Written by: Timur Lesov

August 30, 2025

Updated on August 18, 2025

UPS offers a variety of shipping boxes and packaging supplies to meet the needs of individual shippers, small businesses, and enterprise customers. Whether you require free basic boxes, branded express boxes, custom packaging, or heavy‐duty corrugated cartons, UPS has solutions across its online platform, UPS Store® locations, and through contracted shipping partners. This report examines in detail:

The key takeaway: UPS provides free basic packaging to account holders for most label and box types, but if you visit a UPS Store® or use non‐contracted retail services, you will purchase boxes and supplies at retail prices. Understanding which channel and service level applies is essential to determining whether your boxes will be free or for sale, as well as unlocking higher‐volume reorder privileges.

• The free shipping boxes and supplies available to UPS account holders
• The types of shipping boxes sold at The UPS Store®
• The boxed packaging options provided through UPS’s online order‐supplies portal
• Restrictions, order limits, and eligibility requirements
• Pricing for retail and specialty boxes
• The process for ordering, reordering, and replenishing supplies
• Comparisons with USPS, FedEx, and alternative packaging sources

1. Free Shipping Boxes and Supplies for UPS Account Holders

UPS encourages customers to use its shipping services by providing complimentary packaging supplies, including:

• Shipping labels and address pouches
• Polybag mailers and specialty envelopes (e.g., medical, biohazard)
• “Security Box” brown corrugated cartons in two standard sizes

1.1 Eligibility and Ordering Process

To receive free supplies, shippers must:

This process is outlined in step‐by‐step walkthroughs on third‐party tutorials, which confirm that once logged in, users can order a case of 50 small (9″×6″×3″) and/or medium (10″×3″×12½″) unbranded “Security Box” cartons, plus label rolls and other supplies, at no cost.

1. Create and log in to a UPS.com account.
2. Have an active UPS shipping account number configured under that login.
3. Navigate to Shipping > Packaging and Shipping Supplies > Order Supplies.
4. Select from the catalog of free items and place an order.

1.2 Free Box Types

UPS provides the following free box types through the online portal for qualifying services (both prepaid and ground shipping):

These free supplies support usage for both UPS ground and, where permissible, USPS Ground Advantage™ or other ground carriers when plain boxes are required.

• Security Box, Small: 9″ × 6″ × 3″, 50-count case
• Security Box, Medium: 10″ × 3″ × 12½″, 50-count case
• UPS Express Boxes: Branded express boxes and envelopes for time-in-transit services (one-way and return)
• Flat Mailer Envelopes: Document mailers in letter and legal sizes; medical sample envelopes

1.3 Order Limits and Reorders

UPS enforces periodic reorder limits based on recent shipping volume.

• Initial orders typically ship within 2–3 business days.
• Customers can order each free security box size twice before reaching the quantity-exceeded limit.
• After shipment, reordering eligibility resets after a variable waiting period, often 1–2 weeks to a month, depending on volume and account history.
• For higher volume or specialty needs, customers may contact UPS customer service or their Worldwide Express® representative to request additional supplies at no extra cost.

2. Retail Purchase of Shipping Boxes at The UPS Store®

While UPS.com account holders enjoy free supplies, The UPS Store®-UPS’s brick-and-mortar retail franchise-operates on a for-sale model for packaging materials. Each location stocks a wide range of boxes and packaging supplies available for purchase directly from store shelves.

2.1 Box Types and Sizes

The UPS Store® carries “move-strong” corrugated cartons and specialty boxes, including:

Each location sets its own pricing; however, prices tend to range from $1.50 – $4.00 per small/medium box to $15 – $35 for large moving cartons. Specialty items and custom boxes command higher rates.

• Standard Small, Medium, Large moving boxes
• Wardrobe cartons, dish barrels, mattress bags
• Picture/mirror boxes, triangular lamp cartons
• Poly mailers, bubble cushioning, foam peanuts

2.2 Custom Packaging and Expert Services

Certified Packing Experts at The UPS Store® can:

This one-stop retail offering is particularly valuable when convenience and expert handling outweigh the additional cost of purchased packaging.

• Recommend the right boxes and cushioning materials
• Create custom-sized cartons for irregularly shaped or fragile items
• Provide full packing services using professional techniques
• Offer local pickup, moving van scheduling, and blanket wrapping for large freight

3. Specialty and Branded Boxes Sold Online

UPS also sells branded packaging products through its online portal for those who prefer national pricing and direct shipping of supplies.

3.1 Express Service Boxes

• UPS Express® service boxes-Express Pak, Express Box, Letter Envelope-are free if ordering under an Express shipping account.
• Branded boxes are optimized for air and expedited packages and include built-in features such as double-wall construction and cushioning.

3.2 Online Purchase for Non-Account Holders

Shippers without qualifying accounts can purchase select boxes online at UPS Supply Chain Solutions or partner sites like Worldwide Express, often at cost plus a handling fee. These supplies include bulk orders of corrugated cartons, printer labels, and tape.

4. Comparisons and Alternative Sources

Although UPS provides free boxes to account holders, many shippers evaluate alternatives based on convenience, cost, or environmental considerations.

4.1 USPS Flat-Rate vs. UPS Security Boxes

• USPS Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes are always free to order regardless of account status, and they offer more size options than UPS’s two free Security Box sizes.
• USPS Flat-Rate service pricing is fixed by size, which can be more economical for heavy shipments.

4.2 Third-Party Packaging Suppliers

Retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, UBoxes, and local office‐supply stores sell bulk cardboard boxes at competitive rates, often in packs of 5–20, making them a viable alternative for non-urgent ground shipments.

4.3 Using Free Boxes from Local Businesses

Many grocery and retail stores discard or recycle cardboard boxes daily. By politely requesting unwanted boxes from store managers, shippers can obtain free cartons of virtually any size, at the cost of tape and padding materials.

5. How to Maximize Free UPS Supplies

To fully leverage UPS’s complimentary packaging:

1. Maintain High Shipping Volumes: Frequent shippers receive higher reorder allowances.
2. Use the Free Online Portal: Always order supplies online-UPS Stores do not give away boxes for free.
3. Time Reorders Strategically: Track when your free reorder window resets to avoid stockouts.
4. Contact Account Representatives: For specialty items or additional stock, reach out directly to your UPS representative or Worldwide Express partner.
5. Combine Services: Use UPS envelopes and labels along with Security Boxes to minimize out-of-pocket packaging costs.

Conclusion

UPS’s packaging ecosystem spans from free basic boxes and labels available to logged-in account holders through their online portal, to retail pricing at The UPS Store® locations and branded express cartons sold under specific service levels. For occasional shippers, the two free Security Box sizes and free labels may suffice. High-volume and enterprise customers enjoy expanded reorder privileges and specialty packaging at no additional charge. Meanwhile, those seeking variety or lower costs may supplement with USPS flat-rate supplies, third-party box vendors, or reclaimed retail cartons.

Understanding the distinctions between UPS’s free offerings, retail purchases, and complementary alternatives empowers shippers to optimize packaging choices, control costs, and ensure safe, on-time delivery.

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.