SHIP SMARTER.
NOT HARDER.
Boxes. Labels. Addresses. Rules. We've got you.
Shipping can get confusing fast. Weight matters. Size matters. What's inside definitely matters. Whether you're sending a birthday gift, returning a purchase or getting a package across the country, knowing a few things before you seal the box can save a lot of trouble.
Four Things We Need to Know
You don't need to know shipping terminology. You do need to know where it's going and what's inside. We'll work from there.
Where Is It Going?
Bring the recipient's complete name and delivery address, including apartment, suite or unit numbers when applicable.
What's Inside?
Be ready to tell us what you're shipping. The contents can determine whether an item can travel and which services may be available.
How Fast?
If you have a deadline, tell us. Available delivery speeds and estimated arrival times can vary by destination and shipment.
What's It Worth?
Know the approximate value of the contents, especially when sending something expensive, fragile or difficult to replace.
Shipping Isn't Priced by Weight Alone.
Two boxes that weigh exactly the same can have very different shipping costs. Size, distance and delivery speed all matter too.
Weight
Heavier packages can cost more to transport, so accurate package weight matters.
Box Size
A giant lightweight box still takes up a giant amount of space. Package dimensions can affect the rate.
Distance
Where the package starts and where it's headed can affect available services and price.
Speed
Faster isn't usually cheaper. Your delivery timeline can make a significant difference in shipping cost.
Additional Services
Signature options, additional coverage and other available services may change the total.
Packaging
If your shipment needs a box, cushioning, tape or other packing materials, those can add to the total.
Tell us what's most important β price, speed or both β and we'll help you understand the available choices.
Your Box Has a Job to Do.
A shipping box isn't just there to hold the label. It has to protect what's inside through sorting, stacking, transportation and delivery.
π¦ Start With a Good Box
Use a sturdy box that's appropriate for the size and weight of what you're sending.
- Avoid badly crushed or weakened boxes.
- Don't overload a box beyond what it can safely hold.
- Choose a size that leaves room for protection.
- Make sure all flaps close completely.
π«§ Protect What's Inside
Empty space lets things move. Movement is not your fragile item's friend.
- Use cushioning around breakable items.
- Fill excessive empty space.
- Keep fragile pieces from striking each other.
- Seal containers that could leak.
π©Ή Tape Is Important
Use strong packing tape designed for shipping boxes.
- Secure the center seam.
- Secure the outer seams.
- Tape both the top and bottom securely.
- Don't rely on string or a wish.
β»οΈ Reusing a Box?
Absolutely β as long as the box is still strong enough and old markings don't create confusion.
- Remove or completely cover old shipping labels.
- Remove old barcodes.
- Cover unrelated addresses and markings.
- Do not reuse a box displaying hazardous-material markings unless those markings are properly handled.
Don't Bring This In to Ship.
Some items are prohibited from ordinary shipment, present serious transportation hazards, or require specialized handling that isn't available for a normal retail shipment.
Ask Before You Pack It.
Restricted does not always mean prohibited. Some everyday products can be shipped only under certain conditions. Tell us what you have before you tape the box shut.
Lithium Batteries
Batteries and devices containing batteries can be subject to special packaging, labeling and transportation rules.
Electronics
Phones, tablets, laptops and other electronics may contain lithium batteries that affect how they can travel.
Perfume & Cologne
Alcohol-containing fragrances may be considered flammable and can have transportation restrictions.
Nail Polish
Nail polish and related products may contain flammable ingredients and can require special handling.
Aerosols
Spray cans and pressurized containers may be regulated even when they're ordinary household products.
Liquids
Tell us exactly what the liquid is. Some are ordinary, some are restricted, and some cannot be shipped.
Perishable Items
Food and other perishables may require special packaging and timing and may not be appropriate for every service.
Plants & Seeds
Agricultural items can be subject to destination, carrier and regulatory restrictions.
Magnets & Unusual Items
Strong magnets and other unusual contents can have special transportation requirements. Ask first.
Shipping Electronics?
Phones, tablets, laptops, watches, cameras, power banks, cordless tools and plenty of other everyday products contain lithium batteries.
Whether a battery is installed in equipment, packed with equipment, damaged, defective or being shipped by itself can change the rules.
Tell us there's a battery before the shipment is processed. Don't assume that because an item is sold in a store, it can automatically travel through every shipping service.
A Good Address Matters.
A perfectly packed box isn't very useful if the address doesn't tell anyone where to take it.
π Recipient Information
Bring the recipient's complete delivery information. Double-check spelling, street numbers, ZIP codes and apartment or unit numbers before shipping.
1234 EXAMPLE STREET APT 5
PHOENIX, AZ 85001
β©οΈ Return Information
You'll also need a complete return address. If the shipment can't be delivered, the return information tells the shipping network where it should go back.
YOUR STREET ADDRESS
KINGMAN, AZ 86409
Keep Your Tracking Number.
Your receipt and tracking information matter. Keep them until the shipment has been successfully delivered.
Keep Your Receipt
Don't toss the receipt five seconds after leaving. It contains information you may need later.
Watch the Tracking
Tracking can show movement, delivery attempts, delays and successful delivery.
Save Important Details
For valuable shipments, keep useful documentation such as receipts, photos and proof of value.
Bring the Package. Bring the Questions.
You don't need to know every shipping rule before you walk in. Tell us where it's going, what's inside, how quickly you need it there and what matters most to you. We'll help you understand the available options.