How to Ship and Mail a Box

How to Pack a Box

1. Choose a strong, undamaged box that is the right size for what you’re shipping.

2. Wrap items individually with proper cushioning materials and then surround them with the bubble facing the item. Objects inside the box should not directly touch the inside of the box.

3. Carefully seal your package with strong packing tape. Apply at least 3 strips of tape to the ends and bottom sides of the box. Tape should be applied to the box where the flaps meet in the center, top and bottom so the middle and two edge seams are sealed.

4. Measure the dimensions and weight of your package. Shipping charges may be based on dimensional weight if the dimensional weight is greater than the actual weight.

5. Fill out and print shipping labels online, being careful to include all necessary information like postal codes and apartment numbers.

6. Place the label on top of the package and try to avoid placing it on the box seams and packing tape.

How To Determine Your Package’s Actual Weight

Actual weight is the package weight rounded up to the next whole pound, so use a scale to determine the weight of the package. Round any fraction of a pound to the next whole pound for letters over eight ounces and all other packages.

How To Determine Your Package’s Dimensional Weight

Dimensional weight reflects package density, which is the amount of the space a package occupies in relation to its actual weight. Dimensional weight may apply to all domestic and international package services. Determine the package dimensions in inches. For each dimension, measure at the longest point, rounding each measurement to the nearest whole number. Then, multiply the package length by the width by the height. The result is the cubic size in inches.