A proposed rule from the Trump administration could see handguns being sent through the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the first time in nearly a century.
The proposition comes as USPS recently proposed a new rule which would allow anyone to mail concealable firearms, like pistols and revolvers. The USPS does currently allow some firearms, under specific packaging conditions.
And if the capacity to post a gun comes as a shock, it joins a roster of unusual things you can–and can’t–mail through the USPS.
From live animals to marijuana, Newsweek has compiled a list of what you can send through USPS.
Why It Matters
Congress passed a law prohibiting the USPS from mailing concealable firearms in 1927 unless they were from licensed dealers. The law was passed in a bid to curb crime.
The Department of Justice revisited this law in January and said it was unconstitutional, violating the Second Amendment. Now, changes could come which would make it easier to mail firearms.
Democratic attorney generals in more than twenty states have voiced opposition. Aaron Ford, the Attorney General for Nevada, said the rule change would undo work done by states like Nevada to curb gun violence, while gun safety advocates have cautioned that the rule change could see an increase in the trafficking of illegal weapons.
Gun violence remains a pervasive problem in the U.S. According to the latest available statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 44,000 people died of gun-related injuries in the U.S. in 2024.
What Can You Mail Through USPS?
Live Animals
Certain species, including healthy bees and some small cold-blooded animals, can be mailed if they are packaged correctly and quickly shipped.
Cremated Remains
The USPS is the only carrier through which you can ship human ashes. They must be sent using specialized packaging and labelling.
Some Firearms
The USPS does allow for some firearms to be sent in the mail. It permits the sending of long-barreled rifles and shotguns. However, they must be both unloaded and securely packaged.
Certain Plants
So long as they meet agricultural regulations and won’t spoil in transit.
Chainsaws
You can mail chainsaws through the USPS, but they are generally prohibited, and there are strict packaging instructions.
Potatoes
People can, and do, mail potatoes. They can be mailed without packing, so long as they have an address and the appropriate postage.
What Can’t You Mail Through USPS?
Marijuana
Regardless of state law, sending marijuana through USPS is completely prohibited, as the USPS follows federal law.
Liquid Mercury
Items containing liquid mercury cannot be sent, as it is considered hazardous. This rules out commonplace items like liquid mercury thermometers.
Alcohol
Posting alcohol is prohibited, but with some rare exceptions for licensed dealers.
Lottery Tickets
You cannot post lottery tickets through the USPS.
Airbags
Airbags contain explosive components, and they are banned outright.
What Happens Next
The USPS is reviewing public comments before drafting a final proposal. The timeline of allowing the posting of handguns is currently unclear and is likely to encounter significant opposition.
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