Can You Use Any Box To Ship USPS In 2024? (All You Need To Know)
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is known for its signature Flat Rate boxes that offer affordable, predictable shipping rates no matter the package weight (up to 70 lbs). In 2022, USPS reported shipping over 7.3 billion of these Flat Rate boxes alone.
However, USPS does allow customers to use their own boxes for shipping as well. There are a few limitations and preparation steps to follow, but in many cases your own packaging can be a great option. Below I‘ll cover everything you need to know about using any box for your USPS shipments this year.
When Your Own Box Makes Sense
According to my 10+ years of experience regularly shipping with USPS, here are the main benefits of supplying your own box vs. relying solely on USPS packaging:
Cost savings – If your package weighs 1 lb or less, Priority Mail is often cheaper than Priority Flat Rate when you use your own box.
Better size fit – Don‘t pay for box space you don‘t need. Your own box reduces wasted space.
Reuse – Reuse boxes from Amazon orders or other shipments rather than buying new ones.
Custom branding – Print your business logo or messaging right on your shipping boxes.
Specialty packaging – For irregular shaped items, your own box may be the only option. USPS boxes are mostly standard sizes.
Environmental benefits – Reuse reduces demand for new cardboard material and resources.
Here is a comparison of the main pros and cons of USPS packaging vs. your own:
| USPS Box | Your Own Box | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Flat Rate provides predictable postage Can be more expensive for lighter packages | Potentially cheaper for lightweight shipments going shorter distances |
| Convenience | Free boxes delivered to your door Guaranteed flat rate postage | Requires finding suitable box Must measure and weigh box for postage quote |
| Branding | Only USPS branding | Add your own custom branding |
| Fit | Standard box sizes May not fit item well | Use best fitting box for each item |
| Environmental | Recycled cardboard Single use | Promotes box reuse Avoids new materials |
So in many cases, supplying your own packaging is the optimal choice. But USPS boxes do offer unbeatable convenience in some situations.
How To Properly Package Your Own Boxes for USPS
To avoid delays, returned packages or extra fees, make sure you carefully prepare any self-supplied box before shipping it through USPS. Here are my top tips:
- Completely remove or cover any existing labels, markings, or logos, especially for prohibited items like alcohol. USPS may return improperly packaged boxes.
- Seal your parcel securely with 2-3 strips of strong packing tape. Tape all edges and seams to prevent accidental opening.
- Make sure your addresses are complete, clear and legible with no abbreviations. Include recipient phone number.
- Attach postage to smooth flat area on top of package. Avoid wrinkles over the barcode.
- Include appropriate customs/international forms if sending internationally.
- Weigh and measure box accurately to calculate needed postage. Round up fractions.
- If reusing a box, test sturdiness by seeing if corners and edges withstand pressure applied.
- Use paper or bubble wrap inside to prevent shifting. USPS recommends at least 2 inches of cushioning material.
- For fragile items, use ample cushioning and write "Fragile" on box. Tell clerk item is fragile when mailing.
Following these packaging best practices will help ensure your own boxes ship smoothly through the USPS system without incident.
When Are USPS Boxes Required?
While most shipments allow you to provide your own packaging, there are a few exceptions where USPS boxes must be used:
- Priority Mail Flat Rate – Only USPS Flat Rate boxes qualify for the flat rate postage prices. If using your own box, you must pay standard Priority Mail rates.
- Priority Mail Express – Overnight Express Mail services require use of USPS-provided Express Mail envelopes or boxes.
- USPS Retail Ground – This lowest-cost ground shipping service requires use of USPS-provided boxes.
- Small Flat Rate Box – To get the $9.45 flat rate for the Small Flat Rate Box size, you must use the USPS Small Flat Rate Box.
So for those specific shipping options, alternatives like your own packaging are not permitted.
Self-Supplied Box Limitations
When bringing your own box to the Post Office, be aware of a few size restrictions and regulations:
- Minimum size of 6 x 3 x .25 inches
- Max weight of 70 lbs
- Max length + girth of 108 inches
Boxes larger than the 108-inch restriction will incur oversize fees or may be refused. USPS also mandates that packages cannot contain anything illegal, hazardous, or prohibited. Always check regulated items lists when shipping certain goods.
Shipping Internationally With Your Own Packaging
You can use your own box for international shipments through USPS as well. Simply follow the international shipping requirements:
- Print the full USA return address. USPS recommends including phone number.
- No paper covering the edges or seams. USPS needs to inspect international packages.
- Include proper customs/content forms like the customs declaration and disclaimer.
- Know the importation laws and restrictions for each country. Prohibited items may be confiscated.
- Check if recipient country restricts or taxes packages with declared value over a certain amount.
With proper labeling and forms, your package can be cleared through customs and securely shipped internationally.
Conclusion
While I always keep a stock of USPS Priority Mail boxes in my shipment supplies, I find myself using my own boxes for USPS shipments more often than not. The cost savings and convenience factors make supplying my own packaging the better choice in many cases.
I hope these tips help you utilize any box for your USPS shipments while avoiding issues like returned packages. Just remember to prep your package carefully, know which services require USPS boxes, and stay within the size limits. With the proper precautions taken, virtually any sturdy box can be used to ship with USPS.
