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How do I order a USPS box?

Author

Christopher Snyder

Updated on March 15, 2026

How do I order a USPS box?

To order free labels, boxes, and envelopes online:
  1. Go to The Postal Store® at www.usps.com/shop and select “Supplies” – OR - move your cursor over “Postal Store” in the top navigation and select “Shipping Supplies.”
  2. Order free supplies by selecting "Free Shipping Supplies" in the left hand navigation.

Correspondingly, can I order flat rate boxes from USPS?

To ship with this service, you'll first need a free Flat Rate box from the USPS. You have to use the branded boxes to get the Flat Rate shipping price, and you can order them online or pick them up at your local Post Office. Be careful which box or envelope you select, since each one ships for a different price.

Likewise, how much does it cost to ship a box USPS? USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Options

TypeSizePrice
Legal Envelopes15" x 9 1/2"$7.45
Small Box8 11/16" x 5 7/16" x 1 3/4"$7.65
Medium Boxes11 1/4" x 8 3/4" x 6" or 14" x 12" x 3 1/2"$13.20
Large Box12-1/4" x 12-1/4" x 6" or 24-1/16" x 11-7/8" x 3-1/8"$18.30

Herein, are Priority Mail boxes free at Post Office?

You can get Priority Mail boxes, stickers and forms sent to you free of charge at any USPS Post Office nationwide or through the Stamps.com software. Order free USPS Shipping Supplies now. To prepare your package, place the address labels flat on the box and affix the postage label on the upper right corner of the box.

Why are USPS boxes free?

Free Boxes From USPSAnyone can go to the post office and pick up these boxes for free. They work on the premise of “if it fits, it ships,” which gives plenty of options to anyone mailing a package and gives some breathing room to those who regularly mail higher-density objects.

Can I mail a flat rate box from home?

Shipping a package or envelope using Priority Mail Flat Rate is very easy. Place your item in one of the many free Flat Rate boxes supplied by the USPS. Once your package is ready to be shipped, you can schedule a free package pick-up from the USPS at your home or office.

Is USPS shoe box flat rate?

Shoe box is a type available free from USPS. However it is not a flat rate box.

How do I get free Flat Rate boxes?

To get your free USPS shipping supplies, you can order them online through Stamps.com or pick them up from Post Offices nationwide. The post office will allow you to order up to 500 of its shipping boxes or labels free of charge.

How do I get free USPS boxes?

To order free labels, boxes, and envelopes online:
  1. Go to The Postal Store® at and select “Supplies” – OR - move your cursor over “Postal Store” in the top navigation and select “Shipping Supplies.”
  2. Order free supplies by selecting "Free Shipping Supplies" in the left hand navigation.

What kind of boxes can you ship USPS?

Sturdy paperboard or corrugated fiberboard boxes are best for weights up to 10 pounds. If you are reusing a box, totally remove or obliterate all previous labels and markings with heavy black marker.

How do I order flat rate boxes?

To ship with this service, you'll first need a free Flat Rate box from the USPS. You have to use the branded boxes to get the Flat Rate shipping price, and you can order them online or pick them up at your local Post Office. Be careful which box or envelope you select, since each one ships for a different price.

Where can I pick up flat rate boxes?

You can pick up flat rate boxes in-person from any post office. Authorized USPS shippers may also have the boxes available. You can also order the boxes from the USPS website.

How big is USPS flat rate large box?

The Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box comes in one size:
Large Flat Rate Box: 12 x 12 x 5.75 inches.

Is it cheaper to use a flat rate box or your own box?

If within zone 3, 4, or 5 it is usually cheaper to ship regional rate boxes. If zone 7 or 8 then flat rate boxes are usually cheaper. If in zone 1 or 2 it is usually cheaper to use your own box up to 2 pounds and regional rate boxes over that. We pay $5.90 for USPS Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box.

Where can I pick up Priority Mail boxes?

Priority Mail shipping supplies are available free at any local Post Office, or by ordering them on The Postal Store website.

Do I have to pay for a box at USPS?

USPS offers their priority mail boxes and envelopes for free. There is no cost for picking up these boxes, but you must use them for the proper form of priority mail shipping. You can pick up flat rate boxes in-person from any post office. Authorized USPS shippers may also have the boxes available.

Does post office have boxes?

You can purchase boxes and tubes of various sizes at most Post Offices. While you are not required to use the free packaging for these services, you must use the USPS-produced address label provided by the Post Office for Priority Mail Express.

Can I wrap a box in brown paper to ship USPS?

Wrapping a box with any type of paper is asking for trouble. Packages with string, ribbons, or twine run the risk of getting caught on the belts which will damage the box and may even cause damage the conveyor belt system. When you wrap boxes in paper, brown or other colors, the wrapping tends to tear.

How much are boxes at USPS?

USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Options
TypeSizePrice
Legal Envelopes15" x 9 1/2"$7.45
Small Box8 11/16" x 5 7/16" x 1 3/4"$7.65
Medium Boxes11 1/4" x 8 3/4" x 6" or 14" x 12" x 3 1/2"$13.20
Large Box12-1/4" x 12-1/4" x 6" or 24-1/16" x 11-7/8" x 3-1/8"$18.30

Can I wrap a priority mail box?

Covering Priority Mail Boxes With Paper
This is another big no-no. In fact, covering a box in paper is not a good idea for any shipping service because the paper can get caught in the processing machines during transit and ripped off.

What do I do with unused USPS boxes?

aem 09 Mar 2011. You can just return the un-used boxes to any post office and they will put them back out for others to pick up and use.

What is the cheapest way to send a package?

USPS will always be cheaper than FedEx or UPS hands down.
However as the weight creeps closer to 2 pounds, USPS pretty much reaches pricing parity with UPS and FedEx Ground.

Is it cheaper to send boxes UPS or USPS?

At exactly 2 lbs, FedEx/UPS is slightly cheaper. Above 2 lbs, the USPS medium flat rate box is slightly cheaper than FedEx or UPS Ground. If your item is heavier than 5 lbs, try to fit everything into a USPS flat rate large box. Otherwise, Fedex and UPS will be cheaper for heavier packages.

Does USPS charge by weight or size?

In general, if a piece is large and relatively light for its size, it is subject to dimensional weight pricing. Items mailed in USPS-provided Priority Mail Flat Rate packaging are charged the same flat-rate regardless of weight (up to 70 lbs.) and domestic destination.

Can you ship any kind of box USPS?

You can use any box, a priority mail box, or a brown box. The priority postage is the same no matter which box you use (unless you're using priority flat rate boxes for items that should go in a non-flat rate box due to weight). liw48 2012-08-14 11:59:51 UTC #8. If you use the USPS priority mail boxes it cost more.

How much does it cost to ship a 10 pound box?

Shipping a 10-pound package in a flat-rate box to San Francisco costs $10.85, compared with $17.29 for parcel post (which would also take five days longer) and $55.10 for three-day service from FedEx or UPS. Flat-rate boxes are available for Express Mail as well and come in a variety of sizes.

What is the cheapest way to ship a box?

If You Are Shipping Something 2 Lbs Or Heavier With A 5 Day Delivery Window…
  • FedEx Ground or UPS Ground will almost always be cheaper than USPS Priority Mail.
  • At exactly 2 lbs, FedEx/UPS is slightly cheaper.
  • USPS will always be cheaper than FedEx or UPS hands down.

What boxes are free at the post office?

Free USPS® Shipping Supplies
  • Military Care Kit.
  • Priority Mail MILI-PAC Envelope - MILIPAC.
  • Priority Mail Gift Card Flat Rate Envelope - EP14GT.
  • Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box - 1.
  • Priority Mail Express Box - 1.
  • Priority Mail Express Padded Flat Rate Envelope.
  • Priority Mail DVD Box - ODVDS.
  • Priority Mail Shoe Box - OSHOEBOX.

How do I calculate shipping costs?

How to Use the USPS Shipping Calculator
  1. Navigate to the USPS Postage Price Calculator page.
  2. Enter the details of your letter or package.
  3. Select the shipment type.
  4. Compare shipping options.
  5. Add Extra Services.
  6. Hit “Continue” for your result.
  7. Pay for shipping and print postage for your shipment.

How much does it cost to mail a small box?

USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Options
TypeSizePrice
Small Box8 11/16" x 5 7/16" x 1 3/4"$7.65
Medium Boxes11 1/4" x 8 3/4" x 6" or 14" x 12" x 3 1/2"$13.20
Large Box12-1/4" x 12-1/4" x 6" or 24-1/16" x 11-7/8" x 3-1/8"$18.30
APO/FPO Box12-1/4" x 12-1/4" x 6"$16.80

Does USPS weigh every package?

In most cases, NO. The greatest chance the package will be weighed is when it is accepted at the post office. Many postal workers can pick up a package and tell you have much is weighs so if something feels off, they might toss it on the scale.

Can I use my own box for flat rate shipping?

Yes, you can use your own boxes for Priority shipping. However, none of the flat rates apply, and that includes Regional rate boxes. The price is based solely on weight and destination. Rather than writing “Priority Mail” on the box, you can order Priority labels free online from USPS when you order other supplies.

How much do boxes at USPS cost?

USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Options
TypeSizePrice
Legal Envelopes15" x 9 1/2"$7.45
Small Box8 11/16" x 5 7/16" x 1 3/4"$7.65
Medium Boxes11 1/4" x 8 3/4" x 6" or 14" x 12" x 3 1/2"$13.20
Large Box12-1/4" x 12-1/4" x 6" or 24-1/16" x 11-7/8" x 3-1/8"$18.30

Are UPS boxes free?

UPS offers free UPS supplies including packaging, forms, and labels for customers logged in to UPS.com®. You can also swing by The UPS Store® or a customer center to purchase additional packaging materials in person.

Can I buy cardboard boxes from the post office?

Cardboard Boxes. Store or ship your goods safely and easily with Cardboard Boxes from the Post Office Shop! When looking to buy Double Wall Boxes or Single Wall Boxes don't look any further!

Does USPS have free tape?

USPS provides free shipping supplies for Priority and Express mail. Labels, envelopes, tape, etc. That being said, they do have regular tape available for parcel post, but it is at the discretion of the clerk to use it.

What is USPS shoe box considered?

The shoe box cost is weight based and if your item it is heavier than 2 lbs than consider instead using a regional A and if heavier than 3 lbs consider a regional B or Medium Box. As stated it is not a flat rate box so it depends on weight and delivery zone so it could be $6.45 and up.