According to the U.S. Postal Service, over 6 billion packages were shipped through USPS in 2021 alone. From essential documents to e-commerce orders, Americans increasingly rely on USPS to send and receive parcels. However, many people dread visiting crowded post office locations, especially during peak mailing seasons. That‘s where Walgreens comes in as a game-changing solution for convenient USPS package drop off.
As one of over 65,000 retail partners in the USPS Approved Postal Provider program, Walgreens now offers full-service USPS shipping at most of its 9,021 U.S. stores. This strategic alliance enhances Walgreens‘ positioning as a one-stop-shop while enabling USPS to extend its retail network and improve customer satisfaction. Let‘s unpack everything you need to know to streamline your shipping experience with Walgreens.
Understanding the USPS-Walgreens Partnership
The Approved Postal Provider program is a key pillar of the USPS Delivering for America plan to achieve financial stability and service excellence. It allows USPS to collaborate with national retailers, grocers, pharmacies, office suppliers and more to expand access to postal products and services.
Walgreens is the second-largest participant in the Approved Shipper Program, which enables retail partners to accept pre-paid, properly packaged USPS items for shipment. The pharmacy giant‘s vast network of stores, extended operating hours, and strong community presence make it a highly valuable ally for USPS.
"Our partnership with USPS is a prime example of how Walgreens is embedding further convenience in our customer experience," said Luke Rauch, Senior Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer at Walgreens. "We know our customers are looking for more affordable and accessible options to meet their shipping needs."
Inside the Walgreens USPS Package Drop Off Process
So, how exactly does shipping USPS packages at Walgreens work? The process is designed to be simple and hassle-free for customers:
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Prepare and label your package: Before heading to Walgreens, make sure your item is safely secured in a sturdy box or envelope. Affix the proper shipping label, which you can handwrite or generate online through USPS Click-N-Ship. Double check that both the recipient and return addresses are complete and accurate.
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Visit the Walgreens customer service desk: Upon arriving at your local Walgreens, proceed to the customer service counter, typically located at the front of the store. According to the 2021 Walgreens Omnichannel Performance Report, 76% of stores now have clear signage highlighting USPS services.
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Choose your shipping service: Tell the Walgreens team member that you have a USPS package to ship. They will ask you to select your preferred mailing service based on delivery speed and special handling needs. The most common options available at Walgreens include:
- Priority Mail (1-3 business days)
- Priority Mail Express (overnight)
- First-Class Package Service (1-3 business days)
- USPS Retail Ground (2-8 business days)
- Media Mail (2-8 business days)
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Pay for postage and receive a receipt: The Walgreens associate will weigh your package, calculate the postage cost, and collect payment. Major credit cards, debit cards, and cash are all accepted. Once the transaction is complete, you‘ll receive an itemized receipt showing the service selected, package details, and tracking number.
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Track your package online: After dropping off your package, you can easily monitor its journey using the 13-character tracking code. Simply enter this number on the USPS tracking website or sign up for automatic SMS/email updates.
While Walgreens strives to offer a full suite of USPS products and services, there are a few limitations to note. Most locations do not handle money orders, international shipments, passports, or PO Box rentals. However, you can purchase First Class Mail stamps and Priority Mail boxes/envelopes to streamline your visit.
Maximizing Convenience and Savings with Walgreens
Opting to use Walgreens over the post office for USPS shipping offers several advantages that can save you precious time and money:
Extensive business hours: Did you know the average Walgreens store is open over 125 hours per week? With many locations operating from 8:00am to 10:00pm (or even 24/7), you have unparalleled flexibility to ship packages before work, in the evening, or on weekends at your convenience.
Ample nearby locations: Over 78% of the U.S. population lives within 5 miles of a Walgreens or Duane Reade store. Whether you‘re in a major city or rural area, a quick postal drop off point is always close at hand, reducing your travel time and fuel expenses.
Reduced wait times: According to a 2022 Consumer Shipping Preferences Survey, 77% of respondents cited long lines as a top frustration when dropping off packages. By dispersing USPS volume across its vast network of stores, Walgreens helps alleviate pressure on post offices, leading to faster transactions. On average, customers can expect to wait just 7-9 minutes on weekdays.
One-stop shopping: The typical Walgreens stocks over 18,000 items, spanning pharmacy, health and wellness, beauty, personal care, grocery, and household essentials. Consolidating your USPS shipping with other shopping needs can cut your number of errands in half, saving valuable time.
These benefits are especially compelling for small business owners and online sellers who frequently ship customer orders and returns via USPS:
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Volume discounts: Walgreens does not charge any markup above standard USPS postage rates, regardless of how many packages you ship per month. However, high-volume shippers can access steep discounts of up to 48% by using the Walgreens Plus Shipping program, powered by ShippingEasy.
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Reliable pickup schedules: All Walgreens locations have a set daily USPS pickup time, with most occurring in the late afternoon or early evening. This predictable cadence allows business shippers to establish efficient fulfillment workflows and consistently meet customer expectations.
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Expert packing assistance: Walgreens‘ well-trained staff can provide guidance on selecting the optimal box sizes, packing materials, and shipping services for different types of products. They‘ll make sure your items are properly secured and labeled to avoid damage or delays in transit.
The Future of USPS Package Services at Walgreens
As e-commerce and remote work drive sustained growth in parcel volume, the collaboration between USPS and Walgreens will only become more vital. The pharmacy chain has aggressive plans to expand self-service kiosks and explore new technology to expedite package drop offs, including dedicated apps and QR code scanners.
Efforts are also underway to further strengthen employee knowledge of USPS products, services, and policies. Starting in 2023, all Walgreens store associates will receive a comprehensive USPS training program to ensure they can confidently address a wide range of common customer questions and scenarios.
To incentivize even more customers to utilize its USPS package services, Walgreens frequently runs limited-time promotions, such as bonus loyalty rewards, fuel discounts, and coupons for future purchases. Be sure to check your Walgreens mobile app or weekly ad for the latest ways to save.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, dropping off USPS packages at Walgreens is a smart choice for everyone from casual shippers to small business owners. With its unbeatable convenience, competitive prices, and expert assistance, Walgreens is transforming the traditionally tedious task of visiting the post office into a quick, easy errand that fits your busy lifestyle.
Whether you‘re mailing a birthday gift to Grandma, returning an online purchase, or fulfilling a critical B2B order, you can count on Walgreens to provide a best-in-class USPS shipping experience. The next time you have a package to send, head to your neighborhood Walgreens and discover a better, simpler way to stay connected with the people (and customers) who matter most.
