Written by: Timur Lesov

August 29, 2025

Updated on August 18, 2025

Target’s online store offers a variety of shipping options and delivery methods. Many customers wonder whether Target will ship orders to United States Post Office (P.O.) Boxes, and if so, what limitations or special instructions apply. Below is a comprehensive overview of Target’s P.O. Box shipping policies, restrictions, formatting guidelines, and practical tips to ensure successful delivery to a P.O. Box address.

1. Shipping Methods and P.O. Box Eligibility

Target supports several shipping methods for orders placed on Target.com. The two primary methods relevant to P.O. Box shipments are:

Because standard shipping uses USPS-which services P.O. Boxes nationwide-Target can deliver eligible items to these addresses. However, express shipping relies on carriers that generally do not deliver to P.O. Boxes, so Target will disallow expedited service when a P.O. Box is entered at checkout.

1. Standard Shipping
   • Delivered via the United States Postal Service (USPS).
   • Available for delivery to P.O. Boxes.
   • Orders typically arrive within 3–7 business days after processing.
2. Express (Expedited) Shipping
   • Delivered via private carriers (e.g., UPS, FedEx).
   • Not available for delivery to P.O. Boxes.
   • Requires a physical street address for carrier pickup and drop-off.

2. Address Formatting and Entry

To ensure accurate delivery, Target provides the following guidance for entering P.O. Box addresses:

• Enter the address exactly as recognized by USPS, e.g.,

[Your Name] P.O. Box 1234 City, State ZIP 

If the address is not recognized or formatted properly, USPS may hold the package until the recipient retrieves it. Target recommends contacting your local post office if packages go unclaimed after the expected delivery timeframe.

• Use the “P.O. Box” prefix rather than abbreviations like “POB” or omitting the periods.
• Do not include additional street address lines or suite numbers. A dual-address format (e.g., “123 Main St / P.O. Box 1234”) may confuse the system and cause delays.

3. Item-Specific Restrictions

While Target can ship most items to P.O. Boxes via USPS, certain products may be restricted due to weight, size, or content. These restrictions include:

If an item cannot ship to your P.O. Box, Target will note this under the Shipping section on the product details page. Attempting to checkout with a P.O. Box ineligible item will result in an error message prompting you to choose a different address or item.

• Oversized or Heavy Items: Bulkier products that exceed USPS dimensional or weight limits (e.g., large furniture pieces, heavy appliances).
• Hazardous Materials: Items containing lithium-ion batteries, aerosol cans, or other regulated materials that USPS prohibits or limits.
• Food Products: Perishable or refrigerated items requiring special handling.
• Direct-Ship Vendor Items: Products that ship directly from a third-party manufacturer or vendor with its own carrier requirements.
• Certain Cosmetics & Fragrances: Beauty items classified as hazardous under USPS guidelines.

4. Order Processing and Tracking

Because P.O. Boxes require mail to be retrieved in person, tracking alerts help ensure you pick up your package promptly to avoid return to sender.

• Processing Time: Orders are typically processed within 1–2 business days.
• Shipping Confirmation: You will receive an email with tracking information once the order ships. Tracking URLs for USPS shipments will allow you to view status updates and expected delivery dates.
• Delivery Attempts: USPS will attempt delivery multiple times. If unsuccessful, they leave a notice and hold the package at the local post office for pickup.

5. Undeliverable Packages and Refunds

Occasionally, USPS may deem a package undeliverable to a P.O. Box. Common reasons include:

If a package is returned to Target as undeliverable, Target will:

• Incorrect or outdated P.O. Box number.
• Illegible or improperly formatted address label.
• Package dimensions or weight exceeding P.O. Box limitations.

1. Notify you via email of the return.
2. Issue a full refund-including shipping charges-within four weeks of the original estimated delivery date.
3. Encourage placing a new order with a corrected shipping address if desired.

6. Best Practices for P.O. Box Shipments

To minimize the risk of delivery issues, follow these recommendations:

• Verify Your P.O. Box Number: Double-check your P.O. Box assignment before entering it at checkout.
• Use Standard Shipping: Since P.O. Boxes require USPS, select standard shipping to ensure compatibility.
• Monitor Tracking: Regularly check USPS tracking and retrieve packages from the post office promptly.
• Avoid Dual Addresses: Enter only your P.O. Box without referencing any street address.
• Check Product Eligibility: Review the product details to confirm USPS shipping eligibility before purchasing.

7. Military and Diplomatic Mail (APO/FPO/DPO)

Although beyond traditional P.O. Boxes, Target’s policies also address overseas military and diplomatic addresses:

For more detailed guidance on APO/FPO/DPO shipments, refer to Target’s separate military shipping documentation.

By understanding Target’s P.O. Box shipping policy-including acceptable shipping methods, address formatting guidelines, and item-specific restrictions-customers can confidently place orders to their P.O. Box addresses. Always select standard USPS shipping, enter your P.O. Box properly, and verify item eligibility to enjoy a smooth delivery experience.

• APO (Army/Air Force Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office), and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) addresses are supported by standard USPS shipping only.
• Expedited shipping and U.S. territory shipments (e.g., Puerto Rico, Guam) are not available for these addresses.
• Additional restrictions often apply, such as size limits, food prohibitions, and hazardous materials restrictions.

Timur Lesov

Eco-freak, nerd, and green technology fanatic. I’m in favor of making eco-friendly living simple as well. I graduated from Berkeley in 2017. Studied environmental science and all things sustainability related. I create content and share simple tips for greening your everyday life. I think even small changes can make a huge difference and we can build a cleaner and more sustainable future.