Complimentary UPS Package Options

UPS provides complimentary packaging allocations for buyers who have an account on UPS.com

The Importance of Proper Packaging with UPS

Packaging plays a pivotal role in the eCommerce supply chain. As a leading global package delivery company, UPS recognizes the need for a broad spectrum of packaging solutions tailored to different industries and product types. With the rise of online shopping, the demand for varied, robust, and cost-effective packaging has surged. UPS, with its suite of package options, is poised to meet these demands.

Benefits of UPS Packaging Solutions for eCommerce Businesses

  1. Customized Solutions: Each UPS package option serves a specific purpose. For instance, the UPS EXPRESS PAK is ideal for shipping items that require minimal cushioning due to their inherent robustness, such as books or apparel. On the other hand, the UPS PAD PAK, with its bubble wrap design, offers added protection for more delicate items, ensuring they reach the customer in pristine condition.
  2. Sustainability: In an era where sustainability is paramount, many of UPS's packaging options are designed to minimize waste. The EXPRESS TUBE, for example, is perfect for shipping rolled items, preventing the need for larger, bulkier boxes that might be wastefully spacious.
  3. Security: For businesses dealing with sensitive electronic data, the EXPRESS HARD PAK-SECURE provides an added layer of protection with its dual-locking termination. This ensures that confidential items remain secure during transit.
  4. Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness: With different sizes ranging from SMALL to LARGE, the UPS EXPRESS BOXES cater to varying needs, ensuring that businesses only pay for the space they use. This not only makes shipping more efficient but also more cost-effective.

Applications Across Industries

  • Architects and Designers: For professionals in the design realm, the EXPRESS TUBE is indispensable. With its long and cylindrical shape, it's the go-to option for sending blueprints, architectural plans, or design posters.
  • Tech Companies: Organizations dealing with software or sensitive electronic data can immensely benefit from the EXPRESS HARD PAK-SECURE. Its design ensures that CDs, hard drives, or other electronic media are safely transported.
  • Booksellers: With the explosion of online bookselling platforms, the EXPRESS PAK serves as an ideal solution for shipping books without the added bulk.
  • Fashion Retailers: The standard EXPRESS PAK, being suitable for uniform, indestructible articles, is a favorite among fashion eCommerce platforms, ensuring clothes reach customers in impeccable condition.

Complimentary UPS Packaging options:


OPTIONS FOR PACKAGES | UPS EXPRESS PAK  

Interpretation: This Pak is suitable for uniform, indestructible articles.  

Description - Item Number: 010195111

Length & Width: 16" x 12.75"

Minimum Quantity: One pack consisting of fifty pieces



OPTIONS FOR PACKAGES | UPS EXPRESS HARD PAK

Interpretation: This Hard Pak is a ridged box that covers a product and provides a

close fit. It is styled to cater to a single magnetic tape.

Description - Item Number: 010195108

Length & Width: 14.75" x 11.5"

Minimum Quantity: One pack consisting of five pieces


OPTIONS FOR PACKAGES | UPS PAD PAK

Interpretation: This Pad Pak is designed using bubble wraps. This product is also suitable for uniform, indestructible articles. For example, Computer reports.

Description - Item Number: 010195104

Length & Width: 14.75" x 11"

Minimum Quantity: One pack consisting of twenty-five pieces


OPTIONS FOR PACKAGES | UPS EXPRESS TUBE

Interpretation: This tube is suitable for documents that it can roll—for example, posters, maps, blueprints, etc.

Description - Item Number: 010195107

Length & Width: 36" x 6" x 6"

Minimum Quantity: One pack consisting of five tubes.


OPTIONS FOR PACKAGES | UPS EXPRESS HARD PAK-SECURE

Interpretation: This Pak is a ridged box consisting of an inner liner. It is styled for transporting electronic media that contains sensitive data. It has dual-locking termination as an additional feature.

Description - Item Number: 010195109

Length & Width: 14.75" x 11.5"

Minimum Quantity: One pack consisting of ten pieces.


OPTIONS FOR PACKAGES | UPS EXPRESS BOXES (SMALL)

Interpretation: This is suitable for accommodating smaller contents such as tapes, books, etc. Its external dimensions are rounded to the closest inch.

Description - Item Number: 01019510603

Length & Width: 13" x 11" x 2"

Minimum Quantity: One pack consisting of twenty pieces.



OPTIONS FOR PACKAGES | UPS EXPRESS BOXES (MEDIUM)

Interpretation - This is suitable for significant variations of legal size binders, documents and merchandise as well. Its external dimensions are rounded to the closest inch.

Description - Item Number: 01019510605

Length & Width: 16" x 11" x 3"

Minimum Quantity: One pack consisting of twenty pieces.


OPTIONS FOR PACKAGES | UPS EXPRESS BOXES (LARGE)

Interpretation: This is suitable for significant variations of merchandise. It’s designed for transporting contents of a maximum of 30 lbs.

Description - Item Number: 010195106

Length & Width: 18" x 13" x 3"

Minimum Quantity: One pack consisting of twenty pieces.

Conclusion

In the fast-paced world of eCommerce, businesses need partners they can trust. UPS, with its vast array of packaging solutions, ensures that every product, whether it's a delicate piece of electronic equipment or a sturdy book, reaches its destination safely. With complimentary packaging allocations available for account holders, UPS once again proves its commitment to fostering efficient, effective, and customer-centric business solutions.

Note: Always consult the UPS website or contact a UPS representative to ensure that the chosen packaging option meets the specific requirements of the shipment.


Learn More: How to Calculate the Estimated Shipping Cost

Calculating Your Package's Cubic Tier

For Boxes and Rigid Packages:
  1. Measure the outer dimensions (length, width, height) in inches
  2. Round each measurement down to the nearest quarter inch
  3. Multiply length x width x height
  4. Divide the result by 1728 (cubic inches in a cubic foot)
  5. The result is your package's cubic feet measurement

Example: For a box measuring 12.3" x 9.5" x 3":

  1. Round down to 12.25" x 9.5" x 3"
  2. 12.25 x 9.5 x 3 = 349.125
  3. 349.125 / 1728 = 0.202 cubic feet
  4. This package falls into the 0.3 cubic feet pricing tier

Note: Maximum size for any single dimension is 18 inches

For Envelopes and Soft Packs:
  1. Measure the length and width of the empty envelope
  2. Round down to the nearest quarter inch
  3. Add the length and width together
  4. Use the total to determine the pricing tier:
    • Tier 0.1: Up to 21"
    • Tier 0.2: 21.01" to 27"
    • Tier 0.3: 27.01" to 31"
    • Tier 0.4: 31.01" to 34"
    • Tier 0.5: 34.01" to 36"

Restrictions

  • Tubes and rolls are not eligible for Cubic pricing
  • Maximum combined length and girth is 84 inches

Benefits of Using Priority Mail Cubic

  1. Cost savings: Cheaper than weight-based pricing for small, heavy items
  2. Predictable pricing: Easy to calculate shipping costs based on box dimensions
  3. Fast delivery: 1-3 business day delivery to any US address, including PO boxes
  4. Free tracking: Monitor shipments at no extra cost
  5. Included insurance: $100 of coverage with every shipment
  6. No surcharges: Residential and fuel surcharges included in the price

Tips for Maximizing Savings

  1. Optimize packaging: Use the smallest box possible that safely fits your items
  2. Consider breaking up large orders: Sometimes shipping in multiple smaller boxes can be cheaper
  3. Use cubic feet calculators: Online tools can help quickly determine your package's tier
  4. Compare rates: Always compare Cubic rates with other shipping methods
  5. Use Commercial Pricing: Accessing Commercial Pricing rates can lead to even more savings

2024 USPS Priority Mail Cubic Rates

Accessing Priority Mail Cubic Rates

Priority Mail Cubic isn't available at regular Post Office counters. However, many online shipping platforms and 3PL providers offer access to these rates. By partnering with a fulfillment provider, you can easily access these discounted rates and streamline your shipping process. For small-scale sellers not yet ready for a 3PL, Pirate Ship offers free access to USPS Priority Mail Cubic rates with no monthly fees or minimums.