a fur coat?
With USPS Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express or Ground Advantage, you can insure a fur coat for up to $5,000, with the first $100 included. Registered Mail at a Post Office can be insured for up to $50,000. Keep an appraisal or receipt and photos, because claims are paid on provable value.
Sources
- UPS: List of Prohibited and Restricted Items for Shipping
- USPS: Shipping Insurance and Extra Services
- USPS: Mail and Shipping Services
- USPS Publication 122: Domestic Claims
- USPS International Mail Manual: Customs Forms
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Importing and Exporting Wildlife (fws.gov)
Part of our How to Ship Clothes guide. Related: How to Ship Boots, How to Ship Lularoe, Lularoe Shipping Costs.
