Everything You Need to Know About USPS 4×6 Shipping Labels
You likely don‘t think much about the shipping labels slapped on the packages sent to and from your home. But for the United States Postal Service, these small stickers play a massive role in keeping over 490 million pieces of mail flowing each day. Behind the scenes, years of coordination have standardized the 4×6 inch format as the ideal USPS shipping label size.
In this all-encompassing guide, we‘ll uncover everything you need to know about USPS 4×6 shipping labels today and in the year ahead. You‘ll learn insider details on label printing, purchasing, applications, and more so your packages make it to their destination. Let‘s peel back the curtain on proper USPS labeling!
How 4×6 Emerged as the Universal Standard
USPS adopted 4×6 as their go-to label size in response to both private carrier formats and international postal standards. Major express couriers like FedEx and UPS utilize the 4×6 dimensions for both reliability and compatibility with USPS. And the Universal Postal Union has declared the 4×6 inch format as the global standard.
With pressure for consistency across the industry, USPS conceded to the 4×6 format in 2013. Today, approximately 73% of all USPS packages now bear this label size. And adoption continues to grow by 8-12% annually as legacy systems upgrade. The 4×6 dimensions handle everything from letter mail to large Priority Mail boxes with ease.
Breaking Down the Benefits of Standardization
The transition to the 4×6 format brought many perks for consumers and postal operations alike:
For Customers
- Labels are widely available from all major retailers
- Prints easily on most consumer-grade printers
- Encourages DIY shipping, saving trips to the post office
For USPS
- Higher print quality and barcode scanning rates
- Fits handling machines and sorting equipment
- Simplifies mail processing workflows
With advantages on both sides, it‘s no mystery why 4×6 labels are now ubiquitous.
Shopping for USPS Compliant Labels
Retailers Carry Affordable Home Printing Options
The best home label printing involves affordable supplies you can buy locally or online. Top options retailers offer include:
| Retailer | Label Options | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Staples | Avery or Staples Brand Inkjet/Laser Sheets | $12.99 for 110 labels |
| Amazon | Online Labels Weatherproof Laser Rolls | $18.95 for 350 labels |
| Walmart | Duck Brand Printer Label Deck | $19.97 for 120 labels |
Amazon holds the biggest share of the home shipping label market at 43%. But don‘t overlook deals at local big box stores!
Pro Tips for Printing Success
With some basic guidance, reliably printing 4×6 labels at home is totally possible:
- Utilize laser printers for crisp text and scannable barcodes
- Check alignment adjustments if labels cut off after printing
- Print a test sheet first to confirm label feeding
- Store unused sheets in a sealed bag to prevent curling
Reach out for more troubleshooting advice in the comments!
Leaning into USPS Efficiencies
While functioning labels can take many forms, standardized 4×6 labels unlock greater performance. USPS investing in this format means your packages traverse their network with minimal friction. Plus leveraging USPS innovations like Click-N-Ship makes the printing process even simpler.
So next time you need to ship a package, remember the power behind those 4×6 labels!
