Can You Use Other Carriers’ Boxes to Ship a Package with the USPS?
Most postal and courier companies provide branded boxes and other shipping supplies to their customers. Imagine you have an Amazon, FedEx, or UPS box and want to use it to ship a package with the USPS, thinking “Why get a new box when you already have one?” Would your package be returned to the sender, or is this permissible?
Most carriers treat their branded supplies as proprietary and intended for exclusive use. For example, FedEx specifies that complimentary FedEx Express packaging and supplies acquired through a FedEx account may only be used for shipping with FedEx Express, not with another carrier.
Although a specific carrier’s boxes are designed for use within that specific carrier’s network, this is enforced arbitrarily. For example, the USPS is unlikely to inform FedEx that Mr. So-and-so used a FedEx box to ship a package via the USPS. However, the USPS can and probably will refuse to accept a package in another carrier’s box if the logos are not covered.
USPS rules regarding the reuse of packaging do not explicitly prohibit the use of boxes from other carriers. However, they do state that any old markings, such as logos, barcodes, or warnings about hazardous, prohibited, or restricted materials must be removed or obliterated. This is usually done by covering them with a black permanent marker or colored tape.
If you are intent on repurposing another carrier’s box for USPS shipping, you must ensure that no trace of the logo and any other original branding is visible. If the box is not identifiable as another carrier’s box after you cover everything, you’re good to go. However, if the carrier’s logo is too large to be completely covered with a permanent marker or tape, it’s better to use a USPS box or a plain, unbranded shipping box.
The USPS also advises against reusing shipping boxes that have already been used. Boxes weaken during the shipping process, so even if a used box looks fine at first, it can get damaged more easily during transit than a new one. It’s better to reuse sturdier boxes as long as you remove or cover any old markings.
One more thing to note is that when using a USPS box for a USPS package, you must use the box that corresponds to the type of service. For instance, Priority Mail boxes can only be used for Priority Mail packages, Flat Rate Priority Mail boxes can only be used for Flat Rate Priority Mail packages, etc. This rule applies to all USPS supplies, not just boxes. For instance, you cannot seal a USPS Ground Advantage package with Priority Mail tape.
Using a Priority Mail/Priority Mail Express box with a shipping label for another USPS service will result in being charged the shipping price corresponding to the box used or having the package returned to the sender. This applies to Priority Mail/Priority Mail Express boxes that have been turned inside out or have had old markings obliterated.
In short, while it is possible to reuse old boxes for shipping via USPS, you should avoid doing so unless you are 100% sure you are not breaking any rules. Using plain, unmarked boxes is your best bet. If you use free Priority Mail/Priority Mail Express supplies provided by the USPS, ensure that the packaging matches the shipping service and label.