What is the proper way to reuse a box?
Recycling and re-using packaging is good for the environment, but it has to be done correctly to be sent through the mail. Don’t reuse mailing boxes; they can weaken in the shipping process. Re-used boxes and containers that once held liquor, wine, beer, cosmetics or cleaning supplies must have markings completely removed or obliterated. If they still display markings associated with hazardous, prohibited or restricted materials, United States Postal Service® employees are required to handle the item as if the markings reflect the contents. For the safety of employees, customers and the public, such an item will be removed from the mailstream and the sender will be responsible for retrieving it.
Can I Use Priority Mail Express® Service or Priority Mail® Service Envelopes for Other Mail?
If any Priority Mail Express service or Priority Mail service packaging or packaging supplies e.g., Priority Mail tape to seal a USPS Ground Advantage® package, are used on any other class of mail, the applicable Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail price will be charged.
- Misuse may be a violation of federal law.
- Turning the packaging inside out to conceal the Priority Mail / Priority Mail Express insignia is specific misuse that is not allowed.
Any matter mailed in these free boxes is charged the appropriate Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail price, regardless of how the packaging is reconfigured (including being turned inside out, cut, shrunk, enlarged, etc.) or how the markings are obliterated.
Mail dropped in a Collection Box receptacle using inappropriate packaging (including, for example, mailing Priority Mail items in an Priority Mail Express box) is either:
- Sent on as insufficient postage mail OR
- Returned to the sender.
Treatment of this mail is decided by the Post Office™ facility handling the mailpiece.
Note: The USPS® provides some packaging and supplies free of charge for:
- Priority Mail® (Domestic) items
- Priority Mail Express® (Domestic) items
- Priority Mail International® items
- Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI) items
Can I Use Boxes Ordered at The Postal Store® for Other Purposes?
Boxes ordered from the Postal Store can be used only for the class of mail specified on the box (Priority Mail Express® service or Priority Mail® service) and must be closed using the adhesive provided. These boxes should not be re-used and do not need to be as they can be ordered from the Postal Store at no cost. Misuse may be a violation of federal law.
Note: Priority Mail Flat Rate® Boxes can be used both domestically and internationally. The DVD Flat Rate box and the Large Video Flat Rate box are only available at a flat rate when used internationally.
The terms of Agreement for the use of United States Postal Service shipping supplies is as follows: I understand that Priority Mail Express service, Priority Mail service, Priority Mail Express International and Priority Mail International packaging is the property of the United States Postal Service and is provided solely for sending Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express International and Priority Mail International. Misuse may be a violation of federal law.
