Ship a Package at the Post Office

Shipping packages through the United States Postal Service may seem like a complicated process, but it is really quite easy. Read this wikiHow to learn how.

10 Second Summary

1. Prepare the package. More ↓
2. Label your package. ↓
3. Calculate the price of shipping. ↓
4. Determine your shipping method. ↓
5. Ship your package. ↓

Steps

  1. Prepare the package.
    • Find the correct size box for everything you intend to ship. Larger boxes mean higher fees, and are unnecessary if shipping small items. Either use a box supplied by the USPS specifically designed for shipping, or a cardboard box with thick sidewalls that will not break or rot.
    • Place the items in the box and seal with tape. Masking tape and duct tape will not be accepted by the USPS. Packaging tape is easy to find and holds cardboard better.
    • If the items are fragile, make sure to pad with spare paper, bubble wrap, bundled up newspaper, or something else soft.
  2. Label your package.
    • Go to the USPS website and select the "print shipping label" button.
      • Type in your address in the return address section.
      • Type in the address you want the package sent to.
      • Print the label and attach to the box with clear packaging tape.
    • Alternately, write your address and sending address by hand. Attach to the box with clear packaging tape.
    • The label should always be parallel with the longest side of the package.
  3. Calculate the price of shipping.
    • Based on the weight and size of your package, there will be varying shipping costs.
      • Go to the USPS website and select the Price Calculator to figure out the shipping cost by inserting the weight and dimensions.
      • Alternately, weigh the package at the post office.
  4. Determine your shipping method.
    • There are numerous shipping methods that all have differing costs.
      • Priority. This is an expensive option, and will get your package to its destination in 2-3 business days.
      • Priority Mail Express. This is an even more expensive option, and will get your package to its destination overnight.
      • Domestic. This means you are sending your package within the United States.
      • International. This means you are sending your package outside the United States.
      • Standard. Standard is the cheapest and will get the package to its destination in 5 to 7 business days.
  5. Ship your package.
    • Schedule a shipment to be picked up from your home or office. You can pay the shipping fees online at no extra cost.
    • Alternately, bring the packages in to your nearest USPS office and have them ship it for you.

Tips

  • Shipping boxes are provided for free at the post office, but some boxes will have to be paid for! These boxes are very good, and even have their own adhesives, so tape is not required.
  • Avoid visiting the post office in the morning or around noontime. At these times, the lines can be very long.

Warnings

  • Make sure you bring enough money to the post office. There may be adjustments at the post office that can cause the package to be above the estimated price.
  • Be sure to have the right address on the label. If you accidentally put the wrong address, your package may be sent to the wrong destination.

Things You'll Need

  • Packaging Tape
  • Shipping Label (or paper and tape)
  • Shipping Box
  • Object[s] that need to be shipped
  • Transportation to the post office
  • Money to ship the package
  • bubble wrap (optional)

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

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