What To Do When A Loved One Passes Away In A Different State

Today, it is possible for death arrangements to cross the state lines. Although shipping cremated remains is cheaper than shipping the body, many families prefer shipping the body instead of cremation. Therefore, the major concern for many families is to reduce the body transportation costs, especially when there is a possibility that two funeral homes will be involved.

So, how do you transport the body of a loved one who passes away in a different state?

First, you will need to contact your local funeral home where you want the body to be shipped to. Then, ask the funeral home to contact the funeral home in the other state, and make the required arrangements to remove the body of your loved one from that state.

You will need to make sure that the two funeral homes have the required information, like the name of the deceased, time and date of death, and current location of the departed relative. Do not forget to add your contact information, your relationship with the deceased, as well as the contact information of the doctor who attended to the deceased.

Secondly, enquire to know how the body should be transported across the states lines if you want to handle the transportation without the assistance of the funeral home. Any large private vehicle will be enough to transport the body. Ask whether embalming is needed and for the necessary documentation required to facilitate the transportation. Inform the funeral director about the transportation agent so that the funeral home can give the relevant paperwork and permits.

If you decide to transport the body using the funeral home services, contact the director to determine the cost of transporting the remains. Ensure that you confirm whether the price covers pick-up, embalming, shipping cost, and other basic services.

Then you are required to select the shipping container you will use to transport the remains of your loved one to your state. You should select a container that is designed to carry the body, or a container that covers the casket, in case you are using one. It is good to understand that the shipping containers can be reused, as this helps in saving money. So, you can choose to reuse a container if you don't want to buy a new shipping container.

Once you make the necessary transport arrangements, you need to contact the receiving mortuary to discuss the costs of receiving the body, filling burial permits and death certificate, and transporting the remains to the final resting place. Because two mortuaries are involved, also consider asking both of them about funeral packages.

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