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:
Any custom-branded or generic box
Any custom or plain tube (Yes, USPS considers tubes boxes!)
Priority Mail Box - 1097* (discontinued)
Priority Mail Box - DVD Box* (discontinued)
Priority Mail Express Box - 2* (discontinued)
* 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!
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.
Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box
You can use:
Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box
You can use:
Medium Flat Rate Box 1 (Top-Loading)
Medium Flat Rate Box 2 (Side-Loading)
Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box
You can use:
Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope
You can use:
Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope
You can use:
Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope
You can use:
Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope
You can use:
Priority Mail Express Legal Flat Rate Envelope
You can use:
Express-branded only
Priority Mail Express Padded Flat Rate Envelope
You can use:
Express-branded only
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.