Can You Use Any Box to Ship FedEx in 2024? (All You Need to Know)

Ecommerce continues seeing massive growth year over year, with online sales projected to hit $1 trillion in 2024 according to Digital Commerce 360. More packages than ever are getting shipped to fulfill all those online orders. For many ecommerce sellers, a key question keeps coming up:

Can I use any box to ship with FedEx or do specific boxes need to be used?

Knowing FedEx‘s guidelines around packaging ensures your important shipments arrive safely and on-time. Fortunately, FedEx does allow certain flexibility when it comes to box usage, although some key limitations exist.

In this comprehensive guide you‘ll learn:

• FedEx‘s specific qualifications for using your own packaging
• Key exceptions where FedEx restricts box usage
• Expert tips for packing and sealing boxes
• How to order free FedEx-approved packaging

Equipped with this information, you can ship FedEx confidently using compliant packaging that protects your contents.

FedEx Packaging Rules and Restrictions

FedEx outlines clear standards that boxes and packaging must meet to be used across their various shipping services. Below are key details every shipper should know straight from their website:

Acceptable Packaging Types

As long as packaging is sturdy and undamaged, FedEx allows usage of:

• Reused boxes
• Retail branded boxes
• Plain brown boxes
• Custom printed boxes

Packaging Condition Requirements

All packaging must:

• Be structurally sound with no holes, tears or rips
• Have all flaps intact
• Not show signs of significant creasing or dents

Boxes with evidence of damage or water exposure may get rejected.

FedEx Size and Weight Limits

Depending on the FedEx service used, maximum size and weight restrictions apply:

Girth = length + (2 x width) + (2 x height)

Unacceptable Boxes

FedEx prohibits usage of Express or OneRate boxes for any non-Express and non-OneRate FedEx services respectively.

Expert Tips for Packing Your Own Boxes

When supplying your own packaging, proper packing processes ensure boxes withstand transit and protect their contents. Consider the following tips from my years in ecommerce logistics:

• Use 2” of high-quality bubble wrap around items
• Secure all box seals with 2-3” durable packing tape
• Place very small boxes into larger outer boxes
• Reinforce box corners and edges with tape if reused
• Ensure box weight stays under service limits

Following those best practices prevents box failure and goods damage.

Exceptions – FedEx Branded Boxes

Two special cases exist where FedEx limits box usage:

FedEx Express Boxes: Only acceptable for FedEx Express shipments
FedEx OneRate Boxes: Acts as shipping label so cannot be reused

Outside those exceptions, feel free to use your own undamaged, sturdy boxes.

Order Free FedEx Packaging

For anyone struggling to source quality boxes for shipping, FedEx offers a range of free packaging options perfect for ecommerce, including:

• FedEx envelopes
• FedEx Paks
• FedEx Padded Paks
• Small, medium and large boxes

Simply create a FedEx account and order any supplies needed.

So in summary – yes, you can use your own packaging for most FedEx ground and freight services as long as boxes meet size, weight and quality conditions. Follow the expert packing tips, watch for FedEx branded box restrictions, and leverage free supplies to ship worry-free. Feel free to reach out with any other questions!