preparing packages
Careful preparation of your package helps ensure safe delivery.
the box
choose a box with enough space for the cushioning material around the contents. heavy-duty cardboard or corrugated fiberboard boxes are best for weights up to 10 pounds. If you’re reusing a box, completely remove or remove all old labels and markings with a thick black marker.
where to find boxes
You can buy boxes and tubes of various sizes at most post offices. Select Priority and Express Mail Boxes are available free of charge at the Post Office for items shipped using either service. While you are not required to use the free package for these services, you must use the USPS-produced address label provided by the Post Office for urgent priority mail. To order urgent express mail or priority mail boxes at no additional charge, call 1 800 222 1811 or visit www.usps.com/store.
damping
place padding around your item(s). you can use newspaper, “foam peanuts,” or shredded paper. close and shake the box to see if it has enough cushioning. if you hear elements moving, add more damping.
placing an additional address label with delivery and return addresses inside the package will ensure the item can be delivered in case the outer label is damaged or falls off.
ship fragile items
Use foamed plastic or padding to protect your items, placing padding inside hollow items as well. mark the package as “fragile” or mark as “perishable” on packages containing food or other items that may spoil. careful packaging is the best way to protect your valuable items from damage.
ship heavy items
If you’re shipping a very heavy or dense item, start with a sturdy box, pack the contents securely with strong material to hold them in place and prevent them from shifting, and tape down all edges with heavy-duty tape. packages weighing more than 70 pounds cannot be mailed.
sealed
Tape the opening of your box and reinforce all seams with 2-inch-wide tape. use clear or brown packing tape, reinforced packing tape, or paper tape. do not use string, thread, twine, masking tape, or cellophane. place a strip of clear packing tape over the label to prevent the address from getting smeared.
return address
print or write your address in the upper left corner on the same side of the package as the delivery address.
additional services
place labels for additional services above the delivery address and to the right of the return address, or to the left of the delivery address.
postage
Use stamps, a postage meter, or a computer postage system to post the correct amount. You can calculate and purchase postage online at www.usps.com.
delivery address
Print or write the delivery address parallel to the long side of the package. type or print clearly with a pen or permanent marker so your address is legible from an arm’s length. do not use commas or periods.
confirmation services
tags for usps tracking or signature confirmation are placed to the left of the address tag.
city, state and zip code
To find the correct spelling of a city name and state abbreviation or to find a ZIP code, visit www.usps.com or call 1·800·ask·usps. Using the correct zip code helps direct your mail more efficiently and accurately.
leave
If your mail item weighs 13 ounces or less and you’ve applied the correct postage, you can drop it off in a blue collection box. If your item weighs more than 13 ounces and is postmarked, you must take it to a clerk at a post office retail counter.