Can I Just Go In and Get a Box from the Post Office?
Yes, you can generally go into most Post Office™ retail locations and obtain free shipping boxes, specifically those designated for Priority Mail® service. These supplies are provided for customer pick-up to facilitate the use of their shipping services.
Obtaining Free Priority Mail® Boxes
Most Post Office locations readily provide a variety of Priority Mail® packaging supplies at no cost. These supplies are intended for items being shipped via Priority Mail® and include various sizes of boxes and envelopes designed for standard or flat-rate shipping.
Types of Free Shipping Supplies Available
When you visit a Post Office, you can typically find:
- Priority Mail® Boxes: These come in a range of sizes, including standard Priority Mail boxes and specific Flat Rate boxes such as Small Flat Rate, Medium Flat Rate, and Large Flat Rate boxes.
- Priority Mail® Flat Rate Envelopes: Options like the standard Priority Mail® Flat Rate Envelope, Legal Flat Rate Envelope, and Padded Flat Rate Envelope are usually available.
- Other Essential Supplies: Some locations may also offer free labels, customs forms, and other necessary shipping paperwork.
How to Get Your Free Boxes
- Visit a Retail Counter: You can simply approach a USPS associate at the counter and request the specific Priority Mail® boxes or envelopes you need.
- Self-Service Area: Many Post Offices have designated self-service areas or lobbies where free shipping supplies are openly displayed for customers to take as needed.
It's important to remember that these free supplies are exclusively for items being shipped with Priority Mail® service, where the shipping cost is determined by weight/zone or a flat rate.
What About Other Types of Boxes?
If you are looking for general-purpose moving, storage, or non-shipping-specific boxes, these are typically not provided for free. The Post Office may have these types of boxes available for purchase at their retail counter, along with other mailing and packing supplies like tape, bubble wrap, and padded envelopes. These purchased items are separate from the free Priority Mail® shipping supplies.
Key Considerations
To clarify the availability and cost of different types of boxes at the Post Office, consider the following:
| Box Type | Availability at Post Office | Cost | Intended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail® Boxes | Most retail locations | Free | Shipping via Priority Mail® service |
| General/Moving/Storage Boxes | Some retail locations | For Purchase | Packing, storage, or moving |
For more detailed information on obtaining various shipping supplies, you can visit the official USPS website.
