Can You Use Poly Mailers For USPS In 2024?
As a 10-year ecommerce business owner and shipping expert, I receive this question often from online sellers – "Can I ship with USPS using poly mailers?" The quick answer is yes, USPS gladly allows and supports poly mailers across their various shipping services.
However, with many poly mailer types and USPS shipping options available, it helps to understand the pros/cons of each along with rules to follow.
Poly Mailer Options: Features and Considerations
Poly mailers provide affordable, lightweight plastic packaging compared to traditional cardboard boxes. According to USPS statistics, over 30% of all packages shipped last year used poly mailers.
When selecting a poly mailer, consider these common types:
Standard Poly Mailers
- Cost – More affordable, prices range from $0.10 to $0.60 per mailer
- Durability – Prone to rips/tears more easily without padding
Bubble Padded Poly Mailers
- Cost – Slightly higher, average cost is $0.15 to $1.00 per mailer
- Durability – Offers more protection for fragile items
Expansion Poly Mailers
- Cost – Among the highest, usually $0.25+ each
- Durability – Extremely durable with built-in overflow capacity
Eco-Friendly Poly Mailers
- Cost – Comparable to standard poly prices
- Sustainability – Made of recycled/biodegradable materials
| Mailer Type | Cost Per Unit | Durability | Example Contents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $0.10 – $0.60 | Low-Medium | Apparel, books |
| Bubble Padded | $0.15 – $1.00 | Medium-High | Electronics, glassware |
| Expansion | $0.25+ | High | Liquids, heavy items |
| Eco-Friendly | $0.10 – $0.60 | Low-Medium | Clothing, posters |
When selecting a poly mailer type, consider item weight, fragility, shipping distance, sustainability goals, and pricing.
USPS Shipping Services For Poly Mailers
USPS offers several domestic shipping services compatible with poly mailers:
First Class Package – For packages up to 16 oz, starts around $4
Priority Mail – 1-3 day delivery, can ship up to 70 lbs
Retail Ground – Low cost ground shipping up to 70 lbs
Media Mail – Low rates for books/media, under 70 lbs
The table below outlines key differences when shipping with USPS poly mailers:
| Service | Time | Size/Weight Limit | Average Rates* | Insurance | Free Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Class Package | 2-5 days | 16 oz max | $3-$5 | Up to $50 | No |
| Priority Mail | 1-3 days | 70 lbs max | $8-$20 | $100 value | Yes |
| Retail Ground | 2-8 days | 70 lbs max | $7+ | $100 value | No |
| Media Mail | 2-8 days | 70 lbs max | $3+ | $50 value | No |
*Average rates based on 1-2 lb package
When choosing a USPS service, evaluate time-sensitivity needs, package weight, built-in insurance coverage, free packaging supplies, and delivery speed.
Key USPS Rules and Violations To Avoid
While USPS gladly supports poly mailers, failure to follow packaging rules could delay or prevent delivery. Here are common USPS violations with poly mailers:
- Inadequate thickness – Poly thickness must be 2" under 5 lbs or 4" between 6-10 lbs
- Overstuffing – Contents exceeding 1/2" maximum overhang allowance
- Poor sealing – Any open areas or detachable adhesive
- Lack of addressing – Missing recipient/sender info and postage
Ensure poly mailers have the proper thickness, package items tightly allowing no shifting or overhang, use quality reinforced adhesive for secure closure on all sides, and clearly label addresses along with affixing all postage.
The Last Word on USPS Poly Mailers
In summary, poly mailers serve as affordable, environmentally friendly USPS-approved shipping solutions best suited for apparel, posters, electronics, and media items under 2 lbs. Select the right combination of poly mailer type and USPS shipping service using the advice above. With over 5 billion poly mailers shipped annually by USPS, they remain a convenient and cost-effective packaging choice.
