Items we can & can't pick up

Restricted Items

Federal regs, UPS rules, and common sense. Most Amazon returns sail through — but a few categories we can't carry. Here's the full list.

v 1.0 Last updated: April 28, 2026 Aligned with UPS & USPS published restrictions

01 Why some items are restricted

Three reasons items can't be picked up:

  1. Federal law — e.g. mailing alcohol to non-licensed addresses, or shipping certain controlled substances.
  2. UPS surface tariff — UPS won't accept the package, period (e.g. raw lithium batteries shipped alone).
  3. Driver safety — flammables, leaking liquids, sharp items unsecured.

If we picked these up, we'd either get refused at UPS (you'd be out time and we'd absorb a wasted trip) or face a fine. Easier to flag them upfront.

Cannot pick up
Conditional
Always fine

02 Absolute no-go items

If you're returning any of the below, please drop off yourself or contact dispatch first — we cannot transport these. Booking with restricted items voids all coverage under our Liability policy.

Loose lithium batteries
Standalone Li-ion / Li-polymer batteries. UPS Ground refuses. (In-device is OK \u2014 see §3.)
Hazardous materials & flammables
Aerosols, paint, solvents, propane, gasoline, fireworks, signal flares, lighter fluid, oxygen tanks.
Alcohol & spirits
Wine, beer, liquor. Federal law requires shipper licensing for alcohol \u2014 we don't have it. UPS will refuse anyway.
Tobacco, vape, & nicotine
Cigarettes, e-cigs, vape pens, vape liquid, nicotine pouches. PACT Act compliance required.
Firearms, ammunition, parts
Guns, magazines, ammo, gun parts (receivers, silencers). Strict ATF rules \u2014 ship via FFL only.
Cannabis, CBD & THC products
Even where state-legal, federal mail / common-carrier transport is restricted. CBD requires extra paperwork we don't process.
Live animals, plants, seeds
Live pets, fish, insects, agricultural seeds, soil. USDA + state ag rules apply.
Perishables & food
Fresh, frozen, refrigerated foods, produce, meats, ice cream. Spoilage risk in vehicle.
Currency, coins, gold
Cash, gift cards over $100 face value, precious metals, gemstones, negotiable instruments.
Human remains, body parts, biospecimens
Cremains require special handling we don't offer. Diagnostic specimens (blood, tissue) are HazMat Class 6.2.

03 Conditional items (case-by-case)

These items are often fine if they meet the conditions below. Most consumer Amazon returns in these categories qualify.

Lithium-ion devices (phones, laptops, headphones)
OK when in original Amazon packaging or padded with the device installed. NOT OK if the battery is loose, damaged, swollen, or punctured.
Cosmetics & personal care
OK if sealed or capped (lipstick, makeup, lotion). NOT OK if pressurized aerosol (hairspray cans), or alcohol >24% (perfume sprays \u2014 large bottles need ground HazMat).
Glass & ceramics
OK if Amazon-original-packed or padded with bubble wrap / paper. NOT OK if just thrown loose in a bag \u2014 we'll refuse and reschedule.
Sharp items (knives, blades, scissors)
OK if blade-guarded or in original retail packaging. NOT OK if loose / unguarded.
Items over 20 lb each
OK if you tell us at booking and we adjust the pickup. NOT OK by surprise \u2014 our drivers carry to-the-door, not heavy lifts.
Items declared over $100 in value
OK for pickup, but coverage is capped per Liability policy. For high-value items consider self-dropping or contacting dispatch first.

04 Always allowed (the 99% case)

The vast majority of Amazon returns are completely fine. Examples:

05 If we spot a restricted item at pickup

Our drivers are trained to recognize the categories above. If they see something restricted on pickup, they will:

  1. Photograph the item from a safe distance.
  2. Not take it.
  3. Notify dispatch via the driver app.
  4. Dispatch sends you an SMS within 5 minutes explaining the issue and offering options (rebook without the item, drop off yourself, or contact us for a workaround).
  5. The pickup proceeds for any other items in the order; the restricted item stays at your door.
No fee for an honest mistake. If you didn't realize an item was restricted, no harm \u2014 we just leave it and complete the rest. Repeated or willful submission of restricted items will get the account paused.

06 UPS-side refusals

Even if our driver accepts the package, the UPS Store associate may refuse it at the counter. Common reasons:

If UPS refuses, our driver photographs the refusal note, returns the item to your address, refunds your $4.99, and texts you with the reason. See Liability §9 for the full process.

07 Questions about a specific item?

Not sure if your return is on the list? Text the item description (and a photo if possible) to dispatch at (949) 555-9999 before booking. We'll tell you within an hour during business hours.

For policy or wording questions: [email protected].