What is USPS Ready Post in 2024? The Expert, Insider Guide
If you‘ve stepped foot in a post office, you‘ve likely noticed a small section filled with packaging and shipping supplies labeled "Ready Post." This is the United States Postal Service‘s own line of boxes, envelopes, bubble mailers and other mailers available for purchase. But what exactly is USPS Ready Post, and is it the right choice for your shipping needs? As a packaging expert, I‘ve prepared this comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about USPS Ready Post in 2024.
A Brief History of Ready Post
USPS Ready Post was first introduced in 1997 as the Postal Service‘s branded packaging solution. Over the past 25+ years, Ready Post has evolved to offer a wide variety of boxes, envelopes, mailers and supplies tailored to consumer and business shipping needs. The lineup has expanded over the years to include padded mailers, water-resistant envelopes,- poly mailers and even custom-sized boxes.
Ready Post has become popular for its availability – with most products in stock at your local post office for immediate purchase. Approximately 23% of USPS retail customers opt for Ready Post packaging according to USPS data from 2021. And its popularity is growing, with Ready Post retail purchases up by 8% year-over-year.
What‘s Included in the Ready Post Lineup
Ready Post includes all the essentials for safely and securely packaging your shipments:
Boxes – From small shoebox mailer boxes to extra-large freight boxes, Ready Post has over two dozen box sizes to fit your needs. Box types include standard square mailers, rectangular boxes and triangular tubes.
Envelopes – Choose from document envelopes, padded mailers, and water-resistant poly mailers in over 60 size options.
Bubble Mailers – The signature Ready Post bubble mailers come in sizes from 6.5" x 9.5" up to 15.75" x 23.5" for securing fragile items.
Mailing Tubes – Get rigid triangle mailing tubes or flexible round tubes for shipping posters, artwork and other cylindrical items.
Cushioning – Ready Post includes everything from bubble wrap sheets and rolls to packing peanuts and air pillows.
Tape and Dispensers – Complete your shipment with USPS-branded tape, dispensers and glue sticks for expert sealing.
No matter what you need to ship, Ready Post likely has a packaging solution designed specifically for the USPS mail stream.
How Ready Post Compares to Other Carrier Packaging
While the USPS offers Ready Post, UPS and FedEx also have their own branded packaging lines – UPS Express Boxes and FedEx Express Boxes. Here‘s how the big three‘s retail packaging offerings stack up:
| USPS Ready Post | UPS Express Boxes | FedEx Express Boxes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Priced per item | Free | Free |
| Availability | Post offices and online | In-store and online | In-store and online |
| Reusability | Reusable if old labels removed | UPS only | FedEx only |
| Customization | Some custom size and printing options | Minimal customization | Minimal customization |
| Cushioning | Bubble wrap, air pillows | Limited to paper | Limited to paper |
One key advantage of Ready Post is the convenience of grabbing what you need right at the post office. But the tradeoff is you pay more per piece than the free options from UPS and FedEx. Still, Ready Post offers greater selection of packaging types beyond just boxes.
When Does it Make Sense to Use Ready Post?
Ready Post becomes the optimal choice when:
You need packaging immediately and don‘t have suitable boxes at home or work. Ready Post is available right at the post office when you‘re shipping out.
You have an irregular shaped or fragile item. The wider variety of Ready Post packaging provides more options for securing odd-sized or delicate items.
You need small quantities of a specific packaging size or type. Ready Post allows you to buy only what you need.
You ship multiple carriers. Ready Post boxes can be reused for any carrier unlike UPS/FedEx branded boxes.
You want packaging you can customize. Ready Post has some offerings like printed tape and box customization that other carrier packaging doesn‘t allow.
If you need USPS-specific features like Flat Rate Boxes or regional rate boxes, however, Priority Mail supplies would be the better free option. Ready Post excels when you need retail access or specialty packaging.
Expert Tips for Packaging with Ready Post
Follow these tips when preparing your Ready Post packages:
Pick the right size box or mailer with 2-3 inches of cushioning around your item. An oversized box leads to shifting, while an undersized box leaves no protection.
For fragile items, use a double-wall box and cushion with peanuts, air pillows, or bubble wrap on all sides. Center the weight in the middle of the package.
When reusing a Ready Post box, completely remove or fully cover any old labels, markings, and barcodes to avoid confusion.
Use USPS-approved tape to properly seal boxes and mailers. Consider reinforced water-activated tape for heavier packages.
Weigh finished packages at the post office before purchasing postage to ensure you get the correct rate based on weight and destination.
By strategically using USPS Ready Post packaging and following expert advice, you can ship securely while also keeping costs in check. Ready Post brings packaging convenience directly to your neighborhood post office.
So next time you need to ship a package, keep the USPS‘s Ready Post line in mind. With the right Ready Post product and preparation, your package will be shipment-ready right at the post office.
