Send domestic packages easily with USPS®. Properly preparing your boxes will get them where they’re going on time and save you money.
For how to send a letter or postcard, see Sending Mail.
Learn how to measure packages to make sure they’ll fit through automated processing equipment so you won’t have to pay extra fees. Watch our video, “How to Measure a Package” and get guidelines for dimensions and weight:
Video Transcript (TXT 2 KB)
Use a box that’s big enough to safely fit what you’re sending. Try to stick to standard sizes and you’ll avoid paying fees for nonmachinable packages.
TIP: If you’re going to use Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express, the boxes come in standard sizes and you can get them at your Post Office™ location or order online, free!
Remember, size and weight determine price:
Pack your box to protect your contents and to make sure the box arrives intact.
NOTE: Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express come with free boxes you can pick up at your Post Office or order online.
Order Shipping SuppliesPack your box to protect your contents and make sure the box arrives intact. Tape your box so that it closes flat on all sides without bulging and reinforce the flaps with 2-inch wide packing tape.
Do not use cord, string, or twine because they get caught in equipment.
TIP: Include a packing slip or a piece of paper with the destination address inside the box.
Many items such as perfumes, alcoholic beverages, and dry ice have mailing restrictions or are prohibited. If you have any questions about what you may ship through USPS, review the restricted and prohibited items list.
Restricted & Prohibited ItemsTIP: If you’ll be printing a mailing label, you can use that instead of a separate address label.
The address format for a box is the same as for envelopes. Write or print address labels clearly. Use ink that doesn’t smear and include your return address and ZIP Codes™ for you and your recipient.
Package addresses should be formatted the same way as envelope addresses.
The best way to send your package depends on how quickly you want it to arrive and its size and weight. USPS has a variety of mail services, different delivery speeds, package sizes, and extras like tracking and insurance.
Packages can be sent using Priority Mail Express®, Priority Mail®, First-Class Package Service-Retail™, USPS Retail Ground®, and Media Mail®.
There are several things to consider when choosing a shipping service.
Postal labels show mail handlers and carriers the mail service and extra services you purchase. Be sure to match the label to the mail service you buy.
Postal Service Shipping LabelsFor particularly valuable items, you can insure your package for up to $5,000. You can also purchase a delivery confirmation service such as Certified Mail® to verify your package’s arrival.
Insurance & Extra ServicesCorrect postage helps your packages arrive on time. Shipping costs depend on several factors. You can enter your package information into the USPS Postage Calculator to get postage prices for different services.
Whether you are using stamps or printed postage, postage goes in the top-right corner of your package.
Make sure you’re not underpaying on postage. When a package is sent without enough postage, it may be returned to you or the person receiving it may need to pay the difference.
The USPS Price Calculator wizard will show you how to measure your package and calculate your domestic postage costs for you.
There are several ways to get postage for your package.
Correct postage helps your packages arrive on time. Shipping costs depend on several factors. You can enter your package information into the USPS Postage Calculator to get postage prices for different services.
Whether you are using stamps or printed postage, postage goes in the top-right corner of your package.
Make sure you’re not underpaying on postage. When a package is sent without enough postage, it may be returned to you or the person receiving it may need to pay the difference.
The USPS Price Calculator wizard will show you how to measure your package and calculate your domestic postage costs for you.
There are several ways to get postage for your package.
Where to mail your box depends on its size and where you live. You can request free package pickups, drop small packages in a blue collection box, visit a Post Office™ location, or leave your box with an Approved Postal Provider®.
If your package is less than one-half inch thick and weighs less than 10 oz, you may use postage stamps and do one of the following:
If your package is more than one-half inch thick or weighs more than 10 oz and you’re using postage stamps, you must take it to a Post Office retail counter to send it. You may also use the Post Office Self-Service Kiosk to buy stamps and drop your package in the lobby package slot.
NOTE: If you put a large package in your mailbox for pickup service, the carrier will leave it. If you drop it in a blue collection box or Post Office lobby mail slot, it will be returned to you.
Save time sending your packages with USPS package pickups.
Click-N-Ship