Funeral directors often need a fast answer on shipping. A complete request lets us respond with an accurate quote and a realistic plan the first time. Here is what to include.
Key takeaways
- A complete request lets us respond with an accurate quote the first time.
- Name, place and date of death, destination and target dates are the essentials.
- For urgent cases, call instead of using the form.
The essentials
- Name of the deceased as it appears on the death certificate.
- Date and place of death, and the current location of the remains.
- Destination: city and country, or city and state, and the receiving funeral home if known.
- Target dates, including the funeral or burial date if one is set.
- Disposition plan: burial, entombment or cremation, and whether cremation is before or after transport.
- Preparation status: whether embalming has been done or is planned.
- Documents in hand: death certificate status and burial-transit permit status.
Helpful extras
- The funeral home’s contact person and a number that is answered after hours.
- The family contact’s name and phone number.
- Any container or casket already selected.
- Notes on religion or cultural requirements that affect handling.
How to send it
Use the professional inquiry form or call 786-565-9525. If the matter is urgent, call and tell us up front; we will take the details by phone and follow up in writing.
What you will get back
We respond with the documents we expect to be needed, any destination-specific requirements we can identify, the likely routing and a quote. Where information is missing, we say so rather than guess.
Why completeness matters
Missing or mismatched details, such as a different spelling of a name or an unconfirmed destination funeral home, are the most common causes of avoidable delay. For a checklist of documents, see Documents Typically Needed to Ship Human Remains. To learn about working together, read Why Funeral Homes Partner With a Shipping Specialist.
Quote request checklist
| Field | Example | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Name of the deceased | As on the death certificate | Yes |
| Date and place of death | City, state, date | Yes |
| Current location of remains | Funeral home name and city | Yes |
| Destination | City and country, or city and state | Yes |
| Receiving funeral home | Name and phone, if known | Helpful |
| Target dates | Funeral or burial date | Helpful |
| Burial or cremation | Plan and timing | Yes |
| Embalming status | Done, planned or unknown | Helpful |
| Document status | Certificate and permit status | Helpful |
Common reasons a quote takes longer
- The destination is unclear or may change.
- The receiving funeral home has not been chosen.
- The disposition plan, burial or cremation, is undecided.
- Key details such as the legal name are unconfirmed.
Urgent cases
If a funeral date is close, call instead of using the form and tell us that it is urgent. We will gather the details by phone and tell you at once what is realistic.
How funeral directors can speed things up
Keep a standard intake sheet that includes the fields above and send it with every request. Include a direct phone number for the person handling the case, and note if the case is urgent. If you have already spoken with the family about the destination and the receiving funeral home, include those details. A complete request means we can start on the documents and the airline immediately.
After you send the request
We will reply with the questions we still have, the documents we expect to need and the estimated route. If you have a deadline, such as a viewing or a funeral date, tell us so that we can say honestly whether it is realistic.
Sample message to send with a request
A short, complete message works well: name of the deceased as on the certificate; date and place of death; the funeral home and its contact; destination city and country; receiving funeral home if known; target date; burial or cremation; embalming status; document status; and the best number to reach you. If any item is unknown, write unknown. It is better to send what you have than to wait for a complete picture, and we will tell you what else we need.
Frequently asked questions
How fast do you reply to a quote request?
We respond as quickly as we can and our line is open at all hours for urgent matters.
Is the quote binding?
Ask for the terms in writing. A quote is based on the information provided and can change if the facts change.
Do funeral homes pay a different rate?
Ask us about arrangements for funeral home partners.
Can I send documents with my request?
Yes, if you have them. Do not send sensitive documents by unsecured means; ask us how to share them safely.
Do you work with funeral homes outside Florida?
Yes. We coordinate shipments from and to funeral homes across the United States.
Can I send a request after hours?
Yes, call or use the form. Our line is open 24 hours a day.
Do you need the family’s permission to speak with them?
We work through the funeral home and the family as you direct. Tell us whom to contact.
Keep reading
- Working With the Originating Funeral Home
- Why Funeral Homes Partner With a Shipping Specialist
- Documents Typically Needed to Ship Human Remains
Need help?
Funeral Shipping coordinates domestic and international funeral shipping, including the supporting documents, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Learn more about our funeral home partner services services, request a quote, or call 786-565-9525.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Requirements vary by destination, carrier and circumstances and can change. Always confirm current rules with the relevant authority, and note that no timing or outcome is guaranteed.