How to Ship a Casket From the US to Canada

Shipping human remains from the US to Canada can be arranged by a funeral home, private shipping company or directly via a major airline.

The Canadian Border Services Agency and Public Health Agency of Canada set requirements regarding the shipping of human remains to Canada. Shipping can be arranged through local funeral homes, private mortuary shipping companies, or directly through major airlines.

Instructions

1. Work with your local funeral home to arrange shipping, if possible. Many funeral homes will provide this service for a fee and will complete your paperwork and shipping arrangements. If your funeral home is unable to provide this service, you may wish to work with a mortuary shipping company. The American Association of Mortuary Shippers can help you find a shipper in your area.

2. Compile all required paperwork if you decide to make your own shipping arrangements. The Canada Border Services Agency and Public Health Agency of Canada require human remains entering Canada to be accompanied by a death certificate. If you do not have a death certificate you must provide other documentation, such as a letter from a coroner.

3. Contact your preferred major airline for information about shipping human remains. Most major airlines with service between the US and Canada offer this service. For example, Air Canada and United Airlines both offer programs to assist with the shipment of cremated remains in urns or non-cremated remains in coffins.

4. Determine the requirements for shipping human remains by air. Each airline may have specific requirements for your shipment. In general, international shipments of non-cremated human remains must be placed in a hermetically sealed and metal-lined casket and the casket must be placed in an air tray. Shipping rates vary depending on location and shipment.

5. Book your own airfare using the airline's bereavement travel discounts if you are accompanying the remains. Most of the major airlines offer special discounts for those traveling due to a recent bereavement. For example, Air Canada offers a discount to the deceased's spouse, children, parents, siblings, other close relatives (aunt, uncle, niece, nephew) and legal guardian. The discount also applies to in-laws and same-sex partners.

References

• Canada Border Services Agency: Importation and Exportation of Human Remains and Other Human Tissues
• Air Canada Cargo: AC Compassion
• United Cargo: Funeral Shipments

Resources

• American Association of Mortuary Shippers: United States Mortuary Shipping and Embalming Services