USPS is not just renowned for delivering mail or packages promptly. It also prioritizes the delivery of parcels in excellent condition. To this effect, it provides mailing supplies such as boxes, and labels. Does this include bubble wrap or mailers?
Yes, the USPS provides bubble wrap for fragile packages. However, this service is not free, and there are different types of bubble wrap.
Shippers can also go to the post office with your bubble wrap. This way, they only need to pay for postage based on the weight of your item.
Here is a guide that explains if USPS provides bubble wrap services, the various types available, the cost, and how such materials are shipped. You will also discover items you can order on USPS online via free shipping.
Does USPS Bubble Wrap?
USPS bubble wraps parcels to provide extra protection. Examples of items you can ship with bubble wrap or male are electronics, small books, CDs, Vinyl records, jewelry, and other handcrafted home supplies.
There are two ways your package can be wrapped – with the ReadyPost bubble packaging material (also known as bubble wrap) or ReadyPost bubble Mailer.
1. ReadyPost Bubble Wrap or Packaging Material
This is a transparent plastic material with air-filled bubbles. It provides cushion to fragile items. Such items are later placed in an envelope or box, weighed, and stamped before shipping.
Bubble wraps are lightweight, non-abrasive, odorless, and water-resistant. Each pack contains 10 pieces, each measuring 9 x 16 inches.
2. ReadyPost Bubble Mailers
ReadyPost bubble mailers are thicker because they are made of a plastic or paper envelope lined with a layer of bubble wrap. Hence, items with bubble mailers do not necessarily need to be put in another envelope.
ReadyPost bubble mailers or envelopes are lightweight, feature white address boxes, and self-sealing foldable flaps. They are available in large and medium sizes as described below:
- Large bubble mailers contain 36 pieces, each measuring 19 x 12.5 inches.
- Medium bubble mailers contain 24 pieces, each measuring 12 x 8.5 inches.
Does USPS Charge for Bubble Wrap Packaging?
As I said earlier, bubble wraps or mailers are not free. Bubble wraps are somewhat cheaper as each pack costs about $27.00. On the other hand, bubble mailers are expensive.
You need about $79 per package for a pack of large bubble mailers and $35.80 for the medium ones. One way to save costs is to buy physically from the post office.
This method allows you to buy the number of rolls you need, not necessarily the pack. Customers are permitted to reuse bubble wraps to save costs and promote recycling. However, make sure the wrap you are using is in good condition.
Do Bubble Wraps or Mailers Affect Postage Rates?
The overall weight of your parcel determines how much stamp you need. The same applies to packages with bubble wrap or mailers. However, when it comes to bubble mailers, you must classify them as either an envelope or a package.
In other words, once your package has been prepared and sealed, the thickness of the bubble wrap or mailer will be examined. A bubble mailer thicker than the 3/4th of an inch will be considered a package. Otherwise, you will pay the rate for an envelope.
How to Ship Packages with a Bubble Wrap or Mailer with USPS
The standard $0.55 stamp is all you need if your package is an envelope, provided it does not exceed one ounce. Such mail can be dropped in a mailbox or at the post office.
However, if your parcel is larger or considered a package, you can send it via:
- USPS First Class: for personal items that weigh less than 16 ounces. Delivery within 1 to 5 business days.
- USPS Retail Ground: for retail items that weigh less than 70 pounds. Delivery within 2 to 9 business days.
- USPS Priority Mail: for items that weigh less than 70 pounds. Delivery within 1 to 3 business days.
- USPS Media Mail: for packages such as videotapes, books, CDs, Vinyl records, and printed music weighing less than 70 pounds. Delivery within 2 to 10 business days.
Your service choice will depend on the weight of the package and the nature of the items you are mailing.
Can You Get Free Bubble Mailers at USPS?
USPS does not offer free bubble wrap or mailers. If you are on a shoestring budget, you can order padded mailing envelopes for free instead of bubble wrap or mailers.
Aside from free padded envelopes, the best you can get is free shipping for items like:
- Click-N-Ship labels
- USPS Tyvek mailing envelopes
- Mailing tubes in small and medium sizes
- Mailing boxes
- Large Video Boxes
- Electronic Media Boxes
These items are shipped for free via USPS Retail Ground and should arrive at your residence or office within 5 to 7 business days.
FAQs
Can you ship bubble mailers with FedEx?
Like USPS, FedEx also accepts packages in bubble mailers. It is a proper and cost-effective option for fragile items instead of a box.
Can you reuse an Amazon bubble envelope and ship it through the post office?
You can refuse an Amazon bubble envelope or wrap for items you plan to ship via the post office. USPS will accept such packages provided the bubble wrap or mailer is in good condition and features appropriate postage.
Can you use a USPS bubble mailer for UPS?
Yes, you can. However, you may be charged an additional or special handling fee if your envelope is thicker than 1 inch.
Conclusion
Generally, retailers or mail senders opt for bubble wrap when shipping a fragile package that is too big for a box and too small for postcard envelopes. Does it do a great job? Absolutely!
In addition, bubble wrap or mailers take up less space and rarely add to the weight of your envelope or package. It also gives your package a neat and professional appearance which the receiver will appreciate.
I hope you found this guide helpful. If you did, kindly see how many stamps you need for a 9×12 envelope.
Thanks for reading.
