If you have ever been inside a post office you may have seen those boxes and bubble mailers sitting around. Those things are free, provided you use them to ship with USPS Priority Mail. It’s just some of the stuff offered by the shipping giants like USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Please note, that it is illegal to misuse USPS supplies since they are protected by the US government, but for all of those other private companies, it’s free game.
UPS
All you need to do to get the free supplies is create an account with UPS here. When it says “Select a UPS Account” you don’t need to select anything, just click continue.
UPS offers many different types of supplies such as boxes, mailers, labels, and much more. All you need to do is order it and it should arrive on your doorstep in a few days. There is a limit to how much of an item you can order and also don’t go overboard and order everything.
UPS is also the only one to offer plain non-branded boxes.
You can also pick up boxes at their physical store locations.
FedEx
FedEx supplies are available online but I believe it requires an account number which requires a credit card.
Like UPS, their physical store locations should provide you with some free boxes for the taking.
DHL
It seems like also DHL offers free supplies. But I haven’t tested it yet and it seems like it requires an account number. I believe they also offer the largest boxes.
USPS
The USPS offers a bunch of different stuff on their site. There are currently 56 free items on their site.
Uses
You are supposed to use all of the supplies only for specific services listed on the packaging. There are no laws against using UPS and FedEx supplies to ship with each other or with the USPS. Again, don’t misuse USPS supplies since it’s a federal law. Some simple uses are using them for moving and storage. Also, the boxes can be broken down for cardboard uses like crafts. Also, for fun, you can make furniture out of them if are bored, like the famous case of FedEx Furniture.
Warning
There is a risk of getting your account banned from their service for breaking their terms of service. I recommended never messing with the USPS and their postal inspectors. Also, there is a possibility for UPS and FedEx to go after you for breach of contract.