Can I ship UPS in any box? (all you must know)
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UPS offers an online label printing service that can help you save a trip to a physical location, but it can leave you wondering how to get the shipping materials you need.
So, you might ask, can you ship with UPS using any box? What else do you need to know about UPS rules for boxes? I researched it and this is all I found!
Can I ship UPS with any box in 2022?
You can use any box to ship with UPS, as long as it meets UPS’s 2022 sizing guidelines. You can use a box, branded box, or something from another company like Amazon or FedEx, as long as it meets the UPS size requirements and has a UPS label.
If you’re planning to ship your next package with UPS, read on to learn more about getting free shipping supplies and how to properly ship your package!
What kind of boxes does UPS accept?
Fortunately, UPS accepts all types of boxes, the only limitation is the weight or size of the package.
Additionally, these weight, size, and size restrictions will result in your package not being accepted for shipping, as listed on the UPS website:
- Packages can weigh up to 150 pounds
- Packages can be combined up to 165 inches in length and girth
- Packages up to 108 inches long
However, these are not the only weight, size or size constraints.
For example, here are some situations regarding the weight, size, and dimensions of a package that may result in additional charges, known as shipping correction fees:
- Packages that exceed 48 inches on the longest side or 30 inches on the second longest side
- Shipments with an average weight greater than 50 pounds per package or packages with a weight greater than 50 pounds and a weight not specified in the original documentation or the UPS automated shipping system used
- Packages not fully wrapped in corrugated cardboard
- Packages with incorrect weight or size listed on the label
So now that you know what to avoid when choosing a box for your next UPS package, what are the things you don’t need to worry about?
As such, box types accepted by UPS include, but are not limited to:
- Boxes from competitors (i.e. USPS, FedEx, Amazon, etc.)
- Brand box
- Old UPS boxes (as long as they are in good condition)
- Diaper boxes (again, as long as they are in good condition)
When choosing a box for your UPS package, the most important thing is to make sure it meets any size restrictions, is in good condition, and is strong enough to withstand damage.
Additionally, UPS reserves the right to reject any box that, in its opinion, cannot withstand potential damage in transit. However, as long as the box looks good and has a clear UPS label, the UPS usually doesn’t.
Also, to avoid any confusion when using old shipping boxes, cover up or remove any old shipping labels, even if they come from UPS!
Does UPS have free boxes?
Yes, UPS does offer free shipping materials. However, you need to meet some requirements first.
To get free UPS boxes, you must order online and have a UPS My Choice account, which you can make for free here.
Then, once you create or log into your UPS account, use the drop-down shipping menu to select the “Packaging and Shipping Supplies” tab.
From there, click any option on the page to navigate to the “Order Supplies” page, where you’ll find free shipping supplies in various categories, including boxes.
Once you’ve selected the boxes you want, all you have to do is fill out the shipping information and the boxes will be shipped directly to your door!
But while it’s relatively easy to get a free UPS box online, it’s important to remember that this deal is only available online.
So this means that if you need to pick up your order in person, say at your local UPS store, you can expect to pay between $1 and $5 per case.
Also, if you need help deciding what box sizes UPS offers, you can check out this great EasyShip blog post for a more in-depth look at UPS box sizes and prices!
Can you ship wooden crates via UPS?
Yes, you can ship a wooden case with UPS. However, there is limited information on how to do it.
UPS will accept almost any box, even wooden boxes, but when shipping in wooden boxes, be sure to consider the extra weight and size that wood adds.
In addition, the UPS store makes crates for you, especially around larger items like furniture that need to be shipped.
That said, if you’re interested in using the UPS Store crate service, you can read more about it on this page of their website.
As for shipping a package via UPS in your own wooden box, as long as the package is within the weight and size guidelines, and has a clear, up-to-date UPS label, there’s no reason why you can’t!
To learn more, you can also read our posts on whether USPS accepts UPS packages, how long UPS holds packages, and whether UPS offers free boxes.
in conclusion
You can ship packages via UPS in almost any box, including competitor branded boxes and even wooden boxes.
Typically, UPS will not ship certain boxes because it exceeds the weight limit, does not have a UPS shipping label, or the box is not strong enough.
Additionally, you can order boxes for free from the UPS website using your UPS My Choice account.