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Which option do I select under the "Type of Packaging" menu?
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, or 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).

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

You can use:

You can use:

Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope

You can use:

Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope

You can use:

You can use:

Priority Mail Express Padded Flat Rate Envelope

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: Both USPS and UPS consider tubes "Irregular Packages," so if you're shipping a tube, you'll need to select this option underneath the Extra Services tab when creating your label. Learn more about irregular packages.

Have any questions about different packaging types? Click the blue chat icon to get in touch with our Support Crew 😃

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