Why Funeral Shipping Is Expensive

 

Many Americans assume that funeral arrangements are only complicated if a death occurs overseas. Unfortunately, the reality is that even dying in another state can create complex logistics and unexpected expenses for families.

When someone dies away from their home residence—whether during a vacation, while visiting family, traveling for business, or living seasonally as a snowbird—families often face urgent decisions about transporting the deceased, completing legal paperwork, and coordinating with funeral providers in two different locations.

Without a protection plan in place, the family may suddenly be responsible for:

• Transporting the deceased from the place of death to a funeral home
• Preparing the remains for transportation
• Airline cargo or ground transport fees
• Coordination between two funeral homes
• Documentation and permits required by multiple jurisdictions

Even within the United States, these services are known as domestic mortuary shipping, and the costs can be significant.

In many cases, families are shocked to learn that transporting a loved one home can cost $3,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on distance, airline charges, and funeral home fees.

And these decisions must often be made quickly, during an already stressful and emotional time.

 

When a death occurs away from home, several services may be required before a loved one can be returned to their home community for cremation or burial.

The services and steps that add to the total cost of shipping a body are:

Initial Collection and Local Funeral Home Care

A funeral provider near the place of death must first transfer the deceased from the hospital, residence, or care facility. This service alone can range from $300 to $1,000, depending on distance and timing.

Preparation for Transportation of the Body

Airlines and transportation services typically require the deceased to be placed in a secure shipping container or air tray, sometimes with embalming or refrigeration.

Estimated cost: $800 – $2,500

Airline Cargo Transportation Charges or Ground Mortuary Transfer Fees

Commercial airlines transport human remains as special cargo shipments, which can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000+, depending on distance and airline policies.  Ground transport can be suitable if the distance is not too far.  This is charged at a per “loaded” mile fee.  This can range anywhere from $2.50 to $6.00 per mile.

The Receiving Funeral Home Services

Once the deceased arrives in their home state, a second funeral home must receive the remains and complete final arrangements.

Typical receiving charges: $600 – $1,500

These expenses are rarely covered by standard travel insurance or Medicare, leaving families responsible for the entire cost.

Service	Typical Cost Range
Local removal and transfer	$300 – $1,000
Preparation & shipping container	$800 – $2,500
Airline cargo transport	$1,000 – $4,000+
Receiving funeral home services	$600 – $1,500
Total potential cost	$3,000 – $10,000+