Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-21317
USPS Finalizes Updated Packaging and Labeling Standards for Live-Animal Shipments
Buyer
U.S. Postal Service
Posted
October 19, 2026
Identifier
2026-21317
The United States Postal Service (USPS) finalized changes to mailing standards for live-animal shipments; this is a regulatory update, not a procurement solicitation or award. - Government buyer: United States Postal Service; no sub-agency or office is identified. - Requested products or services: None. The notice does not solicit or award goods or services. - Key requirements for live-animal shipments: - Reuse of fiberboard containers is prohibited. - Containers must meet minimum construction standards, including 275-pound-test, double-wall, corrugated, weather-resistant fiberboard or an equivalent. - Each container in a bundled shipment must have its own address label and sequential number. - Adult-bird containers must show sender and recipient addresses and phone numbers, along with directional arrows. - USPS-produced packaging, including Flat Rate containers, is ineligible for these shipments. - No OEMs, vendors, contract value, or contract performance period are identified.
Description
The Postal Service is revising Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail, to improve package integrity and container identification for live animal shipments during processing and handling. The final rule prohibits reuse of fiberboard containers for live animal shipments and revises requirements for container construction, labeling, and numbering. When multiple containers are strapped together, each container must have its own address label and be numbered sequentially. The rule also updates marking instructions for adult bird containers and is effective October 19, 2026.