Best Shipping Labels and Supplies (Where to Get Free Boxes)
Best Shipping Labels and Supplies (Where to Get Free Boxes)
Shipping supplies are an overlooked cost of doing business. Between boxes, tape, labels, bubble wrap, and filler material, packaging expenses add up—especially for sellers shipping dozens or hundreds of packages per month. The smart approach is to take advantage of free supplies wherever possible and buy the rest strategically. This guide covers where to get free shipping boxes, the best labels for home printing, and how to minimize your supply costs.
Free Shipping Supplies from USPS
USPS offers one of the best deals in shipping: free boxes, envelopes, and packaging for Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express shipments. You can order these supplies online at USPS.com and have them delivered to your door at no charge.
Free USPS Priority Mail Supplies
| Item | Dimensions | Service Restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope | 12.5” x 9.5” | Priority Mail only |
| Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope | 15” x 9.5” | Priority Mail only |
| Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope | 12.5” x 9.5” | Priority Mail only |
| Small Flat Rate Box | 8.625” x 5.375” x 1.625” | Priority Mail only |
| Medium Flat Rate Box (top-load) | 11.25” x 8.75” x 6” | Priority Mail only |
| Medium Flat Rate Box (side-load) | 14” x 12” x 3.5” | Priority Mail only |
| Large Flat Rate Box | 12.25” x 12.25” x 6” | Priority Mail only |
| Priority Mail Box (various sizes) | Multiple sizes available | Priority Mail only |
| Priority Mail Express Envelope | 12.5” x 9.5” | Priority Mail Express only |
| Priority Mail Express Box | Multiple sizes available | Priority Mail Express only |
Important rule: USPS-branded Priority Mail boxes and envelopes must only be used for Priority Mail shipments. Using a Priority Mail box to ship via Ground Advantage or a non-USPS carrier violates postal regulations and can result in surcharges or returned packages.
To order, visit the USPS Postal Store online, create a free account, and order up to the quantity limits (typically 10–25 per item per order). Supplies usually arrive within 5–7 business days.
Free USPS Supplies for Other Services
USPS also provides free supplies that are not service-restricted:
- Shipping tape (USPS Priority Mail branded, but technically can be used on any package)
- Customs forms and labels for international shipments
- “Fragile” and “Perishable” stickers
Free Supplies from FedEx and UPS
FedEx and UPS also offer free packaging for their services:
FedEx Free Supplies
- FedEx Express envelopes, paks, and boxes (for FedEx Express shipments only)
- Order through FedEx.com or pick up at FedEx Office locations
- FedEx Ground does not include free packaging
UPS Free Supplies
- UPS Express envelopes and paks (for UPS Express shipments only)
- Order through UPS.com
- UPS Ground does not include free packaging
Unlike USPS, neither FedEx nor UPS provides free boxes for ground shipments. For ground shipping with these carriers, you’ll need to supply your own packaging.
Best Shipping Labels for Home Printing
Printing labels at home saves time and money compared to handwriting addresses or waiting in post office lines. Here are your main options:
Label Paper Types
| Label Type | Cost per Label | Best For | Printer Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard paper + tape | $0.01–$0.02 | Budget shippers | Any printer |
| Self-adhesive 8.5” x 11” half-sheet labels | $0.05–$0.10 | Most shippers | Inkjet or laser |
| 4” x 6” thermal labels | $0.02–$0.04 | High-volume shippers | Thermal printer |
Recommended Setup by Volume
Shipping 1–20 packages/month: Use self-adhesive half-sheet labels (Avery 5126 or equivalent). These work with any standard inkjet or laser printer. A pack of 200 labels costs about $15–$20, bringing per-label cost to under $0.10.
Shipping 20–100 packages/month: Consider a thermal label printer. The upfront cost for a quality thermal printer (DYMO 4XL, Rollo, or MUNBYN) is $150–$250, but thermal labels cost just $0.02–$0.04 each and never need ink. The printer pays for itself within a few months of regular use.
Shipping 100+ packages/month: A thermal printer is essential at this volume. The per-label cost savings and ink-free operation make it a clear winner. Pair it with a shipping platform like PirateShip or ShipStation for streamlined batch printing. Stamps.com vs PirateShip vs ShipStation: Comparison
Where to Buy Affordable Packaging Supplies
For the supplies you can’t get for free, here are cost-effective sources:
Boxes and Mailers
| Source | Best For | Typical Savings |
|---|---|---|
| ULINE | Bulk orders (25+ boxes), widest selection | 10–20% vs retail |
| Amazon | Small to medium quantities, fast delivery | Varies |
| EcoEnclose | Eco-friendly/recycled materials | Comparable to standard pricing |
| Dollar Tree/dollar stores | Small quantities, limited sizes | Cheapest per unit for small buys |
| Local recycling / business surplus | Reusing boxes from other shipments | Free |
Packing Materials
- Bubble wrap: Buy in bulk rolls (175–350 ft) for $15–$30. Avoid individual sheets—they cost 3–5 times more per square foot.
- Packing peanuts: Biodegradable versions cost $15–$25 per bag (14 cu ft). Alternatively, use crumpled newspaper or kraft paper as free filler.
- Air pillows: Available in bulk rolls for use with an air pillow machine. Cost-effective for high-volume shippers at $0.02–$0.05 per pillow.
- Packing paper: Kraft paper rolls ($10–$15 for 200 ft) provide lightweight, recyclable cushioning.
Tips for Reducing Supply Costs
- Reuse boxes. Save boxes from incoming shipments. Remove old labels and cover old barcodes with new labels. This is free and environmentally friendly.
- Order free USPS supplies in bulk. Stock up on Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes and envelopes—they’re free and durable. USPS Flat Rate Boxes: Complete Size and Price Guide
- Right-size your boxes. Using a box that’s too large wastes filler material and can trigger DIM weight surcharges from FedEx and UPS. Best Shipping Service for Heavy Packages (Over 10 lbs)
- Buy in bulk when possible. Box prices drop 20–40% when you buy 25+ at a time from suppliers like ULINE.
- Use poly mailers for non-fragile items. Poly mailers cost $0.10–$0.30 each and weigh almost nothing, keeping postage costs down. Best Shipping Service for Small Packages (Under 1 lb)
- Invest in a thermal printer if you ship regularly. The upfront cost is quickly offset by eliminating ink and toner expenses.
Key Takeaways
- USPS provides free Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express boxes, envelopes, and packaging delivered to your door.
- FedEx and UPS offer free packaging only for their Express services, not for ground shipments.
- Self-adhesive half-sheet labels work for low-volume shippers; thermal printers are the best investment for anyone shipping 20+ packages per month.
- Reusing boxes, buying in bulk, and right-sizing packaging are the most effective ways to cut supply costs.
- Free USPS supplies combined with a free platform like PirateShip can bring your total non-postage shipping costs close to zero.
Next Steps
- Order free USPS supplies: Visit the USPS Postal Store online to order Priority Mail boxes and envelopes at no cost.
- Choose a shipping platform: Print discounted labels from home with commercial pricing. Stamps.com vs PirateShip vs ShipStation: Comparison
- Explore Flat Rate options: Free Flat Rate boxes plus fixed pricing equals predictable shipping costs. USPS Flat Rate Boxes: Complete Size and Price Guide
- Compare carrier options for your package size: Match your packaging to the most cost-effective carrier. UPS Ground vs USPS Priority Mail: Cost and Speed Comparison
Shipping rates and delivery times are estimates and may vary. Verify current rates directly with carriers.