Can You Use Any Box To Ship Usps? (All You Need To Know)
One of the marks of adulthood is keeping a box because it’s a “good box,” and this practice comes in handy when it comes time to ship something.
Flat Rate boxes are available at the United States Postal Service. You may even get them shipped free online.
It might seem odd to ask: Can any USPS box be used for shipping? Do you have to subscribe to the USPS Flat Rate Service? I have the answer you seek.
Are You able to ship USPS in any other box than the one listed above?
The United States Postal Service encourages customers to use their Flat Rate shipping containers, however they are open to all types of boxes. The USPS has some guidelines regarding size and appearance. Most boxes, however, can be used for shipping.
How do you reuse or use a USPS box for shipping?
USPS.com offers a wide range of guidance on how to make and reuse your own boxes in order to ship through the USPS system.
To start off, there are five things you’ll want to consider when choosing your own box:
Are there logos/labels on the surface that should be removed or covered?
Are there any prohibited items from USPS being mailed that it does not advertise? It includes guns, alcohol and toxic material.
The USPS site states that any box containing words or images referring to such items will be removed.
Do you need a box that is standard in size? Boxes in irregular sizes/shapes won’t go through the scanning/sorting/processing machines and may be subject to extra fees.
Do you think the box is sturdy? USPS doesn’t make a habit of abusing packages, but boxes do need to stand up to a certain degree of handling and jostling.
How small is the box? Although the Postal Service does not limit box size, it is important that customers ensure that packages are no more than 108 inches long and wide.
Visit the USPS site for additional information.
What is the best way to save money on shipping your box with USPS?
If you are looking to save money and use your own box over a USPS Flat-Rate box, the factors that matter most include the weight and dimensions of your package along with the destination.
ShippingEasy.com notes that Priority Mail Flat Rates can cost more if you are sending lighter items.
It is up to you to evaluate and contrast the prices of different services to decide which one will be most cost-effective.
With the USPS.com’s postage calculator, you can easily do all of this. Enter the information for your shipment and receive all options along with estimated shipping costs.
Can You Use Any Box To Ship USPS Priority Mail?
To ship Priority Mail, as long that you do not attempt to obtain the USPS Priority Mail flat-rate shipping prices you may use any other box.
Flat Rate boxes can be used to pay Priority Flat-Rate prices. They’re available online or at Post Office locations for absolutely free.
Priority Mail Express doesn’t ship boxes. They only send letters and addresses.
Do you have to send USPS First class with any other box than the one listed?
If your shipment is less than 15 ounces, then you may use any type of box for USPS First Class.
First Class Package shipping is for very small packages. However, if you wish to send something bigger/heavier you can choose to go with a different shipping company.
USPS doesn’t sell First Class boxes. This means that you will have to order yours.
What boxes can you use to send internationally with the USPS
You can ship international using your own USPS Priority Mail International Flat-Rate box if you don’t want to use any of these boxes.
You can send parcels internationally using Global Express Guaranteed, Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International and First-Class Package International.
But, it is important to check that you have all required international shipping requirements in place for the boxes you use.
What is the smallest package you can send USPS?
ShippingSchool.com claims that USPS will accept small packages as small at 6″x3″, 3″x.25″
A helpful suggestion is provided on the website if your chosen box is not large enough.
The advice they gave? Their advice?
USPS will rarely, if ever, take a package that is considered too small to be returned.
What Is The Largest Box You Can Ship USPS?
Each mail class is different in terms of maximum box size with USPS, but ShippingSchool.com cites the two most popular classes and their max box sizes:
For the other classes, the maximum size is the same as Priority Mail, with the one exception of USPS Retail Ground, which is 130 inches total.
Learn more by reading our posts: Does the USPS notarize documents? Do they scan packages? And if USPS delivers at your door.
USPS offers flexible services, like package pick-up and yes, use-your-own box shipping for pretty much all of their mail classes, including International shipping.
If you want to use your own box to save money, use the USPS.com postage calculator to find all the different services for which your parcel is eligible, as well as the estimated cost.
Do I need to use my own usps box?
If you don’t ship Flat Rate, then yes. No, you don’t have to use any specific box if Priority Mail Commercial is being shipped from your house. Nov 23, 2020
Can I Reuse An Amazon Box To Ship Usps?
While recycling and reusing packaging are good for the planet, they must be properly sent. Do not reuse mail boxes. They can become fragile during shipping. Dec 8, 2021
Do You Think It’s More Cost-Effective to Ship USPS With Your Own Container?
Oct 31, 2018.
.Can You Use Any Box To Ship Usps? (All You Need To Know)
