To ship an item, can I simply take it to the post office, and pay for the postage and send it off?

Question

I have heard they give the containers for free, is this true also?

Answer 1

I don't think the containers are free at the post office. You have to pay for them. Then you have to fill up the customs declaration with details of what you're sending.

Answer 2

hello - in the US the post office does have some boxes they provide for mailing.  depends where you are and what you are sending.  good luck.

Answer 3

As a daily USPS shipper...here's more information than you probably ever wanted!

Post office provides free boxes for Priority Mail (a 2-3 day service) and Express Mail (overnight) shipments. But things like bubble wrap, and tape are not free...although, they do have them for sale there.

There are about 8 different Priority Mail box sizes, but the post office may not have them all on hand.  The largest size box is 12x12x10in.  They have 3 different "flat rate" boxes also.  These are beneficial when you have something small, but heavy (like books, for example) and will save some $.

If you item is fragile, it really is best to go to a Mailing Store (like the UPS Store) and let them pack it for you (they will charge you for the box, etc).  The UPS Store will ship any method by the way, not just UPS.

If your item is not fragile, and fits in a Priority Mail box (the largest box available is 12x12x10in), then take it to the post office.

You can also use the USPS postage calculator online to estimate the cost, and see the different options for shipping.

http://postcalc.usps.gov/

select "package", then enter the weight (you can just guess to see), and enter the "from" and "to" zip codes, then "continue".

It brings up a list of options and the prices.  If you click the "?" symbol next to each service, it will give you more information about it.

Answer 4

If you take it to the post office and ship it priority mail then they usually have boxes there...also they do flate rate where they charge one price for whatever you can fit in the box (legal stuff that is!).