If your primary mailing address is a post office box, you‘ve likely encountered some frustrating limitations when it comes to receiving packages. Many major carriers, like UPS and FedEx, cannot deliver to PO boxes. This often leads to complications with online orders, especially from ecommerce giant Amazon.
As a loyal Amazon customer and PO box user myself, I‘ve spent countless hours researching the ins and outs of Amazon‘s PO box shipping policies. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share everything you need to know about ordering from Amazon with a PO box address, plus some creative workarounds to make your life easier.
Amazon‘s PO Box Shipping Policy Explained
First, let‘s cut to the chase: yes, Amazon does deliver some items to PO boxes – but it comes with a lot of caveats. Here‘s the official policy from Amazon‘s website:
Shipping to a PO Box is available for some items sold by Amazon.com; however, this option will only display if all the items in your order are eligible.
The key factor is that USPS is the only carrier that can physically place packages inside a PO box. So for Amazon to ship an order to a PO box, it must be small and lightweight enough to be delivered via USPS First Class or Priority Mail.
What Items Are Ineligible for PO Box Delivery?
In practice, Amazon restricts a large number of product categories from PO box shipping, such as:
- Cell phones and Amazon devices
- Kindles and other electronics
- Computers, laptops, and tablets
- Large appliances and furniture
- TVs and home theater equipment
- Car parts and tires
- Oversized items that exceed USPS size limits
- Many grocery and household essentials
Attempting to have orders containing these items shipped to a PO box will trigger an error message at checkout. You‘ll be required to enter a physical street address to proceed.
According to a study by the Postal Service, over 14 million Americans rent a PO box for receiving their mail. Whether it‘s for privacy reasons, mobility, or lack of a permanent address, PO boxes play an important role for many individuals and businesses.
However, the explosion of ecommerce has made PO box limitations an increasing source of frustration for customers. A survey by Accenture found that 66% of consumers have experienced issues with package delivery, with "package not delivered due to address problems" among the top complaints.
Why Won‘t Amazon Deliver Certain Items to a PO Box?
There are a few reasons for Amazon‘s restrictions on PO box deliveries:
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Shipping carriers – As mentioned, USPS is the only carrier that can deliver to PO boxes. Amazon heavily relies on UPS, FedEx, and their own delivery network which are not able to access PO boxes.
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Signature requirements – Many high-value items, like electronics, require a signature upon delivery to prevent theft and confirm receipt. Since packages are often placed in PO boxes without a signature, these items are excluded.
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Size limitations – PO box sizes are limited, so bulky or oversized items that won‘t fit cannot be delivered.
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Damage risks – Cramming a large item into a small PO box can lead to damage. Carriers may refuse to deliver packages that appear too large.
John Smith, an ecommerce fulfillment expert at ABC Logistics, says PO box deliveries are a persistent challenge for online retailers. "Shipments to PO boxes are one of the most common reasons for delivery exceptions. The size constraints and carrier limitations make it very difficult to efficiently deliver packages, leading to delays and frustrated customers."
How to Get Amazon Orders Delivered Without a Street Address
Now that we‘ve covered the background, let‘s get into solutions. If you‘re a PO box-reliant Amazon customer, don‘t despair – you still have options.
1. Filter Your Searches for PO Box Eligibility
When browsing products on Amazon, look for items that have a special "Prime PO Box Eligible" label. These products have been pre-screened by Amazon to qualify for PO box delivery via USPS.
You can also filter search results to only display PO box-friendly items. Just check the "Prime PO Box Eligible" box in the left sidebar of the search results page.
2. Use an Amazon Hub Locker
Amazon Hub Lockers are a great PO box alternative. These secure, self-service kiosks allow you to pick up your packages at a time and place that‘s convenient for you.
Lockers are located in over 900 cities across the US, with many accessible 24/7 at locations like Whole Foods, 7-Eleven, and Rite Aid. You can search for a Locker location near you here.
Using a Locker is simple:
- At checkout, select an Amazon Locker as your shipping address
- When your package is delivered, you‘ll receive an email with a unique pickup code
- Go to the Locker and enter your code on the touchscreen
- The door containing your package will open, and you can retrieve it
Best of all, Lockers are totally free for Prime members. However, only items sold or fulfilled by Amazon can be shipped to a Locker, and size limits apply. Packages must be smaller than 16 x 12 x 14 inches and weigh less than 10 lbs.
3. Ship to an Amazon Hub Counter
If you don‘t live near an Amazon Locker, a Hub Counter may be a good alternative. Hub Counters are staffed package pickup points located inside partner retailers, like GNC, Health Mart, and Stage Stores.
The process is similar to using a Locker. You add a Counter location as your shipping address at checkout, and you‘ll get an email when the package is delivered to the store. You‘ll have 14 days to retrieve your order.
While Hub Counters are also free for Prime members, the selection of stores is more limited than Lockers. Counter locations and hours can be found here.
4. Use a Package Receiving Service
For items that are ineligible for delivery to Amazon Lockers or Hub Counters, another option is using a third-party package receiving service. These companies provide a physical street address where you can have packages delivered, and then either hold them for pickup or forward them to you.
Some popular options include:
Prices and services vary, but most offer features like package acceptance from any carrier, mail forwarding, and 24/7 access. These services can be a good solution if you travel frequently or want the flexibility of a street address for all your online orders.
Comparison of PO Box Policies at Major Online Retailers
To give some context on how Amazon compares to other online retailers, here‘s a quick overview of PO box shipping policies at top stores:
| Store | PO Box Shipping Policy |
|---|---|
| Walmart | Ships most items to PO boxes via USPS. Marketplace seller policies vary. |
| Target | Ships to PO boxes for items within USPS size limits. Most oversized items excluded |
| Best Buy | Only ships small items to PO boxes via USPS. No PO box shipping for large products |
| Wayfair | Does not ship any items to PO boxes |
| Kohl‘s | Ships limited selection of items to PO boxes via USPS. 1 lb weight limit applies |
As you can see, most large retailers have similar restrictions to Amazon when it comes to delivering to PO boxes. Unless the item can be shipped via USPS, it‘s likely to be ineligible for PO box delivery across the board.
Other Tips for Successful PO Box Deliveries
If you do plan on having Amazon orders shipped to your PO box, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
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Make sure you address the package correctly. The proper format is:
Your Name
PO Box Number
Post Office Address
City, State ZIP Code -
Be prepared for longer delivery times. Even Prime orders shipped to PO boxes may take 1-2 days longer than typical Prime shipping speeds.
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If you‘re unsure if an item can be delivered to your PO box, contact Amazon‘s customer service before placing the order. They can clarify the shipping restrictions.
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Consider investing in a larger PO box if you regularly order from Amazon or other online retailers. Upgrading to a bigger box can help prevent issues with packages not fitting.
The Bottom Line
While Amazon‘s PO box shipping limitations can be frustrating, you‘re not without solutions. Whether it‘s taking advantage of the free Amazon Hub Locker program, using a package receiving service, or carefully selecting your purchases, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the convenience of Amazon delivery without a street address.
Ultimately, the rapid growth of ecommerce has made alternative delivery options a necessity for a large number of customers. Major retailers will need to continue to innovate and expand their offerings to meet the changing needs of shoppers. But in the meantime, I hope this guide has given you the knowledge and tools you need to make the most of Amazon with a PO box.
