Here is how to send a box in the mail through USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL

There are a variety of options when it comes to shipping a package: USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and certain niche shippers. Which one is right for you? In terms of price, services, amenities, and ease of use: which is the best option? And what are the best practices to make sure your items make it safe and secure to their destination?

Below, we’ll show you how to send a box in the mail successfully using USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. Read on fellow shippers!

USPS Options

The United States Postal Service offers a wide variety of options when it comes to shipping your next package. According to the USPS.com site, they’ve made the process of ordering boxes, calculating prices, and scheduling a pickup a cinch.

Here’s how:

• You’ll head to the USPS.com shipping page.
• There, you’ll be able to print out a shipping label for your package; you’ll need to sign up for an account — if you don’t already have one — in order to print labels, buy stamps, request a Carrier pickup, and more. To do this, you’ll provide a username and password, along with name, address, phone number, email, and a few other tidbits of personal information.
• Once you create your USPS account, you’ll be able to access the features where you can successfully set up the entire shipping process from home or work, never having to set foot in the Post Office.

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Options for packages and services include:

• For those looking to speed up the shipping process — Express, Express Flat Rate, Express International.
• For those looking to save money when shipping — Priority, Priority Flat Rate, Priority International.
• Other services — First Class (to be used for packages weighing up to 13 oz.), Parcel Post (for delivery in 2 to 8 days/can accommodate larger packages up to 130″), International Services, Military, and more.

UPS Options

The United Parcel Service, known commonly as UPS, offers another option for those looking to ship packages. In order to calculate your potential cost to use UPS, click on the Shipping tab at the top of their page. Scroll down to Calculate Time and Cost.

You’ll need to input shipping information for your package, starting with shipping location and date. For the second step, you’ll input proper information about your package: size, weight, and a few other shipping preferences. From there, you’ll be able to see — and compare — prices for various Next Day Air options, 2nd Day Air options, and UPS Ground.

For step-by-step instructions — and best practices — on how to send a box in the mail using UPS, head over to the UPS.com Packaging and Supplies webpage. There, they’ll offer strength guidelines and provide everything you need to know in order to ship/compare prices/track with UPS:

1. Use a corrugated box when shipping.
2. Use internal protection to protect your shipped items.
3. Close your container the right way (use a strong tape that’s 2″ or more in width).
4. Always label properly.

FedEx Services

FedEx will be another choice for shippers; in order to create shipments, figure out shipping totals, and more, one will need to sign up or log in to a previously created account. For a simple way to find out your expected shipping delivery date and a rate, head over to the Get Rates&Transit Times page.

There, you’ll be able to input similar information to the UPS page, such as location, number of packages, weight, date, and more. You can use all of the aforementioned sites — and your specific package, date, and service details — in order to find the best price between all carriers.

In addition, there are other shipping providers, like DHL, which can be interesting options, as well. In the end, it’s about price comparison, comfort level/previous experiences with certain companies, and amenities offered. So, start shipping the right way today!

Resources:

UPS.com: Shipping with UPS.

USPS.com: Ship a Package.

Above photo attributed to Bears On Patrol