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

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:

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.

You can use:

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).

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.

You can use:

You can use:

You can use:

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:

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:

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:

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

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.