Skip to main content

Which option do I select under the "Type of Packaging" menu?

Selecting the correct packaging for your shipment

Updated over a week ago

When you create a label in Pirate Ship, you'll need to select the correct packaging option from the Type of Packaging drop-down menu in order to get the correct rate:

Depending on what you select, you may be restricted to certain packaging and services 👍 We've created a breakdown of all the options in that list, and have listed out the different kinds of boxes & envelopes you can use with each one:

Box or Rigid Packaging

You can use:

* Note: You can only use Priority Mail-branded boxes or envelopes with Priority Mail service, so make sure to choose "Box or Rigid Packaging" before clicking the BUY button. Priority Mail packaging can't be used with USPS Ground Advantage, Media Mail, First Class Package International, or Simple Export Rate.

Similarly, you can only use Priority Mail Express-branded boxes with Priority Mail Express service.

For info on selecting Priority Mail Flat Rate packaging, scroll down.

Envelope, Padded Envelope, Poly Bag, Soft Pack, or Box in a Bag

You can use:

  • Any custom or plain mailing envelope, padded envelope, poly bag, or soft pack

  • A box that was put inside of a poly bag or envelope (Box in a Bag)—as long as the bag is still floppy and doesn't look like a box!

  • Priority Mail Tyvek Envelope*

Note: Your envelopes cannot exceed 18" in either direction, or else you need to select "Box or Rigid Packaging" and enter all 3 dimensions of your envelope (Length, Width, and Height).

"Box in a Bag" Packaging May Result in Carrier Adjustments if the Bag is Too Tight

The "Box in a Bag" shipping method works for USPS shipments, and you only need to enter the Length and Width of your bag. However, if the bag is too tight around your box (basically, if the packaging still looks like a box with three dimensions), it could result in a carrier adjustment where USPS determines that your package has a third dimension.

Note: The "Box in a Bag" method isn't available for UPS shipments and will almost always result in a carrier adjustment if attempted.

Tube or Irregular Packaging

Select this option for shipping items that don't fit inside standard handheld boxes or envelopes. Examples include:

  • Any custom or plain tube (learn about how to ship tubes)

  • Dual-Use Priority Mail/Priority Mail Express Tubes (when choosing a service, you must use the Priority Mail/Priority Mail Express service indicated on the tube)

  • Tires

  • Golf bags

  • Ski bags

  • Cardboard sandwiches (two pieces of flat packaging with a thin item in the middle, like a sign or poster)

  • Guitars & guitar cases

  • Wooden or metal crates

  • Large cans or buckets

Irregular packages and tubes incur surcharges

  • Surcharges will apply: Selecting the "Tube or Irregular Package" type will incur surcharges from UPS and USPS that will be applied on top of your rate quote before you purchase your label.

Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box

You can use:

Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box

You can use:

Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box

You can use:

Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope

Standard flat-rate envelopes are ideal for documents, smaller flat items, and lightweight objects. You can use:

Legal flat-rate envelopes are designed for documents larger than 8.5x11, such as legal-sized papers or documents. This envelope is longer than the standard flat-rate envelope. You can use:

Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope

Padded flat-rate envelopes have a layer of padding, making them suitable for items that need extra protection during shipping, such as delicate items or items with a bit of bulk. You can use:

Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope

These express flat-rate envelopes are perfect for documents, smaller flat products, and lightweight items you want delivered overnight. You can use:

Like the standard legal flat-rate envelope, use this option for sending documents larger than 8.5x11 that you want delivered overnight. You can use:

Priority Mail Express Padded Flat Rate Envelope

Use the express padded flat rate envelope to give extra protection to items you want delivered overnight. You can use:

Free UPS Express Packaging

You can order free UPS Express packaging on the UPS website, once you create a UPS account (it's free to sign up) 👌 If you're using any of the free UPS Express boxes or envelopes, you'll need to select your corresponding package type from the drop-down menu. When you select one of these options, all of the domestic UPS services except for UPS Ground will be available to choose from once you click the "Get Rates" button.

You'll find the following UPS Express packaging options in the Type of Packaging drop-down:

NOTE: Since UPS consider tubes "Irregular Packages," you'll need to select this checkbox underneath the Extra Services tab when shipping the UPS Express Tube.

Related Resources:

Did this answer your question?