If cremated remains are shipped via Air Cargo, who must pick them up?

The requirement for a known-shipper receiving funeral director to pick up cremated remains shipped via Air Cargo is based on regulations and safety protocols governing the transportation of human remains. A known shipper is an entity that has been vetted and approved by the airline or cargo carrier, ensuring compliance with legal and safety standards. This measure is important to maintain proper handling and respect for the deceased.

A licensed funeral director, while they may be involved in the arrangements, is not necessarily recognized as a known shipper unless that specific status has been established. This distinction ensures that the individual handling the cremated remains is qualified and familiar with the regulations surrounding their transport. The involvement of a known-shipper receiving funeral director enhances accountability and ensures that the remains are treated with the necessary dignity during transit.

Picking up cremated remains by a random person or an airline representative does not comply with the stringent protocols designed to safeguard the dignity of the deceased and ensure the secure handling of the remains, which is why those options do not meet the requirements established for this sensitive task.