Can I Use Any Box To Ship USPS?
The USPS provides a range of Flat Rate box alternatives that are free if you order them online. Although the USPS encourages customers to use their Flat Rate shipping boxes and parcels, it is not compulsory. Customers can mail their goods using any box they want. Though there are some limitations like size and appearance, most boxes are eligible for USPS delivery if they are sufficiently packed.
The USPS.com website has a variety of information about using or reusing a box for mailing through their system. If you are thinking of using your box for shipping your goods, keep the following factors in mind
Make sure the box is plain. If it has any sort of logo or label, remove it. Make sure your box is not displaying or promoting anything that is banned by the USPS. For example, USPS does not allow anything displaying or promoting things like alcohol and gun. According to USPS ordinances, any box containing words or visuals referencing these goods will not be facilitated. Make sure to use a standard sized box. USPS does not facilitate boxes that are of irregular sizes and shapes. In some cases, they may subject them to extra charges. Make sure to use a box that is adequately made. Although the United States Postal Service does not abuse shipments, your boxes must be able to withstand some handling and shaking. Make sure to use a box that is of adequate size, your package should not exceed 108 inches in total length and width. This is not important all the time but ensure it to be on the safe side
In the end, It all comes down to the length/width and weight of your box and also the destination when it comes to saving money by using your box rather than shipping a USPS Flat Rate box. Also, if you want to find out which service is the cheapest, you’ll have to do some comparison shopping. Enter the cargo details into the USPS.com postage calculation tool, and you’ll get a list of all the shipping options, along with estimated costs. Here are the box specifications of different services provided by USPS,
USPS Priority Mail
Yes, you can make use of any box you have to your convenience to ship your goods through USPS Priority Mail but if you want to pay for the shipment according to USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate shipping fees, you can only use the USPS flat rate box. However, they are completely free at Post Office branches and online.
USPS Priority Mail Express
If you’re thinking about Priority Mail Express, it’s a service that only sends letters and envelopes.
USPS First Class
The USPS First Class doesn’t allow shipping of heavy parcels and boxes. The recommended weight of the parcel is around 16 ounces. In terms of length and width, you can ship a First Class Package that is 108 inches long and wide, combined. You can ship your item in a variety of ways that include an envelope, a poly mailer, a plain box, or branded box. Here is a quick note, you must bring your own First Class box because the US Postal Service does not provide them. You’ll have to use a different shipping provider if you’re sending something heavier or larger than the specified size lightbox.
Ship Internationally through USPS?
If you want to ship globally, you can easily do so by using your box instead of using the USPS Priority Mail International Flat Rate boxes,. Also, if you are looking for alternatives to USPS, you can ship your package or box via other similar services like Priority Mail Express International, Global Express Guaranteed, First-Class Package International, or Priority Mail International. However, make sure that the box/parcel you are trying to use for any of these services conforms with all international postal shipping requirements.
Conclusion
The USPS provides flexible options such as package pick-up and use of your box for all of their mail services, including international shipping. Use the USPS.com postage calculator to discover the best service for you and an estimate of the shipping cost if you want to save money by using your box.
What is the smallest box that USPS will accept?
The smallest box that USPS will accept, according to ShippingSchool.com, is 6″ x 3″ x.25″. If the box you have picked is not big enough, you can contact USPS for alternative options.
Note: If you’re buying postage online, type down the dimensions or measurement of size of the box, print them out, and tape them to the box. There are very rare chances when USPS removes a box for being small.
What is the biggest box size that USPS accepts?
The maximum box size with USPS varies by mail class, but ShippingSchool.com lists the two most commonly used classes and their maximum box sizes:
The recommended size for USPS First-Class is not to exceed 22″x18″x15″. The recommended size for USPS Priority Mail is not to exceed 108 inches.
Except for USPS Retail Ground, which has a total size of 130 inches, the other classes’ maximum size is similar to Priority Mail.
