If you need to ship something, USPS is most peoples go-to spot. But what if you are shipping something delicate?
If you package is fragile, does USPS sell or provide bubble wrap? We looked into it and this is what we found…
Does USPS Have Bubble Wrap?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) does sell bubble wrapping products online (in their online shop) and at Post Offices (in the shop section). Specifically, these products are ReadyPost rolls of bubble wrap and ReadyPost Bubble Mailers.
This article takes a look at the USPS and their bubble wrapping supplies: what they are, what they cost, and where and how you can purchase them.
Does USPS Give Bubble Wrap For Free?
Bubble wrap is not one of the USPS free packing supplies. USPS do have a range of free packing supplies, and you’ll find these in the Shop section of the USPS website. Simply click on the Get Free Supplies tab.
USPS has a total of 67 free shipping supply items. Bubble wrap products are not included here. You’ll see that all of these free supplies are associated with specific mailing options or services, such as Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, Signature Mail, and Customs Forms.
Does UPS Sell Bubble Wrap?
USPS sell bubble wrap supplies from their Post Office (shop section) and online. If you’re instore, simply ask for guidance on what you can purchase and the cost. If you’re online, go to the USPS website and head to their online shop by clicking on the Shop tab at the top of the landing page.
There are two kinds of shipping supplies here. Free Shipping Supplies and Premium Shipping Supplies. Bubble wrap products are all located in Premium Shipping Supplies.
ReadyPost Bubble packing material: comes in packs of 10, and each piece is 9 inches by 16 inches. It is light weight, water resistant, odorless, and non-abrasive. It is designed for hard-to-protect items and is made from recycled materials.
ReadyPost Bubble Mailers: come in packs of varying amounts and in 3 different sizes. A Bubble Mailer is a bubble wrap lined envelope. They are lightweight with white address boxes and have self-sealing fold over flaps.
They are available online USPS, but only in packs of 24 or more. However, people have reported purchasing them singly instore.
How Much Does USPS Charge For Bubble Wrap?
The cost of bubble wrap materials at USPS depends on what you buy, what size you choose and how many of each item you need.
- ReadyPost bubble packing material is $27.00 per pack. Each pack contains 10 pieces of bubble wrap, and you can’t buy the pieces singly.
- ReadyPost bubble mailers come in three sizes:
- 16 inches by 10.5 inches (in packs of 24) for $43.80 per pack
- 19 inches by 12.5 inches (in packs of 36) for $79 per pack
- 12 inches by 8.5 inches (in packs of 24) for $35.80
The cost of shipping your item will now depend on what mail class you are using and how much the package weights. For example, if your bubble mailer item weighs less than 1 ounce (and so is posting as an envelope), all you need is a forever stamp.
If your bubble mailer is a package, then you’ll need to choose media mail (for books, DVDs, magazines, documents and so on, which weight less than 70 pounds), priority mail (under 70 pounds) retail ground (under 70 pounds) or USPS first class (personal items under 16 ounces).
Want to learn more about USPS? Check out our related posts to learn if USPS buys back unused stamps, does USPS ask for ID, and how accurate is USPS tracking.
Conclusion..
Bubble wrapping and bubble mailers are an excellent way to ship small fragile and precious items through the mail.
Bubble wrap is so light (and yet strong) that is hardly adds to the shipping costs while keeping your items protected.
Head to the Post Office or to the USPS website shop to find bubble wrap for materials you can order online.