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A Guide to USPS, UPS, and FedEx Shipping Requirements
When it comes to shipping a package, there are three major carriers in the United States: FedEx, UPS and USPS. Each carrier has recommendations for shipping based on what product is being sent, but all three offer general shipping and packaging advice, which we will detail in this article.
If you are shipping an oversized product or hazardous or restricted items, these guidelines may not be applicable to your situation. We recommend visiting your chosen carrier’s website to find more specific shipping requirements by product.
Otherwise, read on to learn all you need to know about:
Here are USPS, UPS and Fedex’s shipping requirements and best-practice packaging guidelines for ensuring your package arrives safely and on time.
USPS shipping requirements
UPS Shipping Requirements
📬 Pro tip: If you need personalized shipping advice, UPS has a Packaging Advisorthat gives you a customized list of packaging guidelines. All you need to do is select what item you’re shipping and enter the size and weight of the package.
FedEx Shipping Requirements
📬 **Pro tip:**Are you shipping an unusually shaped product? FedEx has downloadable instructionsfor how to pack specialty items such as artwork or alcohol and wine.
Selecting the Right Packaging to Meet Shipping Requirements
Boxes and Mailer Bags
Mailer Bags are a great option for shipping lightweight goods such as clothing. Consider choosing an eco-friendly mailer bag like a Recycled Maileror a Compostable Mailer to reduce the impacts of shipping ecommerce products.
tendlyn Recycled Mailerby @whereyouare.co
For fragile items that need more protection such as home and gift items or skincare and beauty, a corrugated cardboard shipping box is the best option. You can choose to brand the outside of the boxto show your customers who it is from the moment they receive it, or opt for aplain stock boxto keep prices lower.
Custom box, tape, and tissue paper by @delhicious_body
Product Cushioning
If you need your products to have an extra layer of cushioning for protection, consider choosing exterior packaging that is designed to shield your products from damage. While a box is a great way to safeguard products, there are also mailers with inbuilt protection features such as Padded, Recycled Mailers,Rigid, Heavy Duty Mailersor.
Recycled, Padded Mailerby @tinysproutkids
Custom Tissue Paperby @boxgifts
Shipping Labels
As detailed by the shipping providers, shipping labels should be clear and easily readable. However, it also pays to think about the sustainability of any labels you’re using during shipment.
Compostable Shipping Labelby @mypadayon
While they’re a smaller detail of packaging, the waste created can really add up. Compostable Shipping Labelsare an eco-friendly choice, as customers can dispose of them after use in a home or commercial compost and they will break down, leaving no traces behind.
Wrapping it Up
We hope this guide has helped you determine how to pack and ship your products with confidence! Select the right packaging and follow the steps above to ensure shipping is a smooth process for your business instead of a challenging one. For more packaging and shipping tips, check out more articles on The Wrap! 📦
Looking for customizable and eco-friendly shipping materials for your ecommerce business? tendlyn’s range of packaging solutions includes custom stickers and tape, compostable and recycled mailers, recycled boxes, custom tissue paper and more! Take a look at our packaging options by industry here.
