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The Truth About Free USPS Boxes
The United States Postal Service offers a variety of shipping supplies, including boxes and envelopes, at no cost to customers. These free supplies are available at post offices and can be ordered online through the USPS website.
However, the “free” offer comes with a crucial condition: these boxes are intended specifically for use with Priority Mail® and Priority Mail Express® services. This is key to understanding the economics behind this offering.
USPS provides packaging without an upfront charge to encourage customers to use their premium shipping services. The cost of the packaging is factored into the price of these services. For businesses and individuals who frequently ship items, these free supplies can translate into considerable savings on packaging expenses.
Free Priority Mail Boxes and Envelopes
USPS provides a comprehensive selection of Priority Mail boxes and envelopes at no cost. These can be ordered online through the USPS Store in the “Free Shipping Supplies” section.
The variety caters to a wide range of shipping needs, from small documents to larger items:
Boxes:
- Priority Mail Flat Rate® Small Box (8-11/16″ × 5-7/16″ × 1-3/4″)
- Priority Mail Flat Rate® Medium Box (11-1/4″ × 8-3/4″ × 6″)
- Priority Mail Flat Rate® Side-Loading Medium Box (14-1/8″ × 12″ × 3-1/2″)
- Priority Mail Flat Rate® Large Box (12-1/4″ × 12″ × 6″)
- Priority Mail® Small Box (9-7/16″ × 6-7/16″ × 2-3/16″)
- Priority Mail® Large Box (12-1/4″ × 12″ × 8-1/2″)
- Priority Mail® Shoe Box (14-7/8″ × 5-1/4″ × 7-3/8″)
- Priority Mail® Medium Box (13-11/16″ × 12″ × 2-7/8″)
- Priority Mail® Medium Cube-Shaped Box (7-1/4″ × 7-1/4″ × 6-1/2″)
- Priority Mail® Side-Loading Large Box (15″ × 12″ × 3-1/8″)
- Priority Mail Flat Rate® – APO/FPO Box (12-1/4″ × 12″ × 6″)
- Dual-Use Priority Mail®/Priority Mail Express® Small Tube Box (25-9/16″ × 6″ × 5-1/4″)
Envelopes:
- Priority Mail Flat Rate® Envelope (12-1/2″ × 9-1/2″)
- Priority Mail Flat Rate® Legal Envelope (15″ × 9-1/2″)
- Priority Mail Flat Rate® Padded Envelope (12-1/2″ × 9-1/2″)
- Priority Mail Flat Rate® Small Envelope (10″ × 6″)
- Priority Mail® Tyvek Envelopes (15″ × 11-5/8″)
- Priority Mail Flat Rate® Window Envelopes (10″ × 5″)
Labels:
- Priority Mail® Address Labels (5-3/4″ × 4-1/2″)
- Priority Mail® Sticker Labels (3″ × 1-7/8″)
The extensive range of free Priority Mail boxes and envelopes shows USPS’s emphasis on this service. The flat rate options provide predictable costs regardless of package weight or destination within the US (up to 70 pounds). Specialized boxes for shoes or APO/FPO/DPO destinations demonstrate how USPS addresses specific customer needs.
Free Priority Mail Express Boxes and Envelopes
Similarly, USPS offers Priority Mail Express boxes and envelopes at no cost. While less extensive than Priority Mail options, these cater to expedited shipping needs:
Boxes:
- Priority Mail Express® Medium Box (11-3/4″ × 8-3/4″ × 5-3/4″)
- Priority Mail Express® Medium Box Option 2 (15″ × 12″ × 3-1/8″)
Envelopes:
- Priority Mail Express® Tyvek Envelopes (15″ × 11-5/8″)
- Priority Mail Express® Flat Rate Legal Envelopes (15″ × 9-1/2″)
- Priority Mail Express Flat Rate® Padded Envelopes (12-1/2″ × 9-1/2″)
Labels:
- Priority Mail Express® Hold for Pickup Labels
- Priority Mail Express® Sticker Labels (3-1/2″ × 2″)
- Priority Mail Express® Outside Pressure Sensitive Labels (12″ × 2″)
These options underscore USPS’s commitment to providing convenient solutions for expedited deliveries. Specialized labels like “Hold for Pickup” address unique logistical needs associated with urgent shipments.
Important Restrictions on Free Packaging
Free Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express packaging is intended solely for use with their respective services. Using these boxes for other USPS services like First Class Mail®, USPS Ground Advantage™, or Media Mail® constitutes misuse of USPS property and may carry legal ramifications under federal law.
This regulation exists because the packaging cost is integrated into the pricing structure of Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express. Using these materials for less expensive services deprives USPS of revenue.
The strict enforcement is evident through warnings printed directly on boxes and the potential for recipients to incur additional postage fees. Online discussions on platforms like eBay and Reddit reveal that while some people might initially be unaware of this rule, USPS does monitor and address misuse.
Other USPS Packaging Options
Beyond the free service-specific options, USPS sells standard brown moving boxes and other packaging supplies. These can be purchased at post offices or through the “Shipping Supplies” section of the USPS online store.
Unlike the free boxes, purchased boxes can be used with any USPS service, provided the correct postage is applied. This offers a convenient solution for customers who need packaging for services other than Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express.
Prices for these purchased boxes vary, and customers might find more economical alternatives from other retailers. The primary advantage of buying standard boxes from USPS is convenience and brand preference rather than significant cost savings.
How to Get Free USPS Boxes
Online Ordering
For convenience, order free supplies through the USPS online store:
- Go to USPS.com/shop
- Hover over the “Shop” tab
- Select “Shipping Supplies”
- Click on “Free Shipping Supplies” in the left-hand menu
Orders are typically processed within one business day and shipped via USPS Ground Advantage®, with delivery in 2-5 business days. Expedited shipping via Priority Mail® is available for an additional fee.
Free boxes ordered online often come in packs of 10 or 25. These supplies are delivered directly to your doorstep without shipping charges, offering significant convenience for businesses or individuals requiring larger quantities regularly.
In-Person Pickup
Alternatively, get free Priority Mail® and Priority Mail Express® supplies at most Post Office™ retail locations. You’ll typically find designated areas in the lobby where these free supplies are stocked. If not readily visible, ask a postal worker for assistance.
While picking up boxes in person offers immediate availability, the selection might be more limited compared to online ordering. This option is particularly beneficial for immediate shipping needs or those who prefer not to order online.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
Can Priority Mail boxes be used for other USPS services like First Class Mail® or Media Mail®? No. Priority Mail packaging is exclusively for use with Priority Mail service, and the same applies to Priority Mail Express packaging. Using these boxes for less expensive services can lead to the recipient paying additional postage fees upon delivery.
Are only businesses eligible to receive free USPS boxes? No. USPS makes free shipping supplies available to both individuals and businesses. There are limits on the number of free boxes that can be ordered online to prevent abuse. For expedited shipping supplies, the limit is often five of each item type per order.
What should I do with extra free USPS boxes I don’t need? USPS recommends returning unused supplies to a local post office for potential reuse.
Can I use my own boxes for Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express shipments? Yes. Customers can use their own sturdy boxes for these services. Unless using USPS-issued Flat Rate packaging, postage will be calculated based on weight and distance. Flat Rate pricing is only available with specific USPS-provided Flat Rate boxes.
Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.
