Can You Use Any Box To Ship Usps? (All You Need To Know)
A good sign of adulthood, is to have a container because it’s “good,” which can be very useful for shipping.
The United States Postal Service carries plenty of Flat Rate box options, and they will even ship them to you for free if you order them online.
It might seem odd to ask: Can any USPS box be used for shipping? Are you locked into the USPS Flat Rate service? You will find the solution you are looking for.
Is it possible to use any box for USPS shipping in 2022
While the United States Postal Service does encourage the use of their Flat Rate shipping boxes, customers can send packages using pretty much any box they desire. There are a few limitations in terms of size and appearance, but most boxes, if prepared correctly, are eligible for USPS shipping.
How Do You Use Or Reuse A Box To Ship USPS?
You can find a wealth of information on the USPS.com website about how to reuse or use your box for shipping via their system.
Five things are important to remember when you choose your own box.
Are there logos/labels on the surface that should be removed or covered?
Does it advertise any of the items that are prohibited by USPS from being mailed? This applies to firearms, alcohol, and other toxic materials.
The USPS website states that if the box has any pictures or words referring to these items, it will be removed from circulation.
Does the container have a regular size? Boxes in irregular sizes/shapes won’t go through the scanning/sorting/processing machines and may be subject to extra fees.
Does the package have enough strength? Although USPS does not make it a practice to abuse packages, boxes should withstand some handling and jostling.
Do you think the size of your box is adequate? While the Postal Service’s limits on box sizes are by no means small, customers must nonetheless ensure their packages do not exceed 108 inches in total length and girth.
The USPS webpage has more details on how to prepare your package for shipping.
Is It Cheaper To Use Your Own Box To Ship With USPS?
You can save money by using your own USPS flat-rate box instead of purchasing one. This will depend on your destination and the dimension and weight.
ShippingEasy.com notes that Priority Mail Flat Rates can cost more if you are sending lighter items.
If you’re trying to figure out the cheapest service, then you will have to perform some comparisons.
It’s easy with the USPS.com shipping calculator tool. Enter your shipment information to receive all available shipping options, along with an estimate price.
Is it possible to use any box for USPS Priority Mail shipping?
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 will be required to enable you to pay Priority Flat rate prices. That said, they are totally free at Post Office locations or online.
Priority Mail Express does NOT ship boxes. This service only ships letters and not envelopes.
Are You able to use any container for USPS First-Class shipping?
For USPS First Class shipping, you can ship any container provided that your item does not exceed 15.999 oz.
First Class shipping for packages is only available to small and light items. For heavier or larger boxes, choose another shipping option.
However, USPS does not sell First Class boxes so you will need to supply your own.
Is it possible to ship internationally with USPS using any box?
International shipping is possible if your box does not fit within the USPS Priority Mail International flat Rate boxes.
Internationally, you can send parcels using Global Express Guaranteed.
But, it is important to check that you have all required international shipping requirements in place for the boxes you use.
What’s the smallest USPS box that you can ship?
ShippingSchool.com says that USPS will accept a package as small as 6 inches by 3inches by 1/4 inch. This is equivalent to 6″ x 3inches x.25″.
You can also find useful advice on the site if you choose a smaller box.
What is their advice? They advise:
Very rarely does USPS, in their opinion, remove a box for being too small.
Which is the Largest USPS Box?
ShippingSchool.com lists the top two mail classes with their maximum boxes.
All other classes share the same size limit as Priority Mail. The only exception is USPS Retail Ground. This is 130 in total.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on whether or not USPS notarize documents, if USPS scans packages, and also if USPS delivers to 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.
Are my boxes allowed to be used for usps purposes?
So long as the Flat Rate isn’t used for shipping, you can use any box. No, you don’t have to use any specific box if Priority Mail Commercial is being shipped from your house. Nov 23, 2020
How can I reuse Amazon boxes to ship meps
Recycling and re-using packaging is good for the environment, but it has to be done correctly to be sent through the mail. Do not reuse mail boxes. They can become fragile during shipping. Dec 8, 2021
Shipping Usps with Your Own Box Is Cheaper
Oct 31, 2018.
.Can You Use Any Box To Ship Usps? (All You Need To Know)