Want to send something to a friend or family member?
Or maybe you have a business and need to ship items regularly?
Whatever the case, shipping costs can add up.
So knowing where to get free shipping supplies could come in handy in helping you save some cash when it comes to shipping stuff.
In this post, I’ll cover 9 ways you can get shipping supplies for free. This includes everything from boxes to labels to envelopes.
Table of Contents
Where to Get Free Shipping Supplies
Whether you need shipping supplies for clothes, toys, tools, gifts or whatever else you are shipping, these are the best places you can get shipping supplies for free.
1. USPS
USPS provides lots of complimentary shipping supplies. Get shipping supplies like envelopes, boxes, mailing labels, and stickers for free.
- Get your free shipping supplies from USPS here.
2. UPS
Does UPS offer free shipping supplies?
Yes, it does!
You can order free shipping supplies from the UPS. This includes things like boxes and packaging, stickers, pouches, envelopes, hazmat supplies, forms, and labels. Your supplies will arrive in a few business days.
- Order your free shipping supplies from UPS here.
3. FedEx
You can get complimentary shipping supplies from FedEx. You will need to create a user ID to order them. You can order supplies like free FedEx Express boxes and reusable packaging.
- Get your complimentary shipping supplies from FedEx here.
4. Craigslist
Craigslist is great for free stuff in general and that includes shipping supplies. You may be able to find people giving away items like boxes and bubble wrap on there.
You can find the free section on there by going to your city’s Craigslist and then going to the “For Sale” section. Under that, click on “Free.” Then, you’ll be able to search for free shipping supplies near you.
- Browse Craigslist for free shipping supplies here.
5. Local stores
Sometimes local stores have boxes left over that their shipments have arrived in. They may also have items like bubble wrap. That’s why it can be worth getting in touch with local stores to see if they have any shipping supplies that they’d be willing to give you.
Some stores that you can contact to ask about free shipping supplies include:
- Office supply stores
- Pharmacy chains, such as Walgreens and Rite Aid.
- Dollar stores
- Local furniture stores
- Grocery stores
- Boutiques
Get in touch to ask about shipping supplies.
6. OfferUp
OfferUp is a website where you can buy and sell stuff locally. It actually has a section just for free stuff. All of the free items on OfferUp are grouped together, which can make it a little difficult to find specific items.
You can find shipping supplies by searching the site for the item you’re looking for. For example, you could enter the terms “shipping supplies,” “boxes,” or “envelopes” into the search bar. Hit search and this will give you a list of results. This list will include items you have to pay for.
To ensure you get listings for free shipping supplies, if there are any available, filter the results by “Price: Low to High.”
You may be able to find people giving away items like boxes and tissue paper on there.
- Search for free shipping supplies on OfferUp here.
7. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace isn’t just a site where you can buy and sell stuff locally. You can also find free items on there. There’s a section for free stuff on there.
Just search the free section and you may be able to find people giving away shipping supplies like boxes, envelopes, and bubble wrap.
You can use the search bar on there to find shipping supplies. Just enter what it is you’re looking for into the search bar, such as “shipping supplies,” “boxes,” “envelopes,”, and “bubble wrap.”
- Browse Facebook Marketplace here.
8. Freecycle
Freecycle is a website where people can give stuff away and get stuff for free. You may be able to find some complimentary shipping supplies on there, like boxes, bubble wrap, and envelopes.
- Browse Freecycle here.
9. Reuse old boxes
Old boxes can be repurposed for shipping. Check to see if you have any boxes lying around your home that you could use to ship items.
Many of us get packages from Amazon, for example, so these old boxes and paper can be reused to ship your own products. Just be sure to remove old shipping labels.
Free Shipping Supplies: Final Thoughts
Cut shipping costs by getting shipping supplies for free. Whether it’s for your own business or an item to want to ship to a friend or family member, not having to pay for shipping material can save you a lot of money especially if you ship stuff often.
You can get everything from boxes to labels to envelopes without paying a cent for them!
Since it may take a few days (depending on the source you use) to get your shipping material, it’d be smart to order them now so that next time you need to ship something, you don’t have to look for free shipping supplies.
