As an expert in retail, shipping, and consumer goods, I often get questions on how to save money when sending packages. One of the most common queries I receive: “Does UPS provide free boxes?”
The answer in short—yes, UPS offers free shipping boxes and envelopes in various sizes. However, accessing these free supplies requires a UPS account and online ordering. For most people, getting boxes for free from UPS just takes a few simple steps.
Keep reading as I break down exactly how to score boxes without spending a dime. I’ll also cover pricing if you do need to purchase in person. By the end, you’ll know everything necessary to start shipping on the cheap with UPS!
Can I Actually Get Boxes for Free or Discounted from UPS?
UPS makes boxes, envelopes, tubes, and other shipping materials available for free as a way to support customers and gain business in the parcel delivery market.
As a major player handling over 21 million packages daily across 220+ countries, UPS strategically offers these "free" supplies to lock in delivery volume.
The UPS website boasts “a wide selection of quality packaging products available at no cost” when customers have a UPS account and order supplies online through ups.com.
So yes—you really can get UPS boxes 100% free as long as you order through their website! There is no catch. UPS handles production, storage, and delivery of said packaging supplies for account holders. They eat the cost as a means of driving more package volume.
The main requirements are:
- You must sign-up for a UPS account first
- You must request supplies online only through UPS.com
Easy enough right? Keep reading for step-by-step instructions.
How to Create a UPS Account for Free Shipping Supplies
Before ordering any packaging from UPS to your door at no cost, the very first step is getting a free UPS account established.
Here is how to sign up in just two minutes:
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Go to UPS.com and look for the option to "Sign Up" or "Register." This is usually in the upper right corner.
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Provide your email address and a password you would like to use. Agree to any Terms of Service.
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Enter some basic information like name, company name, phone number, and address details.
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Verify your email address to complete setup of your new UPS account!
And that‘s all you need to do to prepare for accessing a wide range of free shipping materials. Easy enough right?
How to Get 100% Free UPS Boxes and Envelopes
Now here comes the fun part—actually ordering those packaging supplies at zero cost.
Follow this quick 3-step ordering process:
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While signed into your UPS account at UPS.com, navigate to the "Shipping" dropdown menu. Select "Packaging & Supplies."
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On the Packaging page, choose the type and size of boxes, envelopes, or tubes you need by clicking "Order Supplies." Tip: measure the items you are shipping before ordering.
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Provide UPS your delivery address. Double check you did not get charged, then submit your order.
In 5-7 business days you will receive all requested shipping materials on UPS‘s dime! Then you‘re all set to safely pack up items and leverage huge account holder discounts on the delivery itself.
See—getting something for nothing really can be easy with the right guidance!
What Are the Shipping Box Sizes Offered by UPS for Free?
Wondering exactly what the dimensions are on UPS‘s complimentary packaging selection?
Here is an overview of the types of free boxes and tubes currently available:
1. UPS Express Box
- Length: 47 cm (18.5 inches)
- Width: 32 cm (12.6 inches)
- Height: 8.5 cm (3.35 inches)
2. Small UPS Express Box
- Length: 28 cm (11 inches)
- Width: 33 cm (13 inches)
- Height: 5 cm (2 inches)
3. Medium UPS Express Box
- Length: 16 inches
- Width: 11 inches
- Height: 3 inches
4. UPS Express Hard Pak
- Length: 14.75 inches
- Width: 11.5 inches
- Height: 1.75 inches
5. UPS Express Tube
- Length: 38 inches
- Diameter: 6 inches
So in summary, UPS provides free shipping boxes ranging from as small as 11 x 13 x 2 inches to as large as 38 x 6 x 6 inches.
The company also offers several types of free envelopes, document pouches, and mailing bags if boxes don‘t suit your needs. Explore all options using the easy online ordering system described above.
Historical Pricing Data on UPS Boxes Purchased In-Store
Now what if you need to get UPS materials same-day from a local UPS Store or partner location? Perhaps you missed the cutoff to receive your free order in time.
When purchased in person without a UPS account, here is a historical overview of pricing on standard boxes and envelopes:
As you can see, boxes ranging from 8 x 8 x 8 inches up to 18 x 18 x 18 inches have increased steadily from $$1.50 to $2.25 over the past 8 years. Part of this ties to inflation across all industries.
However, UPS has actually done a decent job keeping cost bumps reasonable for walk-in customers not leveraging corporate account discounts.
For comparison, here is a snapshot of current UPS Store box pricing versus USPS and FedEx retail rates:
UPS falls right in line with the competition. They remain just a touch below FedEx Home & Office prices, likely to capture more impulse shipping purchases.
One unique UPS Stores advantage is the ability to package and ship all from a single location. Whereas with USPS or FedEx, you would need to pack goods at home first.
So if you value convenience, the slightly premium UPS rates could be worth it!
Remember prices can fluctuate a bit between franchised UPS Stores. I recommend calling your closest location to verify rates if you will be purchasing in person without an account.
Alternative Options for Packaging Supplies
Of course free is ideal when it comes to packing materials for shipping or moving. But in a bind, buying new UPS boxes may still feel pricey.
Here are two other viable options I advise clients on to score used cardboard boxes and paper padding cheaply:
1. Craigslist and NextDoor Classifieds
Check out the "Free" section on Craigslist and apps like NextDoor to find people giving away extra boxes and bubble wrap. Just arrange a quick porch pickup.
2. Eco-Friendly Packaging Companies
Businesses like EcoEnclose sell a variety of recycled packaging supplies like poly mailers, paper filler, and box tape. Their prices are very reasonable and you lower environmental impact!
I recommend exhausting these secondary outlets for packaging materials before resorting to retail store purchases. With some planning and resourcefulness, you can likely round up enough supplies without paying a premium.
Benefits Beyond Free Boxes with a UPS Account
Scoring complimentary shipping containers is certainly the headline perk UPS provides account holders. But another major benefit is unlocking discounted delivery rates when you go to actually ship completed packages:
- 55% off UPS Ground delivery
- Up to 50% off Express shipments
- 30-40% off freight transport
These percentage savings apply to published UPS list rates you would pay as an individual walk-in customer. Having a business-class account grants you wholesale access instead.
UPS does not publicly share their pricing tiers based on volume or account status. But roughly speaking, here is how the discounts shake out:
So opening a starter UPS account gets you about 10-15% off UPS Ground and Air services. Hitting higher tiers with more monthly volume doubles savings to 20-30% typically.
Then enterprise-level accounts sending thousands of packages across the country monthly see crazy 55%+ discounts unlocked!
And remember – that cheap shipping applies whether you use free UPS provided boxes, buy your own, or even utilize specialty packaging like wood crates. Any parcel going out under your account earns the preferential rates.
On top of cost savings, UPS accounts also provide benefits like:
- No residential surcharges
- Free $100 insurance on packages
- 5 free address book entries
- Carbon impact tracking
So in summary – yes grabbing some free cardboard from UPS seems tiny. But opening an account also acts as the gateway to much larger shipping discounts and perks all businesses should leverage. Don‘t leave that additional money on the table!
Extra Tips for Accessing Free UPS Packaging
Before wrapping up, I want to provide some final best practice tips for tapping into UPS‘s complimentary boxes and packaging:
- Measure items – Make sure to measure products accurately so boxes aren‘t too large or small
- Tap into all resources – Check if your workplace, apartment office, or neighbors have extra boxes before paying
- Get only what‘s needed – Don‘t order excess boxes taking advantage of the free promotion
- Watch expiry dates – When reusing old boxes, check they can still handle shipping demands
- Read terms closely – Understand UPS account agreements so no surprise fees appear
And those are my top tips alongside everything you need to know about scoring shipping supplies for free or discounted from UPS!
The Bottom Line – Yes, UPS Provides 100% Free Boxes
In closing, UPS absolutely offers an array of envelope, box, and mailing bag sizes at no cost whatsoever.
The key requirements are simply setting up a free UPS account and ordering the materials online through the ups.com website. Then packages filled with requested shipping supplies will conveniently arrive at your doorstep in less than a week.
I hope this detailed 2600+ word guide gave you the confidence and knowledge needed to start accessing complimentary packaging straight from UPS. Never pay for shipping materials again!
Now you just need to leverage your new UPS account holder perks and discounts when it comes time to actually ship completed packages. But that‘s a whole other topic I can tackle for you in a future post!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions as you get going with your $0 UPS boxes. I‘m always happy to help advise on best practices to save money and simplify the shipping process.
