Moving, shipping items, or sending out products often requires boxes, and the cost can quickly add up. Finding free boxes can significantly reduce these expenses. If you’re wondering, “Where Can I Get Free Boxes?”, you might be surprised to learn about the readily available options from the United States Postal Service (USPS). This guide will walk you through the types of free boxes USPS offers, how to get them, and how to use them effectively for your shipping needs.
Understanding Free Boxes from USPS
USPS provides free boxes as part of their Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express services. This means the boxes themselves are free, but you pay for the shipping service when you use them. This is a fantastic deal for anyone planning to use these USPS services, as it eliminates the additional cost of purchasing boxes. These free boxes are designed specifically for these services, ensuring they meet USPS shipping standards.
It’s important to understand that these free boxes are intended for use with USPS Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express services. They are not meant for general moving or storage purposes without using these specific shipping services.
Types of Free Boxes Available at USPS
USPS offers a variety of free boxes and envelopes in different shapes and sizes to accommodate various shipping needs within their Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express services. Here’s a breakdown of some common types you can find:
Priority Mail Boxes and Envelopes
Priority Mail service offers fast domestic service within 1-3 business days. The free boxes for this service come in various flat rate and standard options:
Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes
Flat Rate options are particularly convenient as the price is determined by the box type, regardless of weight or destination (within the USA). Common flat rate options include:
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Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope: Ideal for documents and smaller items.
Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope -
Priority Mail Flat Rate Legal Envelope: Slightly larger for legal-size documents.
Priority Mail Flat Rate Legal Envelopes -
Priority Mail Flat Rate Padded Envelope: Offers extra cushioning for more delicate items.
Priority Mail Flat Rate Padded Envelopes -
Priority Mail Flat Rate Small Envelope: A smaller envelope option for very compact items.
Priority Mail Flat Rate Small Envelopes -
Priority Mail Flat Rate Small Box: For small items that need a box rather than an envelope.
Priority Mail Flat Rate Small Box -
Priority Mail Flat Rate Medium Box: Suitable for a wider range of items, offering more space. Two medium box shapes are available: top-loading and side-loading.
Priority Mail Flat Rate Medium Box
Priority Mail Flat Rate Side-Loading Medium Box -
Priority Mail Flat Rate Large Box: The largest flat rate option, best for bigger items while still maintaining flat rate pricing.
Priority Mail Flat Rate Large Box
Priority Mail Standard Boxes
Besides Flat Rate, USPS also provides standard Priority Mail boxes where the price is determined by weight, dimensions, and destination. A notable example is:
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Priority Mail Shoe Box: A specific size box often useful for shoes or similarly sized items.
Priority Mail® Shoe Box -
Priority Mail Tyvek Envelopes: Durable and water-resistant envelopes for important documents or items.
Priority Mail® Tyvek Envelopes
Priority Mail Express Boxes and Envelopes
Priority Mail Express is USPS’s fastest domestic service, offering guaranteed overnight delivery to most locations. Free boxes are also available for this premium service:
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Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope: For urgent document or small item deliveries.
Priority Mail Express® Flat Rate Envelope -
Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Padded Envelope: Combines express service with padded protection.
Priority Mail Express Flat Rate® Padded Envelopes -
Priority Mail Express Tyvek Envelopes: For urgent shipments requiring a durable, water-resistant envelope.
Priority Mail Express® Tyvek Envelopes
Military Care Kit
USPS also provides a Military Care Kit, which is a free box kit specifically designed for sending packages to military personnel overseas. This kit includes boxes, customs forms, and tape.
Military Care Kit
How to Get Your Free Boxes
Getting your hands on these free USPS boxes is quite straightforward:
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Order Online: The most convenient way is to order directly from the USPS website (USPS.com). You can browse the “Shipping Supplies” section and find all the free Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express boxes and envelopes. They will be shipped directly to your home or office for free.
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Pick Up at a Post Office: Most local post offices have a selection of free Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express boxes available for immediate pickup. You can check with your local post office for availability.
Tips for Using Free USPS Boxes
- Use for Intended Services: Remember, these boxes are free when used with Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express services. Using them for other services or for purposes other than shipping with USPS is not their intended use.
- Sufficient Supplies: Order or pick up boxes only when you are ready to ship or will be shipping soon. Avoid stockpiling, ensuring availability for others.
- Proper Packaging: While the boxes are free, ensure you package your items properly with adequate cushioning material inside to protect them during transit. USPS also offers free Caution Heavy Sticker Labels and Priority Mail/Priority Mail Express labels which can be helpful.
Caution Heavy Sticker Labels
Priority Mail Express® Outside Pressure Sensitive Labels
Priority Mail Express® Hold for Pickup Labels
Priority Mail Express® Sticker Labels
Conclusion
For anyone regularly using USPS Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express services, the availability of free boxes is a significant advantage. By understanding the types of boxes available and how to obtain them, you can streamline your shipping process and reduce costs. So, if you were wondering “where can I get free boxes?”, USPS is your answer for these specific shipping needs. Visit the USPS website today to explore the free shipping supplies and get started.
