When it comes to selecting the best box size to ship your letter or package, you have a wealth of choices from FedEx, UPS, and USPS.
So much so, that trying to guess which is the best choice for ecommerce businesses to use when shipping for your customers can present a real challenge.
To help you better understand your options, which ones are best for what, and some price comparisons, we’ve created this guide.
Don’t know where to start? Speak to one of our ecommerce fulfillment experts. We’ll help guide you to the right choices of boxes and tools to simplify your decision. We’ll also walk you through how our services can optimize your box selection and best protect your product for shipping.
Contact a Red Stag expert today.
FedEx boxes
FedEx makes available a wide range of box sizes for your shipping needs. Whether you’re a regular customer or a new business, you can order boxes online or pick them up from a FedEx store for a small fee. Once you’ve created a FedEx account, you’ll have access to several free options as well.
Here are three categories of FedEx packaging. They also offer some freight boxes, including flat-rate freight, but you should speak with a fulfillment expert for help determining what’s suitable for your products and how to manage your inventory for these types of shipments.
FedEx standard box sizes and pricing
Here are many of the most common box sizes for your eCommerce business. Consider the size of your goods and the amount of infill you’ll need to protect your products.
| Dimensions | Price for box only | Price with packing | Price for fragile packaging | Example of shippable item |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8″ x 8″ x 8″ box | $1.75 | $5.40 | $13.40 | Glassware |
| 12″ x 9″ x 1 1/2″ box | $2.25 | N/A | N/A | Jacket |
| 12″ x 12″ x 18″ box | $3.75 | $10.40 | $17.99 | Coffee maker |
| 18″ x 9″ x 11″ box | $3.75 | $7.99 | $17.45 | Bowl |
| 16″ x 16″ x 10″ box | $4.25 | $14.40 | $21.99 | Table lamp |
| 14″ x 14″ x 14″ box | $3.75 | $10.40 | $17.99 | Mixing bowls |
| 20″ x 20″ x 20″ box | $6.25 | $17.99 | $26.99 | Speakers |
| 28″ x 17″ x 12″ box | $4.75 | $14.40 | $23.99 | Skateboard |
| 12″ x 12″ x 8″ box | $2.00 | $6.99 | $14.45 | Picture frames |
| 17″ x 11″ x 11″ box | $2.50 | $7.99 | $17.45 | Vase |
| 17″ x 17″ x 7″ box | $3.25 | $11.45 | $19.95 | Gaming console |
| 20″ x 20″ x 12″ box | $4.50 | $14.05 | $23.99 | Stacking toys |
| 22″ x 22″ x 22″ box | $7.00 | $16.95 | $27.95 | Stand mixer |
| 24″ x 24″ x 24″ Heavy duty double-walled box | $12.00 | $21.95 | $35.95 | Instant Pot |
| 28″ x 20″ x 20″ Heavy duty double-walled box | $15.00 | $26.99 | $34.99 | Sports equipment |
| 24″ x 24″ x 16″ Heavy duty double-walled box | $10.00 | $18.05 | $28.99 | Printer |
| 18″ x 13″ x 11-3/4″ Heavy duty double-walled box | $7.00 | $12.45 | $19.45 | Computer monitor |
Specialty box sizes
Both FedEx and FedEx Office provide multiple specialty boxes in different sizes:
| Dimensions | Box only | Box + packing | Fragile packaging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golf bag box 15″ x 15″ x 48″ | $14.00 | $26.99 | $31.99 |
| Golf club tube 50″ x 9″ x 9″ | $7.50 | $16.49 | $23.99 |
| Bike box 54″ x 8″ x 28″ | $16.00 | 25.49 | $31.99 |
| Guitar box 20″ x 8″ x 50″ | $14.00 | $20.49 | $26.99 |
| 2-Piece telescoping box – 10″ x 6″ x 57″ to 108″ | $10.00 | $18.99 | $23.99 |
| Flat panel TV boxes | |||
| Small 38″ x 8″ x 26″ | $15.00 | N/A | $101.99 |
| Medium 46″ x 8″ x 3 0″ | $20.00 | N/A | $121.99 |
| Large 56″ x 8″ x 36″ | $28.00 | N/A | $141.99 |
| Framed art box with Airfloat system | |||
| Extra small Fits frames up to 14″ x 19″ x 2″ | $45.00 | N/A | $61.99 |
| Small Fits frames up to 19″ x 24″ x 2″ | $65.00 | N/A | $81.99 |
| Medium Fits frames up to 25″ x 33″ x 4″ | $120.00 | N/A | $135.49 |
| Large Fits frames up to 40″ x 50″ x 3″ | $260.00 | N/A | $281.49 |
| Medium framed art box Fits frames up to 28″ x 21″ x 2-1/2″ | $16.00 | N/A | $22.49 |
| Large framed art box Fits frames up to 44″ x 32″ x 2-1/2″ | $18.00 | N/A | $24.49 |
| Electronics | |||
| Small electronics box 6-1/4″ x 3-1/8″ x 1″ | $8.00 | N/A | $11.49 |
| Laptop box with kit 21″ x 16″ x 5″ | $20.00 | N/A | $26.99 |
| Tablet box Fits electronics up to 10-7/16″ x 7-1/2″ x 1″ | $10.00 | N/A | $13.99 |
FedEx flat-rate shipping boxes
| Packaging | Dimensions and maximum volume | FedEx 2day flat rates | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx Envelope |
9-1/2″ x 12-1/2″ Reusable Envelope: 9-1/2″ x 15-1/2″ Padded Envelope: 9-3/4″ x 11-1/2″ Maximum volume 300 cubic inches |
as low as $9.75 | A Standard Clipboard |
| FedEx Pak |
10-1/4″ x 12-3/4″ 12″ x 15-1/2″ Padded: 11-3/4″ x 14-3/4″ Reusable Sturdy Pak: 10″ x 14-1/2″ Maximum volume 650 cubic inches |
as low as $12.25 | An Adult T-Shirt or Coffee Mug |
| FedEx Small Box |
10-7/8″ x 1-1/2″ x 12-3/8″ 8-3/4″ x 2-5/8″ x 11-1/4″ Maximum volume 420 cubic inches |
as low as $14.50 | A Hardback Book |
| FedEx Medium Box |
11-1/2″ x 2-3/8″ x 13-1/4″ 8-3/4″ x 4-3/8″ x 11-1/4″ Maximum volume 650 cubic inches |
as low as $18.25 | A Binder |
| FedEx Large Box |
12-3/8″ x 3″ x 17-1/2″ 8-3/4″ x 7-3/4″ x 11-1/4″ Maximum volume 1,100 cubic inches |
as low as $24.50 | A Board Game |
| FedEx Extra Large Box |
11-7/8″ x 10-3/4″ x 11″ 15-3/4″ x 14-1/8″ x 6″ Maximum volume 2,200 cubic inches |
as low as $32.50 | A Toaster |
| FedEx Tube |
6″ x 6″ x 38″ Maximum volume 2,200 cubic inches |
as low as $32.50 | A Golf Club |
UPS box sizes
Like most carriers, UPS offers a range of pre-made packages and boxes for you to use for shipping. Choosing one of these can make it easier to calculate your shipping and fulfillment costs. It’s also a good way to protect your products when shipping. Consider trying out various UPS boxes to discover what best fits and protects your products while keeping costs in check.
UPS also offers packing and freight shipping services. Because these boxes aren’t always standard, you may want to reach out to UPS or a 3PL provider like Red Stag Fulfillment for a more detailed quote and box information.
The following boxes and envelopes are available to order on UPS. By creating a company account with UPS, you can order them for free on the UPS website. Please note that buying them at the UPS store is more expensive.
| Packaging | Description |
|---|---|
| Tubes | |
| UPS Express Tube – 38″ x7.5″ x 6.5″ | Triangular tube accommodates and protects larger documents that are rolled not folded. The tube can be used for blueprints, charts, maps, drawings, or posters. |
| Boxes | |
| UPS 10 KG Box – 16.5″ x 13.25″ x 10.75″ | Use for UPS Worldwide Express shipments. Holds up to 22 lbs. Export paperwork is included. |
| UPS 25 KG Box – 16.5″ x 13.25″ x 10.75″ | Use for UPS Worldwide Express shipments. Holds up to 55 lbs. Export paperwork is included. |
| UPS World Ease Document Box – 1.7″ x 12.5″ x 3″ | This box is used for World Ease shipments. Use the inside of the box for packing slips or other documents. |
| UPS Express Envelope | Designed for urgent correspondence and documents. |
| UPS Flat Rate Shipping Boxes | |
| Extra Small (starting at $10.85) 4 x 4 x 4″; 6 x 4 x 4″; 8 x 6 x 2″ |
For sunglasses, t-shirts, ceramic mugs, or cellphones. |
| Small (starting at $14.15) 6 x 6 x 6″; 8 x 6 x 5″; 12 x 9 x 2″ |
For hardcover books, tissue boxes, or ream paper. |
| Medium (starting at $16.90) 8 x 8 x 8″; 12 x 9 x 6″; 13 x 11 x 2″ |
For shoebox, or three-inch three-ring binder. |
| Large (starting at $22.30) 10 x 10 x 10″; 12 x 12 x 7″; 15 x 11 x 6″ |
For regulation basketball or 14-inch laptop. |
| Extra Large (starting at $27.60) 12 x 12 x 12″; 16 x 12 x 9″; 18 x 12 x 6″ |
For small appliances or tennis racket. |
UPS flat-rate shipping boxes
UPS also offers flat-rate shipping options, and these can be applied to the boxes you get directly from UPS as well as your existing packaging. FedEx and USPS do not have the flat-rate option for using existing packaging. Please note that you’ll be paying the simple retail rate unless you’ve negotiated a better deal.
USPS box sizes
USPS offers a very wide range of shipping box sizes. The ones featured here focus on their core offering and flat-rate solutions because these are typically the ones that eCommerce companies use.
Use the postal service’s store to review its shipping supplies. There are more than 100 options to choose from, including 72 products that you can get sent to your business for free.
| Priority Mail Flat Rate Products | Shipping Price | Dimensions | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Rate Envelope | $9.65 at Post Office & Online | 12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ | Letters, Documents |
| Window Flat Rate Envelope | $9.65 at Post Office & Online | 10″ x 5″ | Pre-addressed Envelopes |
| Small Flat Rate Envelope | $9.65 at Post Office & Online | 10″ x 6″ | Small Documents, Passports |
| Padded Flat Rate Envelope | $10.40 at Post Office & Online | 12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ | Clothing, Books |
| Legal Flat Rate Envelope | $9.95 at Post Office & Online | 15″ x 9 1/2″ | Legal Documents |
| Small Flat Rate Box | $10.20 at Post Office & Online | 8 11/16″ x 5 7/16″ x 1 3/4″ | Brochures, Small Electronics |
| Medium Flat Rate Box — 1 (top-loading) | $17.10 at Post Office & Online | 11 1/4″ x 8 3/4″ x 6″ | Office Supplies, Shoes |
| Medium Flat Rate Box — 2 (side-loading) | $17.10 at Post Office & Online | 14″ x 12″ x 3 1/2″ | Office Supplies, Shoes |
| Large Flat Rate Box | $22.80 at Post Office & Online | 12 1/4″ x 12 1/4″ x 6″ | Laptops, Computers |
| APO/FPO/DPO Large Flat Rate Box | $21.20 at Post Office & Online | 12″ x 12″ x 5 1/2″ | Sending Gifts to Troops |
| Large Flat Rate Board Game Box | $22.80 at Post Office & Online | 23 11/16″ x 11 3/4″ x 3″ | Board Games |
| Prepaid Forever® Packaging | From $9.65 at Post Office & Online | Various Sizes | Various Options |
Understanding eCommerce box sizes
Your business should look at all its box options and try to slim things down because carriers use multiple calculations to set the price for shipping your products to customers. To test and understand these pricing differences, you’ll want to have the existing rate table and a dimensional weight (DIM) scale available.
UPS, FedEx, and USPS use your package’s actual weight and its DIM weight to determine the weight calculation they apply to your cost.
DIM weight is a calculation based on overall box size to build pricing around the volume of your package.
It’s designed to help the carrier generate revenue based on large but light products. You’ll fill up their trucks quickly with large items, so they’re charging based on that space utilization.
PRO TIP: Use our dimensional weight calculator to test pricing from all three carriers.
Your order fulfillment partner can help you find creative ways to stay on top of the DIM weight. This reduction might be shifting your packaging options around to one of the options above or choosing your package designed to slim down overall size while ensuring products are protected.
5 ways RSF works to keep your costs down
- Negotiate better DIM rates.
By shipping high volumes of large, heavy products with carriers, Red Stag has negotiated more favorable rates. We pass those discounts directly on to you, including higher DIM factors that reduce dimensional shipping costs. - Compare every option.
Red Stag Fulfillment reviews your products during onboarding and every order during the packing phase to find the best possible shipping for that order. We start with cost-effective solutions and DIM weight comparisons to trim down costs while also ensuring your order arrives on time and complete every time. - Optimize boxes for each order.
By working together, we’ll determine the correct box sizes for your products and orders, plus the correct infill to protect products while controlling for weight. - Consolidate packaging.
When customers order more from you, they still tend to want as many items as possible in as few boxes as possible. We help you make their dream come true by identifying cost-effective ways to consolidate orders. We make it easier to minimize the price for even larger boxes and orders with our special savings on large, bulky goods. - Split orders across boxes.
Sometimes, your lightweight goods have significant DIM weight costs because of their size. We work with companies to determine if they can split orders, or even products, across multiple boxes to reduce box size. When there’s a significant reduction, you can often save money by shipping across multiple boxes instead of one oversized, lightweight box.
What’s next for your eCommerce business?
Now that you’ve explored box sizes and shipping options for UPS, FedEx, and USPS, it’s time to take the next step for your eCommerce business. Optimizing your packaging and infill not only helps you reduce costs but also elevates the customer experience, ensuring every order arrives in perfect condition.
Ready to streamline your fulfillment process even further? Talk to a Red Stag Fulfillment expert for personalized advice on how to optimize your packaging, cut costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.
