What to know about body transportation services

When a person dies away from home — at a hospital in another city, while traveling, or abroad — a body transportation service handles the process of moving the remains to the funeral home or final disposition site. For most local deaths, this is handled automatically by the funeral home. For interstate and international transport, it often requires a specialized provider.

What a body transportation service does

A body transportation service manages the logistics of moving deceased remains from one location to another. Local transport (from the place of death to a funeral home) is typically included in the funeral home's basic service fee. Specialized body transportation services handle longer-distance situations: moving remains from one state to another, coordinating with airlines for air transport, managing customs and documentation for international repatriation, and handling transport from port of entry back to a funeral home. Some providers specialize exclusively in international repatriation; others handle the full range of domestic and international situations.

Key questions to ask

• Are you licensed in the states involved in the transport? Interstate transport of human remains is regulated at the state level. The receiving state typically requires a funeral home or disposition license in that state. Ask specifically which states the provider is licensed to operate in.
• What documentation do you handle? Interstate transport typically requires a transit permit, a death certificate, and in some cases an embalming certificate (if the transport crosses state lines and takes more than 24 hours). For international transport, additional customs documents and consulate authorizations may be required. Ask what the provider manages versus what the family must obtain.
• Do you coordinate directly with airlines? Air transport of remains requires specific packaging, documentation, and coordination with the airline. Ask whether the provider has established relationships with major carriers and what their process is.
• What container is required? Air carriers and receiving states often have requirements about the container used for transport. For air transport, remains are typically placed in an "air tray" (an outer container). Ask what is required and whether it is included in the quoted cost.
• What is the timeline? International repatriation can take days to weeks depending on the country, consulate processing times, and logistics. Ask for a realistic estimate for your specific situation.
• What is your total fee, including all documentation and permits? Transportation costs can have many components. Ask for a written, itemized quote covering all expected costs before agreeing to services.

What to watch for

• Vague pricing with many potential add-ons. Transportation services should provide a written estimate covering all anticipated costs. Providers who quote only a base fee with numerous unspecified extras can result in unexpected charges.
• Providers unlicensed in the receiving state. This is a practical and legal concern. Ask specifically about licensing in the receiving jurisdiction, not only the originating one.
• Delays caused by poor documentation management. International repatriation in particular requires careful handling of consulate paperwork. Ask what your provider's track record is and whether they have handled transport to/from the specific country involved.
• No clear point of contact. For an emotionally sensitive and logistically complex service, you should have a direct contact person — not a general customer service line — managing your case.

Licensing and credentials

Body transportation providers that operate as funeral establishments must hold funeral home licenses in the states where they operate. Providers that only transport remains (without embalming or other funeral services) may be licensed differently — ask specifically what license covers their service in your state. The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and the Selected Independent Funeral Homes network both have resources for interstate and international transport referrals. For international repatriation, the U.S. Department of State's Office of Overseas Citizens Services can assist when a U.S. citizen dies abroad — this service is free.

Typical cost range

Local transport from the place of death to a funeral home is typically included in the funeral home's basic service fee or charged at $150–$400 as a line item. Interstate transport by ground typically costs $1,000–$3,000 depending on distance. Air transport of remains within the United States adds $500–$1,500 for the air tray, documentation, and airline coordination, plus the airline's freight fee (typically $200–$600 each way). International repatriation to or from the United States typically costs $3,000–$10,000 or more depending on the destination country, required embalming, documentation complexity, and distance.

Working with a provider who communicates clearly and manages documentation carefully reduces uncertainty at a difficult time.

Frequently asked questions

Does a funeral home in one state have to accept remains transported from another state?

Yes, in most circumstances. The receiving funeral home must hold a license in the state where they operate. Interstate transport requires a transit permit issued by the state where the death occurred. As long as documentation is in order and the funeral home is licensed to accept remains in their state, transport should proceed without issue.

Can I transport remains in a personal vehicle?

Transporting human remains in a personal vehicle across state lines is subject to state laws that vary significantly. Some states permit it under specific conditions; others require remains to be transported by a licensed funeral establishment. In practice, it is rarely advisable outside of very limited circumstances. Contact the funeral regulatory board in both states before attempting this.

What is the U.S. State Department's role when someone dies abroad?

When a U.S. citizen dies in a foreign country, the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate prepares a Report of Death of an American Abroad (a Consular Report of Death) and can help notify family members. The State Department does not pay for repatriation, but can provide guidance and referrals to local funeral homes and transportation services. Contact the State Department's Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747.

Related resources

• What to look for when choosing a funeral home
• What to look for when choosing a cremation provider
• Funeral planning timeline: what to do and when

Disclaimer — For informational purposes only

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