Sylva Special Shipments

A Journey of Compassion

Suffering the loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult and trying times in life. You can rest assured that we are serious about the care and sensitivity of transporting departed loved ones to their final resting place.

We also offer TLC services to bereaved customers. Our TLC specialists are available 24/7 to work directly with funeral homes and mortuaries, and to assist with the advance arrangements required to ship your loved ones.

Shipping Guidelines

Uncremated remains

When shipping uncremated remains, please provide a physician's or health officer's certificate or a burial transit permit. It is required by local, state, government and international regulations. Shipping cadavers for research purposes does not require a burial transit permit. Please contact the state or country officials both at the origin and destination for full details on all regulations and document requirements.

Minimum packaging requirements for uncremated remains

Please secure the remains in a casket (or hermetically sealed casket as required) or alternative container (approved metal container or combination unit) in order to prevent shifting and the escape of strong odors. Caskets and alternative containers must be enclosed in an outer container (airtray) made of wood, particle board, corrugated fiberboard, plastic, or other water repellent material, and must have at least six handles and sufficient rigidity and padding to protect the inner container and contents from damage by ordinary care and handling. Please use new airtrays; used airtrays are not permitted. With certain types of combination units or cremation containers, airtrays may not be required. Containers should be clearly labeled with the following information: Air Waybill number, name of the deceased and the destination.

Unembalmed remains

Dry ice is not necessary to pack unembalmed remains. When using dry ice, remember that it will be subject to dangerous goods shipping regulations. Please secure unembalmed remains in a casket or combo unit or metal container in order to prevent shifting and the escape of strong odors. Please contact the state or country officials both at the origin and destination for full details on all regulations and document requirements.

Cremated remains

When transporting cremated remains, please keep in mind that the acceptance guidelines are slightly different compared to that of uncremated remains. Unless the remains are destined for a burial service, you will not need a burial transit permit. Please contact the state or country officials both at the origin and destination for full details on all regulations and document requirements.

Minimum packaging requirements for cremated remains

• Cremated remains must be contained in a five-millimeter polyurethane bag within cardboard outer packaging.
• A metal container or urn is the preferred method of inner packaging.
• Minimum size requirements (12" x 12" x 12") apply.
• Cremation containers are not acceptable for the transportation of human remains.
• Outer containers should be labeled with the following information:
  • Air Waybill number
  • Name of the deceased
  • Destination