How to Never Pay For Shipping Boxes Again! USPS Hack #shorts

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[jp]

Not even gonna lie, this was the most brilliant thing I’ve seen on the internet in a while.

[JesseArt]

Postal clerk here. Just make sure the box says "mailing box" on it rather than "flat rate box" if you want the postage to be based on weight, size and distance (usually cheaper if it's not that heavy and you're not sending it far away). Priority Flat Rate boxes have a set price tag, but if they are modified, then they have to go by weight, size and distance, which can be more expensive if you're sending the item far away. Flat rates are really great for heavier items traveling some distance, but "mailing boxes" like we have here are usually the best and cheapest option for something like a pair of shoes.

[SimplestUsername]

I thought the reason these boxes were cost effective was because their dimensions were consistent so they all stack nicely together in transport.

[MickeyWorsley]

I work at the USPS, tip for everyone: PLEASE TAPE YOUR BOXES CORRECTLY! I care about your packages and personal items. I’d hate for my items to fall out when shipping. I just see too many damaged packages daily and I want to help someone who doesn’t have to go through that problem!

[MrAdamchacon]

They actually have a priority box that is the size of a shoe box. It’s actually called a priority “shoe box”.

[sixtyfiveford]

Depending on the post office they will reject these modified boxes either at the source or at the customer and ship them back to you. You do not get to recover the cost you paid for shipping, that's lost.

[sethdilloniskillingthebee]

Reed the agreement you enter into when taking the box. You will find that is actually breaking a federal law. Commonly overlooked not always.

[druid_zephyrus]

I wouldn't count this as "never paying for shipping boxes" because they price of the box is included in the overall price of shipping.

[channeljrs]

Keep in mind that when you use priority boxes, you will pay priority rate.

[TheFreezealot]

When you work at a UPS, USPS, or FedEx you learn neat tricks like this to save on supplies and time on the belt repacking. Awesome short👍🏾

[Xsse]

Pro tip from eBay seller
If doing this, make sure you're NOT using the free flat rate boxes. Make sure you grab the box labeled "Mailing Box" like the one she's holding to not look so sketch and avoid having your package rejected.

Alternatively, just ask your USPS clerk for a Priority Mail Shoe Box. They'll know what you mean, I promise.

Note: free USPS boxes can't be used for for first class mail or parcel select ground.

[finnnebel]

Additional tips from someone who works at a Postal Terminal:
1) they sell priority shoe boxes, which are already shaped to size.
2) if you send something in a priority box, it has to go as Priority Mail (At LEAST $8, more likely $10-$12) so if you are sending something light, you are better off finding your own box to send as First Class mail (Around $4 - $5.) You also CANNOT turn priority boxes/envelopes inside out and send them as First Class, they will be sent back/thrown out.
3) Size/dimensions of the box don’t really matter unless it’s really big (like probably 4 times or more the size of a shoe box.) All the really matters when shipping is weight.
4) If you manipulate a Priority box like above, make sure you know whether it is Flat Rate or by Weight. If it’s heavy (Like about 5 pounds or so) do Flat Rate, and if it’s lighter, do Weight.

[jeyDsixx]

Yes but don’t forget….if u use those priority Mail boxes they can only be sent priority Mail. And don’t get the flat rate boxes cuz they look the same….

[ColonelKrn]

USPS has Priority Mail shoe boxes for free in their shipping supplies section. Dimensions of that particular box are 7 3/8" (L) x 5 1/4" (W) x 14 7/8" (H) and come in a 10 or 25 pack and are free as well.

[upperarmhumor]

Unless you’re shipping these boxes through USPS Priority Mail, this is very illegal. You ultimately pay for the box when you ship the package. If you’re not paying USPS then this is what they call theft. I did this as a kid without consequence but you certainly could get in trouble.

[jasoneverett]

Alternate title: "how to get flagged by the post office"

[bryancockerham]

The only boxes that's allowed to be disfigured are the "mailing boxes" the ones that say flat rate on them we will send at which ever cost more...

[tabytastick]

Went to local post office the other day to mail out boxes of wrapped gifts. Our post guy was cool. The one box was going to cost $30 to ship. He asked what was inside and we told him. He asked if he could open the box to try and reset it. Sure. He proceeded to do some cutting and origami and dropped the shipping price to $12.
This is a company that almost went out of business and they still do things like this. 👍

[Firebreath]

I worked in shipping, those boxes are “free” because they are provided by the government to ship out the flat rate cost. And there is even a similar size box for shoes called priority mail large. This lady just reshaped a box which is normal in the shipping industry lol

[julius_the_python]

Tell me you have no idea what you're doing with shipping without telling me you have no idea doing with shipping. Priority mail boxes are free, but you need to pay for priority mail postage if you use one. And if it's a flat rate box, changing the dimensions of it don't affect the price. You're better off turning the Box inside out if you just need a box to ship something in. Amateur