If you‘ve ever visited your local post office, you‘ve likely noticed the array of USPS-branded boxes available for customers to take and use for their shipping needs. But what exactly are these boxes for? How do you know which one to choose? And what can you do with any extras you might end up with?
As a savvy consumer and frequent shipper myself, I‘m here to share my expert insights on all things USPS boxes. In this ultimate guide, we‘ll dive into the different types of boxes, how to obtain and use them properly, and tips for getting the most out of this valuable resource.
Understanding Priority Mail and Flat Rate Boxes
The free USPS-branded boxes are designed specifically for the postal service‘s Priority Mail and Priority Mail Flat Rate shipping services. Here‘s a quick breakdown of each:
Priority Mail is an expedited shipping service that typically delivers packages in 1-3 business days. Pricing is based on the weight and destination of the package, with USPS-provided boxes available in several sizes:
| Box Type | Dimensions (L x W x H) |
|---|---|
| Small | 8-11/16" x 5-7/16" x 1-3/4" |
| Medium | 11-1/4" x 8-3/4" x 6" |
| Medium | 14" x 12" x 3-1/2" |
| Large | 12-1/4" x 12" x 6" |
| Large | 24-1/16" x 11-7/8" x 3-1/8" |
Priority Mail Flat Rate follows the same 1-3 day delivery timeframe, but the pricing is based on the size of the box or envelope rather than weight and destination. As long as your items fit in the designated packaging and fall under the 70-pound weight limit, you‘ll pay a flat rate regardless of how much the package actually weighs.
Flat Rate options come in several standard sizes:
| Packaging Type | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Envelope | 12-1/2" x 9-1/2" | $8.25 |
| Legal Envelope | 15" x 9-1/2" | $8.75 |
| Padded Envelope | 12-1/2" x 9-1/2" | $9.25 |
| Small Box | 8-11/16" x 5-7/16" x 1-3/4" | $9.45 |
| Medium Box | 11-1/4" x 8-3/4" x 6" | $16.10 |
| Large Box | 12-1/4" x 12" x 6" | $21.50 |
Sources: USPS.com, USPS Postal Bulletin
As a frequent online seller, I‘ve found that the Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes are incredibly handy for items that are heavy relative to their size, like jewelry or small auto parts. The weight-based pricing of regular Priority Mail is better suited for large but lightweight packages, like clothing or bedding.
How to Get Free USPS Boxes
So where can you get your hands on these free shipping supplies? The most obvious place is your local post office, where you‘ll usually find a display of the most common Priority Mail and Flat Rate box sizes in the lobby area. Most of the time you can simply grab what you need without having to interact with the staff or wait in line.
If your local branch is out of the size you want, or you need a large quantity for your business, you have a few options:
-
Order online: Visit The Postal Store on USPS.com to order boxes shipped right to your door. Flat Rate boxes are free to order in packs of 10 or 25, while other Priority Mail boxes may require a minimum order of 10 or more. You‘ll get tracking info, and your boxes should arrive within 7-10 business days.
-
Ask your mail carrier: If you let your usual mail carrier know what specific boxes you need, they can often bring them on their next route. This can save you a trip to the post office or having to wait for an online order.
-
Check with local businesses: Retailers that do a lot of shipping, especially small businesses, may be willing to part with their extra unused shipping supplies. It never hurts to ask around!
I‘ve definitely taken advantage of all these options. For my small Etsy shop, I use the online store to keep a variety of sizes on hand. But if I‘m just mailing a one-off package, I‘ll swing by the post office to see what they have available. And the one time I ran out of boxes in the middle of a busy holiday rush, my mailman graciously brought me a stack the next day – a total lifesaver!
Tips for Using USPS Boxes
While USPS boxes are a fantastic free resource, there are some key usage guidelines to be aware of:
-
Only use the boxes for their intended USPS service. You can‘t ship a Priority Mail Flat Rate box via regular Priority Mail, or use any USPS boxes for other carriers like UPS or FedEx.
-
Don‘t modify the boxes by cutting, taping, or covering the printed postage markings. This can invalidate the packaging and lead to your package getting returned.
-
Remove any old labels or markings if reusing a box. Crossing out old addresses can confuse sorting machines and delay your package.
-
Fill out the shipping label completely and legibly, making sure to include the full ZIP code for both the sender and recipient. Use a saved label if possible to ensure all required info is included.
It‘s important to note that misusing these free USPS supplies is illegal – it counts as theft of Postal Service property. Always be sure to follow the official guidelines to avoid any issues with your shipments.
Personally, I like to keep a variety of box sizes on hand so I always have the right one for the job. The small Flat Rate box is perfect for shipping jewelry, while I use the large box for bulky hoodies and sweaters. I make sure to remove any old labels and give the boxes a once-over to check for damage before reusing them.
What to Do With Extra USPS Boxes
Because these boxes are free and widely available, it‘s not uncommon to end up with a few more than you need. If you find yourself with an excess of USPS boxes, consider these options before simply tossing them in the trash:
-
Return to USPS: Most post offices will happily take back unused boxes to redistribute to other customers. Bringing your extras is a courteous way to help keep the free box program going strong. Postal workers may even thank you for saving them a reorder!
-
Gift to other shippers: Know a friend with a small business or a neighbor who sells on eBay? Offer up your extra boxes to anyone who could put them to good use. You can also post in local Buy Nothing or freecycle groups.
-
Repurpose for storage: Priority Mail boxes are sturdy and stackable, making them ideal for garage, attic, or closet organization. Use them to corral holiday decorations, out-of-season clothing, or even pantry goods. Just avoid storing anything too heavy that could cause the box to break down over time.
-
Get creative with crafts: With a little ingenuity, Priority Mail boxes can be upcycled into all sorts of useful items. Some ideas: a DIY charging station, drawer organizers, or even a cat bed. Check out Pinterest or YouTube for tons of inspiring USPS box crafts.
-
Recycle mindfully: As a last resort, you can recycle your USPS boxes curbside or through local waste management – just be sure to remove any plastic labels, stickers, or packing tape first. The boxes are 100% recyclable as mixed paper.
Source: Earth911.com
I actually used to work at a post office during college, and I can attest to how much the staff appreciates when customers return those extra boxes. It was always a nice surprise to see a less common size show up in the return bin! These days, I try to pay it forward by offering my extras to my Etsy colleagues or Freecycling them when I can.
The Bottom Line on USPS Boxes
Whether you ship packages daily or just occasionally, USPS boxes are an incredibly useful resource to have at your disposal. By understanding the different types available, how to use them properly, and what to do with extras, you can become a postal pro in no time.
Some key takeaways:
- USPS provides free boxes for Priority Mail and Priority Mail Flat Rate shipping.
- Flat Rate boxes are best for small but heavy items, while regular Priority Mail boxes are suited for large lightweight packages.
- Always use the boxes as intended and labeled to avoid issues with your shipments.
- Return extra boxes to USPS, share with other shippers, or find creative ways to repurpose them.
With these expert insights, you‘re well on your way to becoming a savvy USPS box user. Here‘s to efficient, cost-effective shipping!
