Boxing & Packaging Tips

The Box

Choose a box with enough room for cushioning material around the contents. If you’re reusing a box, cover up or black out any old labels and markings.

Cushioning

Place cushioning around your items. Close and gently shake the box to see whether there is enough padding. Add more newspaper, packing foam, or plastic cushioning material if you hear things moving around.

Sealing

Tape your box shut and reinforce the seams with 2" wide tape. Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape, or paper tape. Do not use cord, string, or twine because it gets caught in mail processing equipment.

Size

The weight of your package cannot exceed 70 lbs. If you’re planning to use Express Mail® or Priority Mail® services for faster delivery, length plus girth (distance around the thickest part of the package) can’t exceed 108". When you use Standard Post™ the total can’t be more than 130".

Correct Address

Using a complete and correct address is critical for efficient delivery. Always use ZIP Code™ + 4 when possible.

Drop Off

For some items, if your mailing weighs less than 13 oz you can leave it in a blue collection box or hand it to your carrier.

More than 13 oz? If you’re paying for postage with stamps, you’ll need to hand it to an associate at your local Post Office™.