Last updated: April 28, 2026

Prohibited and Restricted Items Policy

To protect customers, drivers, and communities, Cordova Courier applies strict transport controls aligned with federal, state, and local regulations.

All Service Levels Covered Standard, Express, Rush, routed, medical, airport recovery, and freight and bulk workflows.
Core Safety Rule Any shipment that appears unsafe, illegal, or non-compliant may be declined, canceled, or visually verified.
Before You Book If your shipment may be sensitive or high value, request written approval from dispatch first.

This policy applies to every Cordova Courier service tier and shipment type. Booking service means you agree to truthful item declaration, lawful packaging, and all restrictions listed on this page.

1) Absolutely Prohibited Items

These items are not accepted under any circumstances.

  • Illegal drugs or controlled substances, including cannabis in interstate transport.
  • Firearms, ammunition, weapon components, silencers, or explosive devices.
  • Explosives, fireworks, hazardous materials, and highly flammable, toxic, or corrosive chemicals.
  • Human or animal remains, biological specimens, or bodily fluids.
  • Stolen goods or property obtained through illegal activity.
  • Cash, coins, bullion, or bearer instruments such as money orders, checks, and negotiable bonds.
  • Credit or gift cards and bank access media intended for value transfer.
  • Counterfeit goods, illicit electronics, or surveillance devices used without consent.
  • Pornographic, obscene, or indecent materials.
  • Any item prohibited by 49 CFR, TSA rules, or applicable state and local law.

2) Restricted and Conditional Shipments

These shipments may be transported only with proper licensing, compliant packaging, and prior written authorization from Cordova Courier.

  • Prescription medications or medical samples from licensed entities with chain-of-custody controls.
  • Alcoholic beverages from licensed shippers where age verification and local law compliance are satisfied.
  • Lithium batteries and electronics requiring compliant labeling and protective packaging.
  • Perishable goods where the shipper assumes temperature control responsibility.
  • Confidential legal or financial documents requiring identity and purpose verification.
  • High-value items above $5,000 requiring pre-declared value, approval, and additional security fees.

3) Verification and Safety Procedures

  • Contents confirmation: Shipper must accurately disclose shipment contents. Photos may be requested before pickup.
  • ID checks: Government-issued ID may be required at pickup and delivery, and should match booking details.
  • Packaging: Shipper is responsible for lawful, secure, and protective packaging and labeling.
  • Right to decline or cancel: Cordova Courier may refuse or stop service when compliance remains unclear.
  • Airport and secured sites: Additional documentation and access rules may apply, including SIDA or TWIC escorts.

4) Liability, Enforcement, and Reporting

  • Attempting to ship prohibited items may result in immediate cancellation and notification to authorities.
  • Misdeclared contents void applicable coverage and may result in fees or permanent account suspension.
  • Cordova Courier cooperates with lawful requests from regulators and law enforcement agencies.

5) Service Notes and Wait Time Policy

  • Service levels: Standard (5am to 5pm), Express, and Rush options are available.
  • Airport recovery: Supported at SFO, SCK, SJC, OAK, SMF, and other locations.
  • Included wait time: 15 minutes at pickup and 15 minutes at drop-off.
  • Extended wait billing: After included time, $1.25 per minute applies.
  • After-hours charges: Weekend, holiday, or after-hours surcharges may apply based on dispatch quote.

6) Examples for Clarity

Typically Accepted with Standard Checks

  • Signed contracts and closing documents.
  • Medical devices that are non-hazardous and properly packaged.
  • Non-hazardous auto parts and retail goods.
  • IT equipment where lithium rules are not exceeded.

Declined on Sight

  • Sealed cash-only envelopes or bundles.
  • Unlabeled chemical containers.
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosive materials.
  • Substances presented as research chemicals without documentation.

FAQs

Can you open my package to verify contents?

We may request visual verification, such as photos before pickup or inspection in your presence. If compliance cannot be confirmed, we decline or cancel the shipment.

Can you transport prescription medications?

Only for licensed entities and only where law and documentation requirements are satisfied. Chain-of-custody, temperature, and recordkeeping standards apply.

What about lithium batteries?

The shipper must meet current packaging and labeling standards, including watt-hour limits and protective handling.

Do you carry cash or gift cards?

No. Cash, coins, bullion, bearer instruments, and gift or credit cards intended for value transfer are strictly prohibited.

How do you handle suspicious requests?

We document the request, decline unsafe transport, and escalate when appropriate. Driver and public safety comes first.

Questions or Special Approval?

When in doubt, contact dispatch before scheduling pickup.

Request a Quote Contact Dispatch

By booking service with Cordova Courier LLC, you agree to this policy and applicable terms and conditions.