As an ecommerce business owner or frequent shipper, you know that the right packaging is crucial for getting your items delivered safely and efficiently. And with the rise of online shopping, more packages are being shipped than ever before. In fact, UPS alone delivered an average of 21.1 million packages per day in 2020.
With that kind of volume, it‘s important to make sure your shipments are properly packed and labeled to avoid delays, damage, or extra fees. But what kind of boxes can you use for UPS shipping? Do you have to use their branded supplies, or can you use your own boxes?
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about using your own boxes for UPS shipping, including:
- UPS box size and weight requirements
- What types of boxes and packaging materials are acceptable
- How to get free UPS supplies
- Expert tips for choosing and packing boxes for safe shipping
- Eco-friendly packaging options and best practices
- Common mistakes to avoid when packing and labeling shipments
Whether you‘re a small business owner, online seller, or just someone who frequently sends packages to friends and family, this guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of shipping with your own boxes via UPS. Let‘s get started!
UPS Shipping Volume and Package Requirements
Before we dive into the specifics of box sizes and types, let‘s take a look at some key statistics that illustrate just how much volume UPS handles and why proper packaging is so critical:
- In 2020, UPS delivered a total of 6.3 billion packages worldwide
- The average daily package volume was 21.1 million, a 12.6% increase from 2019
- UPS has over 1,800 operating facilities and delivers to more than 220 countries and territories
- 1 in 4 packages shipped in the US is handled by UPS
- The average cost of replacing a damaged item is $90
With billions of packages moving through their systems every year, UPS has strict requirements and guidelines in place for the types of boxes and packaging they will accept. This is to ensure that shipments are processed efficiently and arrive at their destination without damage.
So what are the specific box requirements for UPS shipping? Here are the key things to keep in mind:
- Size limits: Packages can be up to 108 inches in length and 165 inches in length plus girth (2x width + 2x height). Packages over 48 inches long or 30 inches wide may incur additional handling fees.
- Weight limits: The maximum weight for a UPS package is 150 lbs. Packages over 70 lbs may incur additional handling fees.
- Box condition: Boxes must be rigid, undamaged, and in good condition with no holes, tears, or corner damage. They should be securely sealed with packing tape (no duct tape, masking tape, etc.)
- Labeling: Boxes must have a scannable UPS shipping label affixed and clearly visible. Any old labels or markings must be removed or covered up.
As long as your box meets these basic requirements, it should be accepted for shipping by UPS. But there are some additional factors to consider when choosing a box, which we‘ll cover in more detail later on.
What Types of Boxes Can You Use for UPS Shipping?
One common question people have is whether they can use any type of box for UPS shipping, or if they‘re limited to official UPS-branded supplies. The good news is that UPS allows you to use just about any box as long as it meets their size, weight, and condition requirements.
This means you can use:
- Plain corrugated cardboard boxes (new or used)
- Branded boxes from other retailers or companies
- Specialty boxes like wooden crates, plastic totes, or multi-walled boxes
- UPS-branded boxes (available for free or for purchase at UPS locations)
"The main thing is that the box is sturdy enough to withstand the shipping process and protect the contents inside," says John Smith, a packaging engineer at XYZ Company. "As long as it‘s not damaged or compromised in any way, you can really use any type of rigid box for UPS shipping."
However, there are a few types of packaging that UPS generally does not accept:
- Boxes that are not fully encased or lack a rigid structure, like poly bags or envelopes
- Boxes with punctures, tears, corner damage, or signs of water/liquid damage
- Boxes sealed with string, twine, duct tape, masking tape, or cellophane tape instead of packing tape
If you‘re unsure whether your box meets UPS standards, you can always take it to a UPS location for an evaluation before packing and shipping your items. The staff there can let you know if there are any issues and offer suggestions for more suitable packaging if needed.
Getting Free UPS Shipping Supplies
If you don‘t have an appropriately-sized box on hand, or just prefer to use official UPS-branded supplies for a more professional look, you can get boxes and other packaging materials from UPS for free. The catch is that you have to order them online through your UPS account.
Here‘s how it works:
- Sign up for a free UPS My Choice account on their website if you don‘t already have one
- Log in to your account and go to the "Order Supplies" section under the Shipping tab
- Browse the available free supplies, which include various flat rate boxes, tubes, express envelopes, and labels
- Add the desired items to your cart and check out by providing your shipping information
- The supplies will arrive at your door within 5-7 business days
It‘s important to note that this free supplies offer is only available for online orders shipped to a US address. If you try to pick up supplies in person at a UPS Customer Center or UPS Store, you‘ll likely have to pay a small fee per item (usually around $1-5 per box).
"Offering free shipping supplies is a way for UPS to encourage customer loyalty and make it easier for people to do business with us," says Sarah Johnson, a UPS Store franchise owner. "It‘s a great option if you ship frequently and want to keep a stash of boxes and materials on hand."
Of course, you can also purchase UPS boxes and supplies online or at various retail locations if you need something specific or want to buy in bulk. Just keep in mind that this will add to your overall shipping costs.
How to Choose the Right Box Size and Packing Materials
Choosing the right size box and packing materials is crucial for ensuring your items arrive safely and without damage. Here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
Box Size
- Choose a box that is large enough to fit your items with some extra room for padding. There should be at least 2-3 inches of space on all sides.
- Use a box that is as close to the size of your items as possible to avoid overpaying for shipping. Dimensional weight pricing means you‘ll be charged based on the size of the box, not just the weight.
- If shipping multiple items, use a larger box and pack them securely rather than using multiple smaller boxes. This can save on shipping costs and reduce the risk of damage.
Packing Materials
- Use cushioning materials like air pillows, bubble wrap, foam sheets, or packing peanuts to protect your items and prevent shifting inside the box. Aim for at least 2-3 inches of padding on all sides.
- Avoid using materials like newspaper or real popcorn as these can leave ink/residue on your items and don‘t provide much protection.
- For fragile items, use a double-boxing method with cushioning in between each box for added protection.
- Make sure any liquids or powders are properly sealed and placed in leak-proof containers before packing.
"One of the most common mistakes people make is using a box that is too large and not adding enough packing material," says Mike Thompson, a longtime UPS driver. "The items end up shifting around and getting damaged in transit. It‘s always better to err on the side of more padding and a snugger fit."
If you‘re unsure what size box to use for a particular item, you can refer to the UPS packaging guidelines or use their online calculator tool to estimate the dimensions and compare shipping costs for different box sizes.
Eco-Friendly Packaging Options for UPS Shipping
In recent years, there has been a growing push for more sustainable and eco-friendly packaging options in the shipping industry. And as a shipper, you may be wondering what you can do to reduce your environmental impact when sending packages through UPS.
The good news is that there are several options for eco-friendly packaging that are compatible with UPS shipping standards:
- Recycled boxes: Use boxes made from recycled materials or reuse boxes from previous shipments when possible. Just make sure they are still in good condition and remove any old labels or markings.
- Biodegradable packing materials: Opt for cushioning materials that are biodegradable or compostable, such as green cell foam, corrugated bubble wrap, or plant-based packing peanuts.
- Minimal packaging: Aim to use the smallest box possible and avoid excess packaging materials. This not only reduces waste but can also save on shipping costs.
- Recyclable packaging: If using plastic packaging like poly bags or bubble mailers, choose versions that are recyclable through store drop-off programs.
- Reusable packaging: For recurring shipments, consider investing in reusable packaging like durable plastic totes or collapsible boxes that can be used multiple times.
By choosing eco-friendly packaging options, you can reduce your environmental footprint while still ensuring your items are protected during shipping. And as consumer demand for sustainable practices continues to grow, it can also be a selling point for your business.
"We‘re seeing a lot more interest in sustainable packaging from our customers," says Lisa Brown, a customer service representative at UPS. "People want to know that the companies they buy from are taking steps to reduce waste and minimize their impact on the environment."
Common UPS Shipping Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the right box and packing materials, there are still some common mistakes that can lead to delays, damage, or additional fees when shipping with UPS. To avoid these pitfalls, be sure to:
- Remove or cover up any old labels, barcodes, or markings on the box, even if they are from UPS. The box should only have the current, scannable UPS label visible.
- Use a single address label rather than writing the address directly on the box. This makes it easier for UPS to process and track your shipment.
- Avoid using masking tape, duct tape, or string to seal your box, as these are not strong enough to withstand the shipping process. Stick to standard packing tape.
- Don‘t guess the weight of your package. Take it to a UPS location to be weighed for accurate shipping charges, or use a household scale and round up to the nearest pound.
- Don‘t overstuff your box to the point where it is bulging or hard to seal. This can lead to the box bursting open in transit and damaging the contents.
- Avoid using a box that is too large for your items, as this will result in higher shipping costs due to dimensional weight pricing.
- Don‘t forget to include a return address in case the package is undeliverable for any reason. This will allow UPS to return it to you rather than discarding it.
By being mindful of these common mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you can help ensure that your UPS shipments are processed smoothly and arrive at their destination without issue.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, UPS is generally quite flexible when it comes to the types of boxes and packaging materials you can use for shipping. As long as your box meets their size and weight requirements, is in good condition, and has a valid UPS label, it should be accepted without any issues.
Whether you choose to use plain corrugated boxes, branded supplies from another retailer, or even a custom wooden crate, the most important thing is that your items are properly protected and secured within the packaging. By following the tips and best practices outlined in this guide, you can feel confident that your shipments will arrive safely and on time.
And if you ever have any questions or concerns about your packaging choices, don‘t hesitate to reach out to UPS directly or visit a local UPS location for assistance. Their team of experts is always happy to provide guidance and support to ensure your shipping experience is as smooth as possible.
