Preparing Packages

Careful preparation of your package helps to ensure safe delivery.
The BoxChoose a box with enough room for cushioning material around the contents. Sturdy paperboard or corrugated fiberboard boxes are best for weights up to 10 pounds. If you are reusing a box, totally remove or obliterate all previous labels and markings with heavy black marker.
Where to Find BoxesYou can purchase boxes and tubes of various sizes at most Post Offices. Express Mail and Priority Mail boxes are available free at the Post Office for items sent using either of these services. While you are not required to use the free packaging for these services, you must use the address label provided by the Post Office for Express Mail. To order Express Mail or Priority Mail boxes at no extra charge, call 1·800·222·1811 or visit www.usps.com and click on 'Supplies' under 'Shipping Tools'.
CushioningPlace the cushioning all around your item or items. You can use newspaper, “foam peanuts," or shredded paper. Close and shake the box to see if you have enough cushioning. If you hear items shifting, add more cushioning.
Placing an extra address label with the delivery and return addresses inside the package will ensure that the item can be delivered in case the outside label becomes damaged or falls off.
Mailing Fragile ItemsUse foamed plastic or padding to protect your items, placing the cushioning inside hollow items as well. Mark the package "Fragile" or mark "Perishable" on packages that contain food or other items that can spoil. Careful packaging is the best way to safeguard your valuable items against damage.
Mailing Heavy ItemsIf you are mailing a very heavy or very dense item, start with a sturdy box, pack the contents securely with a strong material for bracing to prevent shifting, and tape all the edges with reinforced tape. Packages heavier than 70 pounds cannot be mailed.
SealingTape the opening of your box and reinforce all seams with 2-inch-wide tape. Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape, or paper tape. Do not use cord, string, twine, masking or cellophane tape.
Return AddressPrint or type your address in the upper left corner on the same side of the package as the delivery address.
Extra ServicesPlace labels for extra services above the delivery address and to the right of the return address, or to the left of the delivery address.
PostageUse stamps, a postage meter, or a PC Postage system to affix the correct amount. Use stamps, a postage meter, or a PC Postage system to affix the correct amount. You can calculate postage rates and purchase postage online.
Delivery AddressPrint or type the delivery address parallel to the longest side of the package. Print or type clearly with a pen or permanent marker so that your address is legible from an arm's length away. Do not use commas or periods.
Confirmation ServicesLabels for Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation are placed to the left of the address label.
City, State, and ZIP CodeTo find the correct spelling of a city name or to find a ZIP Code, see the ZIP Code Lookup tool or call 1·800·ASK·USPS. Using the correct ZIP Code helps to direct your mail more efficiently and accurately.
Drop OffIf your package weighs less than 1 pound and you have affixed the correct postage, you can drop it into a blue collection box. If your package weighs 1 pound or more, and you have affixed postage stamps, you must hand it to your letter carrier or take it to the Post Office.