Key Points:
- Millions of individuals utilize PO boxes for various reasons, so you’ll want to keep up with the trends as an eCommerce merchant
- The critical difference between shipping to a residential address versus a PO box is that you’ll insert the PO box number in place of the regular street address
- USPS is the only postal service that ships to PO boxes, though FedEx SmartPost offers delivery service to PO boxes since USPS handles the final leg of delivery
- By seamlessly detecting and validating PO box addresses, Easyship automatically ensures accuracy and reduces the risk of shipping delays or returned packages
PO boxes, or Post Office boxes, are lockable boxes with a unique address available for rent at a local post office. People use PO boxes to receive mail away from home for the sake of privacy or convenience. Meanwhile, PO boxes allow individuals without a fixed address to receive mail in a nearby post office (van lifers, for example).
One day you might have to ship to one of the over 21 million PO boxes in the US. The thing is, only USPS ships to these locations (with one exception). In addition, the small size of these lockboxes limits the size of the parcels accepted. Customers will get frustrated if their package isn’t in their postal box, so it’s important to know what happens in these circumstances.
Considering these challenges, we'll outline all the restrictions, so you can ship to a lockbox without any headaches.
Table of Contents
The Restrictions on Shipping to PO Boxes
Shipping to PO boxes can be a pain. USPS is the only carrier that can ship to PO boxes. Plus, there are limitations when it comes to the size of the parcel that can be delivered.
If your package doesn’t fit, USPS will hold your package aside. But – the hold only applies for ten business days. So if the package is unclaimed at the Post Office window after ten days, the parcel will be returned to the sender.
Postal boxes come in five sizes, listed below:
- X-Small - 3" x 5 1/2" x 14 3/4"
- Small - 5" x 5 1/2" x 14 3/4"
- Medium - 11" x 5 1/2” x 14 3/4"
- Large - 11" x 11" x 14 3/4"
- X-Large - 22 1/2" x 12" x 14 3/4"
If a customer enters their address as a postal box, you might reach out to them. Ask them for the size, and mention the 10-day pickup window if your package may not fit. This will also ensure customers claim their package at the counter rather than assuming it wasn’t delivered.
Easyship’s platform is designed to automatically comply with courier guidelines and restrictions, including those specific to P.O. Box deliveries. With Easyship, online store owners can effortlessly ship without worrying about complicated compliance issues.
Challenges of Shipping to PO Boxes
USPS is the only courier that ships to postal boxes reliably. However, there are a couple of cases in which FedEx can deliver, so keep these restrictions in mind:
- Limited courier choice: Other than USPS, the only way to deliver to PO boxes is via FedEx SmartPost. This service actually uses USPS for the final leg of delivery, which makes it possible to ship your order to your PO box
- International shipping is a hassle: FedEx Express is available to ship PO boxes to some international destinations and Puerto Rico. Though, you’ll need to provide a valid phone number or fax number
- Tricky tracking: The shipment might sit in its PO box for a while, meaning the tracking updates won’t update until the recipient picks it up. This issue can be frustrating for merchants looking to see if their customer received their items
Easyship’s innovative platform automatically detects PO box addresses from your end customers, making it easy for eCommerce entrepreneurs to identify customers who require this specific delivery option. This ensures that the correct shipping solution is automatically selected, saving valuable time and reducing the risk of failed delivery.
Related post: FedEx PO Box Shipping: What You Need to Know
Steps to Ship to PO Boxes
The critical difference between shipping to a residential address versus a PO box is that you’ll insert the PO box number in place of the regular street address.
Let’s break down the process into several easy steps.
Step 1. Start at the center of the envelope
It’s essential to write the name and address of the letter or package visibly. Failing to write the recipient’s address and name correctly can result in a mishandled letter or package. Or, you may face further delays.
Step 2. Write the recipient’s first and last name on the first line
Make sure to write the recipient’s first and last name. Though optional, you can add the recipient’s middle initial or name to ensure the wrong recipient won’t intercept it.
If the recipient goes by a formal title (i.e., Dr. Jane Doe), be sure to include it. Being as specific as possible is always the best way to ensure there won’t be issues with shipping to a PO box.
Step 3. Note the company or organization (optional)
This step only applies if you’re writing to an organization or company representative. The company or organization’s name goes directly under the recipient’s name.
At this point in the process, your address should look something like the following:
Dr. Jane Doe
ACME Innovations Inc.
Step 4. Provide PO box number
The recipient’s PO box number, and any PO box in general, begin with the words “PO Box,” followed by a 2-5 digit number.
USPS requests senders leave out all punctuation when addressing a letter or package for a PO box. Your address should look something like the following:
Dr. Jane Doe
ACME Innovations Inc.
PO Box 12345
Step 5. Add city, state, and postal code to the bottom line
Finally, you’re at the last step of addressing a letter or package for a PO box. This section is where you’ll specify the city and state or province. Make sure you separate the city and state with a comma.
Now, the address should look something like the following:
Dr. Jane Doe
ACME Innovations Inc.
PO Box 12345
New York, NY 10001
Step 6. Use Easyship’s address validation for accuracy
Leverage Easyship's address validation feature to ensure that addresses passed over by your end customers are always accurate. Automatically check they are compatible with the delivery networks of carriers that support P.O. Box delivery, like FedEx SmartPost and USPS. This essential step helps prevent shipping delays and returned packages due to incorrect or incomplete addresses.
How Easyship Can Help
Easyship allows eCommerce store owners to compare shipping rates from various carriers that deliver to P.O. boxes, including FedEx SmartPost and USPS. By leveraging this feature, businesses can find the most cost-effective shipping solution for PO box deliveries, minimizing shipping expenses and maximizing profitability.
With Easyship's platform, you can easily follow the steps outlined above. The essential address validation ensures accuracy and reduces the risk of shipping delays or returned packages. The platform is designed to comply with carrier guidelines and restrictions specific to PO box deliveries.
Overall, Easyship streamlines the shipping process, minimizes challenges and provides users with the tools to boost the efficiency and convenience of shipping to customers with PO boxes.
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