Human Remains Logistics

 Life and death are unique phenomena. Death is inevitable; thus, people will eventually become consumers of end-of-life products and services. The death care industry is currently facing radical challenges. The death-denying attitude can severely undermine the examination of the death care industry. Personal care and tailored informative services for the ultimate care of deceased loved ones must be given by a professional logistics service provider. The transport of human remains, bones and ashes requires professional knowledge of local regulations and laws, carrier rules and restrictions, rates and market demand, and shipment safety and protection, and communication between the carriers, customers and end-user (family members). On the side of the logistics service providers, they must overcome their fear of facing a dead body and address the funeral atmosphere of the workplace to improve their psychological well-being. This chapter includes five sections on the nature of human remains, specifications, human remains logistics operation, business ethics, and emerging market challenges of green burials.