If you’ve got something you need to ship out in a hurry, you’re probably looking everywhere for packing supplies: tape, scissors, and, most importantly, a box. While the scissors and tape may be a no-brainer, you might have some doubts about the box.
More specifically, you might be wondering if you can use your own box when shipping with FedEx. This article will tell you what you need to know about which boxes you can use when shipping with FedEx!
Can You Use Any Box To Ship FedEx In [currentyear]?
FedEx allows customers to use their own boxes as long as they are sturdy, undamaged, and have all the flaps intact as of [currentyear]. That means that reused boxes are accepted. One restriction is that you cannot use FedEx Express boxes for Ground shipments. Aside from using your own packaging, FedEx offers free packages in various sizes.
To find out more about FedEx’s box shipping policies, make sure to keep reading!
Can You Use Any Box To Ship With FedEx?
FedEx allows customers to use their own packaging as long as the boxes are sturdy, undamaged, and have all their flaps intact.
Further, for FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery services, boxes can measure up to 108 inches and 165 inches in length plus girth.
For FedEx Express Services, packages can measure up to 119 inches in length and 165 inches in length plus girth.
Aside from these requirements, FedEx stipulates that chipboard boxes must be packed into a corrugated outer box, such as a gift or shoebox.
In addition, double-walled boxes should be used for heavier items, and small packages should be placed inside a larger outer box.
Can I Reuse A Box To Ship With FedEx?
It’s a common misconception that you have to use a brand new cardboard box when shipping.
However, as long as a box is sturdy and in good condition, feel free to reuse it when you have something to ship.
Still, one exception is the FedEx One Rate box because these boxes function as shipping labels, so they cannot be reused.
Which Boxes Can’t I Use When Shipping With FedEx?
FedEx will not accept boxes that have holes, large creases, or dents. In addition, if a parcel has sustained water or other damage, it’s likely to get rejected.
Essentially, FedEx wants to ensure that shipments arrive intact; therefore, the company will only accept boxes that can withstand the shipping process.
Can I Use A FedEx Express Box For Ground Shipping?
While FedEx has a pretty liberal policy regarding acceptable forms of packaging, there is one rule that must be followed.
That said, FedEx Express packaging may only be used for FedEx Express shipments, as any other use is prohibited.
Do You Have To Use A FedEx Envelope To Ship With FedEx?
Just as with boxes, FedEx allows shippers to use any envelope when shipping. That said, FedEx does offer free branded envelopes if you prefer that option.
Can I Get FedEx Boxes For Free?
If you don’t have a box of your own and don’t want to purchase one, fear not! FedEx provides free packaging for all of your shipping needs.
To get free packaging supplies, all you need to do is create a FedEx account. From there, you’ll be able to order the right boxes for your shipment, and they’ll be sent directly to you!
Moreover, FedEx offers the following types of packaging for free:
- FedEx Envelope
- FedEx Pak
- FedEx Padded Pak
- Small, medium, and large boxes
For international shipping, FedEx offers free ten and 25-kilogram boxes.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on whether or not FedEx ships to Puerto Rico, does FedEx delivers to PO boxes, and does FedEx scans packages.
Conclusion
FedEx allows customers to use just about any box of their choosing when shipping. That said, boxes must be sturdy and in good condition.
More specifically, that means there is no damage, and the flaps are intact on the box.
Additionally, customers are prohibited from using FedEx Express packaging for non-express shipments.
Also, they are not allowed to reuse One Rate boxes as these serve as their own shipping labels. Besides that, feel free to use any box of your choice when mailing with FedEx!
