You can order free shipping supplies directly from UPS.com, but you need a UPS.com username to do it. Guest ordering is not available. Once you’re logged in, the process takes just a few minutes, and UPS ships the supplies to you at no charge. Here’s how to set up your account, place an order, and keep your access to free supplies.
Create a UPS.com Account First
Before you can order anything, you need a free UPS.com username. If you already have one, skip ahead. If not, go to ups.com and look for the option to open an account. UPS offers two account levels that both include free shipping supplies: a basic username-only account and a username paired with a shipping account number. Either one works for ordering supplies.
A username-only account is the fastest to set up. You provide your name, email, and a password. A shipping account ties a payment method to your profile so you can also create shipments and print labels directly from UPS.com. If you ship regularly, the shipping account is worth setting up at the same time since you’ll need one eventually to use the supplies you’re ordering.
How to Place a Supply Order
Log in to your UPS.com account and navigate to the order supplies page. You can find it under the “Shipping” menu on the main navigation bar, or go directly to ups.com/us/en/shipping/order-supplies. From there, you’ll see the catalog of available items.
Browse or search for what you need, select the items and quantities, and add them to your cart. The checkout process looks similar to any online store. Confirm your shipping address, review the order, and submit. There’s no payment step because the supplies are free. UPS delivers them to the address on file, typically within a few business days.
What Supplies Are Available
UPS provides branded packaging designed to be used with its shipping services. The catalog generally includes items like Express boxes and envelopes in various sizes, Express Pak pouches, shipping labels, and document pouches. These are UPS-branded materials meant for sending packages through UPS, not generic packing supplies like tape or bubble wrap.
The most commonly ordered items are the Express boxes (small, medium, and large), Express envelopes for documents, and thermal label stock if you print your own shipping labels. If you ship hazardous materials, UPS also offers specialized pouches and labels for those shipments.
Keep in mind that UPS Express supplies are specifically intended for UPS Express shipments like Next Day Air or 2nd Day Air. You can’t use Express-branded boxes for UPS Ground shipments. General supplies like labels and plain packaging are more flexible.
Supply Access Levels
Not every account gets the same access to the full catalog. UPS uses three tiers based on your shipping activity:
- Full Access: You can order everything available on UPS.com, including all Express supplies.
- Limited Access: You can order general supplies but not items intended exclusively for UPS Express shipments.
- No Access: You cannot order supplies through UPS.com at all.
Your tier depends on how much you actually ship with UPS and whether your supply usage lines up with your shipping volume. If you order large quantities of free boxes but rarely create shipments, UPS may downgrade your access. This policy is designed to prevent people from stockpiling free packaging they never use for UPS shipments.
For most people who ship even occasionally, this isn’t an issue. If you’re a small business owner sending a handful of packages a week, you’ll likely have full access. New accounts with no shipping history may start at a limited level until UPS sees some activity.
Tips for a Smooth Order
Order supplies before you need them. While delivery is usually quick, it’s not overnight, and running out of boxes mid-week can slow down your workflow. If you ship regularly, keep a standing inventory and reorder when you’re about halfway through your stock.
Pay attention to minimum and maximum quantities in the catalog. Some items come in packs of 10 or 25, and there may be per-order limits to prevent excessive ordering. If you need a large volume for a business, consider placing orders on a regular schedule rather than trying to get everything at once.
If your account shows limited or no access to supplies and you believe that’s an error, check that your shipping history is tied to the same username you’re using to order. Businesses that ship through a third-party platform sometimes have their volume linked to a different account number, which can make it look like they’re not shipping at all.