How to Save Money on Shipping Supplies in 2026

Shipping supplies are a hidden cost that adds up fast. A box here ($1.50), tape there ($0.50), bubble wrap ($0.30) — per package, it seems small. But at 500 packages/month, you're spending $1,150/month just on materials. Here's how to cut that in half or more.

Free Shipping Supplies

USPS Free Supplies

USPS offers a wide range of free Priority Mail packaging delivered to your door:

How to order: Visit usps.com/shop → Supplies → Free Shipping Supplies

Rules: Must be used for Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express service only. Cannot use for other carriers or non-USPS services.

FedEx Free Supplies

• Express envelopes and paks
• Express boxes (various sizes)
• Order at fedex.com/en-us/shipping/packing/supplies.html
• Must be used for FedEx Express services only

Free Boxes from Retail Stores

Bulk Buying: Where to Get the Best Deals

Box Pricing Comparison

Best Suppliers by Volume

Packing Material Costs

Cost-Cutting Strategies

1. Reuse Incoming Packaging

• Save boxes, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts from your own deliveries
• Remove old labels and tape
• Savings: $0.50-2.00 per package

2. Use Poly Mailers Instead of Boxes

3. Right-Size Your Boxes

Using a box 2" too large on each dimension can cost:

• Extra packing material: $0.30-0.50
• DIM weight surcharge: $2.00-5.00
• Total waste: $2.30-5.50 per package

4. Switch to Kraft Paper

Kraft paper (crumpled) replaces bubble wrap for many applications:

• Cost: $0.05-0.10 per package vs $0.20-0.40 for bubble wrap
• Eco-friendly: recyclable and biodegradable
• Effective: provides good cushioning for non-fragile items

5. Buy Tape in Bulk

Monthly Supply Budget Templates

Small Business (100 packages/month)

Medium Business (500 packages/month)

Compare Shipping Rates Too

Don't just save on supplies — save on the labels themselves. With atoship, compare USPS, UPS, and FedEx rates instantly and save up to 89% on every shipment.

FAQ

Are USPS Priority Mail boxes really free?

Yes — USPS delivers free Priority Mail boxes, envelopes, and tape to your door. Order at usps.com/shop. The only requirement is that you use them for Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express service.

Where can I get free boxes for shipping?

USPS offers free Priority Mail boxes. You can also get free boxes from grocery stores, liquor stores, and retail stores that discard packaging daily. Ask during morning restocking hours.

Is it cheaper to buy shipping supplies on Amazon or Uline?

Amazon is cheaper for small quantities (under 50). Uline is cheaper for bulk orders (100+). For very high volume (500+), contact packaging manufacturers directly for the best per-unit pricing.

Should I invest in an air pillow machine?

If you ship 200+ packages per month, an air pillow machine ($300-500) pays for itself within 2-3 months. Air pillows cost $0.02-0.04 each vs $0.15-0.30 for equivalent bubble wrap.

How much do shipping supplies cost per package?

Average cost ranges from $0.80 (poly mailer + tape) to $3.50 (box + bubble wrap + tape + packing material). Right-sizing packages and buying in bulk can reduce this by 30-50%.