You can obtain certain types of envelopes for free from the United States Postal Service (USPS). These are primarily shipping envelopes designed for specific mail services, not standard letter envelopes for everyday mail.
Free Envelopes from USPS
The USPS provides various envelopes at no cost to customers, but it's important to note that these are intended for use with their expedited mail services, such as Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and Global Express Guaranteed. They are not for use with First-Class Mail or other standard postage.
Types of Free Envelopes Available
The free envelopes offered by USPS are specifically designed to facilitate their shipping services. They come in different sizes and materials suitable for various shipping needs.
- Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes: These allow you to send items weighing up to 70 lbs for a single flat rate, regardless of distance.
- Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelopes: Similar to the above but with extra padding for delicate items.
- Priority Mail Express Envelopes: For urgent shipments requiring fast delivery.
- Global Express Guaranteed Envelopes: For international shipments with a money-back guarantee.
These envelopes often feature the distinctive red and blue branding of the USPS and are clearly marked for their respective services.
How to Obtain Free Envelopes
There are two primary ways to get these free shipping envelopes from the USPS:
-
At Your Local Post Office:
You can visit any local USPS Post Office location during business hours. Free Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and other service-specific envelopes are typically available in the lobby or at the service counter. You can simply pick them up as needed. -
Order Online:
For convenience, you can order a variety of free shipping supplies directly from the official USPS website. This option is ideal for businesses or individuals who need larger quantities or prefer to have them delivered to their home or office.- Visit the USPS website for free shipping supplies.
- Browse the available envelopes and select the types and quantities you need.
- Add them to your cart and proceed to checkout. Shipping for these supplies is also free.
Important Considerations
It's crucial to understand that while these envelopes are free, they are only for use with the specific USPS services they are associated with. You cannot use them for general mail (like First-Class Mail) without purchasing the corresponding postage and service. Standard envelopes for personal letters or cards, or those with pre-printed postage, are not provided for free by the USPS.
