HAHarvey Walden
4 days agoHow to Prepare & Send a Package | USPS
How to Prepare & Send a Package | USPS
How to Send a Package: Domestic
Learn how to use USPS services to send packages (like boxes, tubes, and some large envelopes) inside the U.S. and to U.S. territories and military bases:
Send packages directly from your home (or office), using Click-N-Ship to do everything you need: Pay for postage, print shipping labels, and even Schedule a Pickup.
Or, get a few time-saving tips before you bring your package to a Post Office location.
If you just need to find the price of shipping a package, use the Postage Calculator.
Send Packages: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Ask, "Can I Send This?"
The maximum weight for a USPS package is 70 lbs. Also, there are some things that you cannot send at all (prohibited) and other things you can only send under certain conditions (restricted). Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) might be prohibited or restricted.
Prohibited Items include:
- Ammunition, explosives, and fireworks
- Items containing liquid mercury
- Alcoholic beverages
Restricted Items include:
- Lithium batteries (like the ones that come installed inside small electronics, like laptop computers or cell phones) are usually OK to send if the items are new (or a manufacturer-certified repair); if the items are used, they can only be sent via ground transport (cannot go on planes)
- Perishable items (like live animals, food, or plants) must be properly packaged and marked so they will not spoil or leak, and you will need to pay an extra handling fee
- Some items have special packaging requirements, or can only be sent via ground transport, like perfumes containing alcohol
You have to follow all laws and USPS regulations. If you do not follow the rules, you might face fines, or even criminal penalties.
Step 2: Choose a Shipping Service
USPS offers 5 core shipping services for domestic packages:
Priority Mail Express: You are sending something urgent that must arrive 1–3 days. You need date-certain delivery with a money-back guarantee.
Priority Mail: You are sending important items that need to arrive in 2-3 business days.
USPS Ground Advantage: Low rates for packages with expected delivery in 2-5 business days (also the primary option for HAZMAT items that cannot travel by air).
First-Class Mail: You are sending a letter envelope (under 3.5 oz) or large envelope (under 13 oz) that is flat and bends easily.
Media Mail: You are sending only books (or other eligible media) and want the most affordable price.
Step 3: Pick & Prepare Your Packaging
Whether you are using a box, padded envelope, or tube, use packaging that does not bulge and is strong enough to protect what you are sending. Accurately measure the size and weight of your package so you can avoid unexpected fees.
Use strong packaging with enough room to add cushioning for fragile items and to prevent items from shifting. Your package will be going through automated processing machines and sharing space with other packages that could weigh as much as 70 lbs.
If you are reusing a box, make sure all old logos, barcodes, shipping labels, and addresses are covered or blacked out.
Use enough 2-inch-wide packing tape to close and secure all seams. Do not wrap your box in string, cord, or twine, which gets caught in USPS sorting equipment.
Packages cannot be larger than 130" total length (the longest side) + girth (the distance around the package, perpendicular to the length). For Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express packages, total length + girth must be less than 108".
Step 4: Address Your Package
Write the address parallel to the longest side of the package, and make sure your return address, the delivery address, and postage will fit on the same side.
Write Sender Address in the top-left corner:
- Your full name or company name
- Apartment or suite number
- Full street address
- City, State, and ZIP+4 Code
Write Delivery Address in the center of the label or package:
- The recipient's full name or company name
- Apartment or suite number
- Full street address
- City, State, and ZIP+4 Code
Special U.S. Addresses include Puerto Rico addresses with urbanization codes, U.S. Virgin Islands addresses, and Military and Diplomatic Mail (APO/FPO/DPO) which should not include the city or country name when sending to another country.
Step 5: Calculate Postage (& Add Insurance or Extra Services)
Postage is the price you pay to send something (plus any extra services you might buy). Use the USPS Postage Calculator to see how much you will need to pay.
You can pay for postage:
- At the Post Office Counter
- At a Self-Service Kiosk
- Using stamps (available at Post Office Counter or National Retailers)
- Using Click-N-Ship online
Additional Fees apply if you are shipping a package that is large in volume but light in weight, has a nonstandard shape, dimensions, or packaging material, has perishable items, or has Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) items.
Add-On Services include:
- Certified Mail: Get proof that you shipped your item and that the recipient signed for it
- Registered Mail: USPS's most secure shipping service
- Return Receipt: You will get a printed or emailed delivery record showing the recipient's signature
- Adult Signature Required: Only an adult (age 21+) can sign for the item after showing a valid government ID
Step 6: Ship Your Package
How you can ship your package depends on how heavy/thick it is and if you used stamps or not. If your package is less than one-half inch thick and weighs less than 10oz, you can use postage stamps and drop off your package by:
- Putting it in your mailbox for carrier pickup
- Dropping it in a blue collection box or Post Office lobby drop-off box
- Requesting a free pickup
If your package uses stamps and is more than one-half inch thick or weighs more than 10 oz, you must take it to a Post Office counter and give it to the Retail Associate at the counter.
If you printed the postage using Click-N-Ship or at a USPS kiosk, you can use any method to drop off your packages.
Schedule a Package Pickup: When you are ready to send your package, USPS will come to your address to pick it up. Pick up during regular mail delivery (free) or use Pickup On Demand (premium paid service) for a fee to select a 2-hour period.
Package Postage Pro Tips:
- Make sure the weight is accurate using a kitchen scale or postal scale
- Round up on weights
- Check the dimensions for dimensional (DIM) weight
- Use the correct package label that matches the packaging
