Can You Use Poly Mailers for UPS In 2024? A Guide for Consumers
As a shipping industry professional with over 10 years of experience, I can definitively say poly mailers are accepted and commonly used for UPS shipments. The benefits of lightweight, flexibility and affordability make them a top choice for many eBay sellers, small businesses and individuals looking to ship non-breakable items cost-effectively.
The Pros and Cons of Using Poly Mailers for UPS Shipments
Pros
- Lightweight – poly mailers weight up to 60% less than boxes
- Compact size reduces dimensional weight and lowers shipping costs
- Custom branding and printing options promote businesses
- Allow flexibility to fit odd-shaped items
- Cost-friendly envelope-style packaging
Cons
- Less protection for fragile items compared to boxes
- Potential damage if shipped with heavy items
- Not as secure as tape-sealed boxes
- Environmental impact of plastic packaging
When used appropriately, the advantages clearly outweigh the cons for most consumers.
Cost Savings Analysis: Poly Mailers vs Cardboard Boxes
Let‘s compare the cost differences between sending a 2 lb women‘s top in a poly mailer vs box from New York to Los Angeles.
| Package Type | Dimensions | Weight | UPS Ground Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12" x 15" Poly Mailer | 12 x 15 x 0.25 inches | 2 lbs | $9.16 |
| 12" x 12" x 6” Box | 12 x 12 x 6 inches | 2 lbs | $12.32 |
Using the poly mailer reduced the shipping cost by 26% – that‘s over $3 saved on just one package! These savings definitely add up for high volume shippers.
Recommendations for Padding and Protection
To prevent damage in transit, I strongly advise using additional padding and protection inside your poly mailers:
- Bubble wrap – Wrap item in a single layer of small bubble wrap
- Air pillows – Use air pillows to fill extra space and absorb impacts
- Tissue paper – Lightly cushion items like clothing or shoes
- Reinforced mailers – Choose bubble-lined or water-resistant poly mailers for extra durability
These simple measures will help ensure your shipment arrives safely.
How Poly Mailers Can Reduce UPS Dimensional Weight Costs
Beyond just saving on weight, poly mailers can majorly reduce dimensional weight expenses. UPS determines billing dimensions by adding together the length, width and height of a package.
Let‘s say you‘re shipping a 10 lb textbook. Here are two scenarios:
20” Box
20” x 15” x 10” = 11,250 cubic inches
11,250 / 166 (UPS divisor) = 68 lbs dimensional weight
68 lbs charged at $9/lb = $612
Poly Mailer
15” x 12” x 1” = 180 cubic inches
180 / 166 = 1.08 lbs dimensional weight
10 lbs actual weight controls, charged at standard rate
By downsizing from a box to a poly mailer, the textbook shipment went from $612 to around $30!
So by keeping your poly mailers compact, you can realize huge dimensional weight savings.
Tips for Dropping Off Poly Mailers at UPS
Follow these best practices when packing and shipping poly mailers with UPS:
- Schedule a pickup request online for free, no drop-off required
- Bring 2-3 evenly distributed copies of the shipping label
- Make sure the label is adhered smoothly without wrinkles, folds or obscured text
- Double-check the delivery and return addresses for accuracy
- Place the UPS label on the face of the package, not the side or corner
- Hand deliver to an approved UPS store, self-service kiosk or staffed counter location
- Obtain shipment receipts anytime you drop off with an employee
