SECTION 181.3. Transportation of Dead Bodies

(a) Bodies shipped by common carrier.

(1) Any body shipped by common carrier must be placed in either:

(A) a sound casket enclosed in a strong outside shipping case; or

(B) a metal container specifically designed for this purpose.

(2) If the body is not embalmed or is in a state of decomposition, it may be shipped only after enclosure in an air-tight metal casket encased in a strong outside shipping case or in a sound casket encased in an air-tight metal or metal lined shipping case.

(3) Shipping containers and requirements for the shipping of dead bodies must meet or exceed any requirement imposed by the shipping company, the receiving state or foreign country.

(4) When any body is to be transported by common carrier, the burial-transit permit shall be enclosed in a strong envelope and attached to the shipping case. No separate transit permit shall be required.

(b) Bodies transported by means other than common carrier.

(1) Any body transported by means other than a common carrier must be encased in a container which insures against seepage of fluid and the escape of offensive odors, provided, however, that bodies transported by a licensed funeral director in a vehicle used for such purpose need not be so encased.

(2) If a dead body is to be transported by means other than a common carrier and for a purpose other than preparation or storage, the report of death form shall be enclosed in a strong envelope and attached to the container in which the body is enclosed.

(c) Duties of transportation companies. No transportation company shall accept any body for shipment until it has been ascertained that a properly completed burial-transit permit accompanies the body.

Source Note: The provisions of this §181.3 adopted to be effective January 1, 1976; amended to be effective October 8, 1990, 15 TexReg 5603; amended to be effective July 3, 2003, 28 TexReg 4904