Looking for free stuff from the Post Office? USPS offers qualifying shipping boxes, envelopes, labels and mailing materials along with several useful no-cost services.
You may also be able to use free Informed Delivery, regular-route Package Pickup and Hold Mail. Most USPS freebies have important conditions, though. A free Priority Mail box must be used with the matching paid mailing service, and a free pickup requires an eligible prepaid shipment.
What You Can Find for Free
- Priority Mail boxes and envelopes
- Priority Mail Express packaging
- Selected labels, forms and customs pouches
- Military Care Kits
- Informed Delivery
- Eligible Package Pickup
- Hold Mail
- Missing Mail search tools
Important: Free packaging does not include postage.
1. Order Free USPS Boxes and Envelopes
The USPS Postal Store offers qualifying Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express packaging for $0. Depending on current inventory, you may find Flat Rate boxes, regular Priority Mail boxes, envelopes, tubes and specialty shipping packaging. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
You can order these supplies online and may also find selected boxes and envelopes at your local Post Office.
Good to Know
Priority Mail packaging must be used with Priority Mail service, and Priority Mail Express packaging must be used with Priority Mail Express. The box may cost $0, but the shipping label and postage are not free.
2. Choose the Correct Free USPS Packaging
Start by deciding which USPS service you intend to use, then choose packaging designed for that service.
Free USPS supplies may include options such as:
- Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes
- Regular Priority Mail boxes
- Flat Rate envelopes
- Padded Flat Rate envelopes
- Priority Mail Express envelopes
- Shipping tubes
- Special-purpose mailing packaging
Compare the dimensions and usage restrictions before ordering. USPS packaging that looks similar can have very different service requirements. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Before You Order
Order a reasonable amount based on your actual shipping needs. Online pack quantities and local Post Office inventory can vary.
3. Find Free USPS Labels, Forms and Customs Supplies
The USPS free-supplies catalog can also include certain labels, forms and document pouches intended for specific mailing services.
Depending on current availability, this may include:
- International customs-form pouches
- Priority Mail labels
- Priority Mail Express labels
- Service-specific labels
- Selected mailing forms
- Printable USPS instructions and publications
International customers can also create customs forms online. The required form depends on the destination, mail service and contents of the shipment. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Not Everything Is Included
General printer labels, packing tape, bubble cushioning, printer ink and ordinary office supplies are not automatically free from USPS.
4. Request a Free USPS Military Care Kit
USPS offers a Military Care Kit for people preparing qualifying shipments to military addresses.
The recovered USPS guide lists items such as APO/FPO Flat Rate boxes, Medium Flat Rate boxes, address labels, customs envelopes and Priority Mail tape in the kit. Contents and quantities can change. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
The supplies are intended for qualifying Priority Mail shipments to APO, FPO and DPO addresses. Postage is still required.
Military Mail Reminder
Military shipments can have specific addressing, customs and content requirements. Review current USPS military-mail instructions before sealing the package.
5. Get Free USPS Informed Delivery
Informed Delivery is a free USPS service for eligible addresses that can provide digital previews of incoming letter-size mail and package tracking information.
Eligible users may receive grayscale images of certain incoming mailpieces and status information for packages. Not every piece of mail is photographed, and seeing an image does not guarantee the item will arrive that same day. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
You generally need a USPS.com account and must complete the required address or identity verification.
Protect Your USPS Account
If you receive a suspicious delivery text or email, go directly to USPS.com or the official USPS app rather than clicking an unexpected link.
6. Schedule Free USPS Package Pickup
USPS Package Pickup can allow qualifying prepaid shipments to be collected during your letter carrier’s regular delivery route at no additional pickup charge.
The package must already have the required postage and shipping label. Eligible packages can include qualifying Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and certain other prepaid shipments. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Package Pickup vs. Pickup on Demand
Package Pickup during normal mail delivery may be free for eligible shipments. USPS Pickup on Demand is a different service that can carry a fee.
7. Use Free USPS Hold Mail and Missing Mail Tools
USPS Hold Mail can temporarily pause mail delivery to an eligible address while you are away.
The recovered USPS guide notes that Hold Mail is intended for short absences and generally covers all mail going to the address rather than only one person’s mail. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
If a package or mailpiece appears lost, USPS also offers tracking help and a Missing Mail search process for qualifying items.
Save Mailing Details
Keep your receipt, tracking number, mailing date, destination address and a description of the contents. Those details can help if you need to start a search later.
8. Know What Is Not Free at the Post Office
The word “free” can be confusing when USPS supplies and paid products appear in the same store or Post Office.
Items and services that may still cost money include:
- Postage for letters and packages
- ReadyPost boxes and mailers
- Prepaid packaging
- General-purpose packing tape
- Bubble cushioning and packing materials
- Pickup on Demand
- Optional mailing services
- Some forwarding or extended mail-management services
The recovered article specifically warns that products resembling free USPS packaging may still carry a price. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Simple Rule
Before ordering or taking a mailing supply, confirm both the product price and the USPS service it is designed to use.
Helpful USPS Resources
Final Thoughts
The Post Office offers several useful freebies, especially qualifying shipping boxes, envelopes, Military Care Kit supplies, Informed Delivery and regular-route Package Pickup.
The most important rule is to match every free USPS item with its intended use. Free packaging does not mean free shipping, and service requirements can change. Use current USPS pages, order only what you need and review the postage requirements before mailing.