
If you're planning to send a package to a PO box, you're in the right place.
USPS will ship to PO boxes, but there are some specific requirements you need to follow.
The PO box must be a valid, street-addressable PO box, not a rural route or a general delivery address.
You can use the USPS website to search for a PO box and verify its addressability.
To ensure your package reaches its destination, make sure to use the correct PO box address, including the box number and any additional delivery instructions.
USPS will not deliver to a PO box without a street address, so double-check the address before sending your package.
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Guidelines
USPS delivers all types of mail and many packages directly to post office boxes located inside post offices.
The United States Postal Service has direct access to all PO boxes since they are physically within post office locations.
You can rent a PO box and assign that post office box address as your designated delivery location for certain mail and packages.
Shipping packages to a PO box needs careful attention and following specific rules for successful delivery.
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Shipping to PO Boxes
There are over 21 million PO boxes in the U.S., making it a common address type for mail and packages. You can ship to a PO box using USPS, which is the only carrier that delivers directly to PO boxes.
To ship to a PO box, you need to address the envelope or package correctly. This means writing the PO Box address clearly in the center, including the full PO Box number, and using the correct ZIP code. You should also include a return address in the upper left corner and affix proper postage to the upper right corner.
The size of the package also matters, as very large packages may not be accepted due to size limitations. If your package is too big, USPS will hold it at the post office counter for you or attempt delivery to a street address if one is on file.
Here's a quick rundown of what you can deliver to a PO box using USPS:
- Letters & envelopes
- Bills and statements
- Magazines & catalogs
- Postcards
- Marketing mailers
- Small packages & boxes
How to Send Mail to a PO Address
To send mail to a PO Box, you'll need to address the envelope or package correctly. This means writing the PO Box address clearly in the center of the envelope or package.
Include the full PO Box number after "PO Box" - this is typically a 2-5 digit number. Don't include any street address information - just use the PO Box number.
Make sure to use the correct ZIP code for the PO Box location. A return address in the upper left corner of the envelope or package is also a must.
Affix proper postage to the upper right corner, and use USPS to send the item, as they are the only carrier that delivers directly to PO Boxes.
For larger packages that don't fit in the PO Box, USPS will hold them for pickup or attempt delivery to a street address if one is on file.
Here's a quick rundown of what to do:
- Address the envelope or package with the PO Box number and ZIP code
- Include a return address in the upper left corner
- Affix proper postage to the upper right corner
- Use USPS to send the item
With ShippingEasy

With ShippingEasy, you can make shipping to PO boxes a breeze. ShippingEasy users have access to address validation tools that can confirm both domestic and international packages. These tools can be automated within your ShippingEasy account to streamline your shipping process.
ShippingEasy uses a USPS address locator to confirm domestic addresses and the Melissa Global Database tool for international addresses. This ensures that you're sending packages to the right PO box and avoiding any potential issues.
You can also add a PO box to your ship from addresses with ShippingEasy, making it easy to manage your business PO box and shipping needs. By using ShippingEasy, you can save time and reduce the risk of errors when shipping to PO boxes.
Here are the steps to follow when using ShippingEasy to ship to a PO box:
- Go to Settings > Shipment Settings > Automations in your ShippingEasy account.
- Select how you want to use address validation tools in your orders that are flagged with invalid addresses.
By following these steps and using ShippingEasy, you can ensure that your packages are delivered to the correct PO box and that you're taking advantage of all the tools and features available to you.
USPS Delivery Options
USPS delivers all types of mail and many packages directly to post office boxes located inside USPS post offices.
If you rent a PO box, you're assigning that post office box address as your designated delivery location for certain mail and packages. This is convenient because USPS has direct access to all PO boxes since they are physically within post office locations.
Nearly every type of mail that would be delivered to a street address can go to a PO box instead, including letters, bills, magazines, postcards, and small packages.
Here's a list of some common mail items that can be delivered to a PO box:
- Letters & envelopes
- Bills and statements
- Magazines & catalogs
- Postcards
- Marketing mailers
- Small packages & boxes
USPS will hold large boxes that don't fit into smaller PO boxes at the post office counter for you.
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Delivery Options
Almost any type of mail can be delivered to a PO box, including letters, bills, magazines, and postcards.
Mail that's prohibited by USPS shipping restrictions, like hazardous materials, can't be delivered to a PO box.
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You can send small packages and boxes to a PO box, but very large boxes might not fit.
USPS will hold large packages at the post office counter for you if they don't fit in your PO box.
Here's a list of common mail items that can be delivered to a PO box:
- Letters & envelopes
- Bills and statements
- Magazines & catalogs
- Postcards
- Marketing mailers
- Small packages & boxes
Tracking a Delivery
You can track a delivery to a PO box with ease, just like you would for any other package. Enter the official USPS tracking number into the USPS tracking tool to follow the progress of your mail or package.
The tracking tool works seamlessly for PO box deliveries, and once delivered, it will show as scanned by USPS to your unique PO box address.
You won't see street address details, though, since your package is safely held within your local post office.
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Shipping with USPS
Shipping with USPS is a straightforward process, especially if you're shipping to a PO box. The United States Postal Service delivers all types of mail and many packages directly to post office boxes located inside USPS post offices.
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You can ship packages to a PO box, but it requires careful attention and following specific rules for successful delivery. USPS has over 21 million PO boxes in the U.S., so it's essential to know the right formatting and shipping options.
If you rent a PO box, you can designate that post office box address as your delivery location for certain mail and packages. This makes it easy for postal workers to deliver letters, flats, magazines, and small boxes safely into your PO box.
Prohibited Mail Items
If you're planning to mail something to a PO box, there are a few things you should know about prohibited items.
Hazardous materials are not allowed to be mailed to PO boxes. This includes things like flammable liquids, gases, and other items that could be dangerous if they catch fire or explode.
Alcohol is also not allowed to be mailed to PO boxes.
Non-USPS couriers like UPS and FedEx don't deliver to PO boxes at all.
Here are some specific examples of prohibited items that you should avoid mailing to a PO box:
- Hazardous materials
- Alcohol
- Items restricted by USPS shipping rules
If you try to mail one of these items to a PO box, it will likely cause issues, so it's best to send it to an allowed street address instead.
Can You Ship?
You can ship almost any type of mail to a PO box, including letters, bills, magazines, postcards, and small packages.
The only exceptions are mail and packages prohibited by USPS shipping restrictions, like hazardous materials.
USPS will hold very large boxes at the post office counter for you if they don't fit in your PO box.
If a package doesn't fit in your PO box, the postal carrier will leave a yellow slip in your PO box notifying you to pick it up at the postal counter.
To ship to a PO box, follow the specific rules for successful delivery, as there are over 21 million PO boxes in the U.S.
Here's a quick rundown of what can be shipped to a PO box:
- Letters & envelopes
- Bills and statements
- Magazines & catalogs
- Postcards
- Marketing mailers
- Small packages & boxes
Just remember to include the recipient's PO box number and address on the package, and you're good to go.
Ensuring Successful Delivery

USPS delivers all types of mail and many packages directly to post office boxes located inside USPS post offices, making it a reliable choice for shipping.
To send mail to a PO Box, you need to address the envelope or package correctly. This means writing the PO Box address clearly in the center, including the full PO Box number after "PO Box", and using the correct ZIP code for the PO Box location.
Double-check the recipient's address and PO box number for accuracy to avoid any issues with delivery. This is especially important since USPS holds unclaimed packages for 10 business days before sending them back.
You can use ParcelPath's address check to lower the chance of delays or returned packages. This tool can help ensure that your packages are delivered successfully to the intended PO Box recipient.
If a package doesn't fit in the PO Box, USPS will hold it for pickup or attempt delivery to a street address if one is on file. This is a convenient option for customers who receive packages that are too large for their PO Box.
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Here are some key tips to keep in mind when shipping to a PO Box:
- Double-check the recipient's address and PO box number for accuracy
- Choose a shipping service that supports PO box delivery, like USPS or UPS Ground Saver
- Use ParcelPath's address check to lower the chance of delays or returned packages
- Tell customers to contact their USPS for business hours to get their package within the 10-day hold
Challenges and Limitations
Shipping to PO boxes can be tricky for merchants and carriers due to tracking issues.
Tracking shipments to PO boxes can be hard for sellers and buyers, leading to frustration for everyone involved.
This can make it difficult to ensure that packages arrive safely and on time, which can be a challenge for both parties.
Restrictions
PO boxes can be a convenient way to receive mail and packages, but they come with some restrictions. One notable limitation is that some carriers may not deliver to PO boxes.
PO boxes are great for getting mail and packages, but there are some limits. Knowing these can help make sure your delivery goes smoothly and avoids delays or returns.
Challenges of
Shipping to PO boxes is convenient for customers, but it has its challenges for merchants and carriers. Tracking shipments to PO boxes can be tricky, making it hard for sellers and buyers.
This can lead to frustration for everyone involved.
Shipping to PO boxes can be challenging because it's harder to verify the address, which can cause delays in delivery.
This can result in missed deadlines and unhappy customers.
Communicating Limitations

Shipping to PO boxes can be convenient for customers, but it's essential to let them know about the rules for sending packages there. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has clear guidelines for shipping to PO Boxes.
It's a good idea to ask customers with PO Box addresses about their box's size to check if the package will fit.
Telling customers about the 10-day pickup window for packages that won't fit in the box is also crucial. This way, they know to pick up their items at the post office counter.
Sharing these details early sets clear expectations with your customers, which helps avoid packages being sent back or thought to be lost.
Knowing and sharing the limits of using PO Boxes keeps customers happy and makes your shipping process better.
Shipping Tips and Best Practices
Shipping to a PO box requires attention to detail and following specific rules for successful delivery.
Enter the address clearly to avoid any issues with delivery. It's surprising how often a simple mistake can cause delays.

Confirm that your package is being sent through a USPS service or FedEx Ground Economy, as this affects the delivery timeframe.
Remind customers to check the business hours of their local USPS location, so they can collect their package within the 10-day hold timeframe.
Confirm the PO box address before shipping to ensure it's accurate.
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Sending Mail
Sending mail to a PO Box is a bit different than sending it to a street address, but don't worry, it's easy to get right.
To start, you need to address the envelope or package correctly. This means writing the PO Box address clearly in the center of the envelope or package.
The PO Box address should include the full PO Box number, which is usually a 2-5 digit number, after "PO Box". You should not include any street address information.
Make sure to use the correct ZIP code for the PO Box location, as this will ensure your mail gets delivered to the right place.

A return address in the upper left corner of the envelope or package is also a good idea, in case the mail can't be delivered.
You'll need to affix proper postage to the upper right corner of the envelope or package, and use USPS to send the item, as they are the only carrier that delivers directly to PO Boxes.
If you're sending a larger package that doesn't fit in the PO Box, USPS will hold it for pickup or attempt delivery to a street address if one is on file.
PO Boxes have size limitations, so very large packages may not be accepted.
Here are the steps to follow when sending mail to a PO Box:
- Address the envelope or package correctly.
- Use the correct PO Box number and ZIP code.
- Affix proper postage to the upper right corner.
- Use USPS as the carrier.
- Check that you've written the address correctly before sending it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What mail cannot be delivered to a PO Box?
Mail that can't be sent to a PO Box includes packages from private carriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL, as well as oversized parcels and items requiring a physical address for delivery
What is the fastest way to send mail to a PO Box?
For PO Box addresses, our fastest shipping option is Priority Mail Express, which delivers 1-3 days with a money-back guarantee
Can I ship to a PO Box with UPS?
UPS cannot deliver to PO Boxes, but you can still ship to one if the recipient's phone number is on the label. However, this may result in delays and additional fees.
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