Where To Get Shipping Boxes
Finding the most affordable shipping boxes is key to reducing shipping costs on your eCommerce store. Get to know the cheapest places to buy shipping boxes from popular shipping box suppliers to shipping providers.
Have you ever searched for "shipping boxes near me?" If so, you're aware that they're accessible from various merchants, both offline and online. However, if you are not cautious, the cost of shipping containers can rapidly stack up. That's why it's helpful to know how to get affordable shipping boxes.
Here's a complete guide to where to purchase shipping boxes - as well as how to acquire them for free.
The Cheapest Places To Buy Shipping Boxes
If you search for "shipping boxes near me," you'll find a plethora of shipping box businesses. The challenge is figuring out where to acquire cheap shipping boxes for your exact requirements — without having to spend hours browsing through stock listings online.
Uline
Uline is a distributor of boxes as well as other shipping materials that operate online. It is one of the best places to buy shipping boxes.
With over 38,500 packages and materials to select from, it's challenging to think you won't find what you're looking for. Because the firm sells in bulk – similar to Costco for shipping – it's challenging to compete with their rates.
Uline ships from ten warehouses across the United States, resulting in speedy delivery of your shipping materials. If you purchase before 6 p.m., you can still get the same-day shipment. If you need shipping boxes quickly, cheaply, and in volume, Uline is the place to go.
Amazon
Nowadays, Amazon is indeed the go-to store for many shipping goods, including shipping boxes. Amazon may be a fantastic location to acquire cheap shipping boxes because of its cost savings. Members of Amazon Prime may also have their items delivered in 2 days or less.
Walmart
In the United States, Walmart is the most prominent brick-and-mortar supplier of shipping materials. You may also get free delivery on purchases over $35 at Walmart.com. So it's a typical answer to the topic of where to purchase shipping boxes.
It's a typical answer to the topic of where to purchase shipping boxes.
Top shipping providers such as USPS, FedEx, and UPS are the cheapest to buy shipping boxes. They all provide free shipping boxes in a variety of sizes. If your items fit into these cartons, this might be the best-value choice.
Browse the courier's webpage to obtain free shipment boxes. Navigate to the shipping supplies area. You may buy a variety of shipping materials from this page, including:
· Containers made of cardboard (S - XL)
· Mailers made of polypropylene
· Envelopes
· Tubes
FedEx
FedEx shipping boxes are available in three sizes: small, medium, and big. You may purchase them online in packages of 25, and they will come in 2-5 working days with free delivery.
FedEx provides the following additional boxes and supplies:
· FedEx packages (S - L)
· Airbills
· Pouches
· Mailers made of polypropylene
· Envelopes
DHL
DHL is a major worldwide express courier company. Free DHL shipping boxes are an excellent method for overseas retailers to save shipping expenses. On the DHL website, you may order free packaging such as:
· boxes made of cardboard (S - XL)
· Envelopes
· Pouch with padding.
· Mailing Tubes
· Mailers made of polypropylene
Related: Does DHL Deliver to The Post Office?
Purchasing boxes online from distributors such as Uline or stores such as Walmart is the most cost-effective option. You may also buy free packs online from carriers such as USPS, UPS, and FedEx if your delivery provider allows it. When looking for where to acquire cheap shipping boxes, ensure that your selected shipping provider accepts free packages, as not everyone does.
Recommended: How to Get Free Shipping Supplies from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL
Calculating Your Package's Cubic Tier
For Boxes and Rigid Packages:
- Measure the outer dimensions (length, width, height) in inches
- Round each measurement down to the nearest quarter inch
- Multiply length x width x height
- Divide the result by 1728 (cubic inches in a cubic foot)
- The result is your package's cubic feet measurement
Example: For a box measuring 12.3" x 9.5" x 3":
- Round down to 12.25" x 9.5" x 3"
- 12.25 x 9.5 x 3 = 349.125
- 349.125 / 1728 = 0.202 cubic feet
- This package falls into the 0.3 cubic feet pricing tier
Note: Maximum size for any single dimension is 18 inches
For Envelopes and Soft Packs:
- Measure the length and width of the empty envelope
- Round down to the nearest quarter inch
- Add the length and width together
- Use the total to determine the pricing tier:
- Tier 0.1: Up to 21"
- Tier 0.2: 21.01" to 27"
- Tier 0.3: 27.01" to 31"
- Tier 0.4: 31.01" to 34"
- Tier 0.5: 34.01" to 36"
Restrictions
- Tubes and rolls are not eligible for Cubic pricing
- Maximum combined length and girth is 84 inches
Benefits of Using Priority Mail Cubic
- Cost savings: Cheaper than weight-based pricing for small, heavy items
- Predictable pricing: Easy to calculate shipping costs based on box dimensions
- Fast delivery: 1-3 business day delivery to any US address, including PO boxes
- Free tracking: Monitor shipments at no extra cost
- Included insurance: $100 of coverage with every shipment
- No surcharges: Residential and fuel surcharges included in the price
Tips for Maximizing Savings
- Optimize packaging: Use the smallest box possible that safely fits your items
- Consider breaking up large orders: Sometimes shipping in multiple smaller boxes can be cheaper
- Use cubic feet calculators: Online tools can help quickly determine your package's tier
- Compare rates: Always compare Cubic rates with other shipping methods
- Use Commercial Pricing: Accessing Commercial Pricing rates can lead to even more savings
2024 USPS Priority Mail Cubic Rates
Accessing Priority Mail Cubic Rates
Priority Mail Cubic isn't available at regular Post Office counters. However, many online shipping platforms and 3PL providers offer access to these rates. By partnering with a fulfillment provider, you can easily access these discounted rates and streamline your shipping process. For small-scale sellers not yet ready for a 3PL, Pirate Ship offers free access to USPS Priority Mail Cubic rates with no monthly fees or minimums.
