Label too large for box

[maximum61]

I have a small collectible that fits nicely, with packing, in a 4x4x4 box.  As I'm getting ready to print the shipping label, I realized that the label is way too big for that small box.  I can make the label smaller before I print, but there is no way I can get it to the 4x4x4 size and still be legible.  What do I do?  Can the label continue down the other side of the 4x4 box, meaning the label would cover 2 sides of the box?  Should I put it in a larger box that will accommodate the label?  Help!

Thanks Experts,

Cheryl

[gosimus]

@maximum61 

< Should I put it in a larger box that will accommodate the label? >    

That's what I'd do.  Pack the smaller box into a larger box.  Your buyer will appreciate the conscientious double packaging; no need to tell them the real reason.   😉  

[wooden_flower · Accepted solution]

4x4 is too small to send first class parcel mail - one dimension must be at lest 5", so you need a slightly bigger box.

Minimum Size: All pieces ¼ inch thick or less must be a minimum of:

• 5 inches in length
• 3½ inches in height and
• 0.007 inches in thickness

https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-are-the-Types-of-First-Class-Mail

[tree*fern]

Hi @maximum61 , while you can resize the label before you print, be careful not to make it too small. USPS has a minimum size requirement for scannable labels.

The label can continue down the other side, as long as the addresses and tracking barcode are not on the edge of the box. Fold it so a blank line is on the edge.

@wooden_flower  Please note that minimum is for "All pieces ¼ inch thick or less."  4x4 boxes are acceptable for First Class Package service.

[maximum61]

OMG....I had no idea it would be too small for first class.  Jeez....there is so much to learn about shipping. Thank you so much.  Cheryl

[tree*fern]

@maximum61  4x4 is not too small for first class. That size minimum is for flats ¼ inch thick or less, not boxes.

[wooden_flower]

@tree*fern 

Thanks - I copied the wrong page - too early I guess!  The minimum for a first class parcel is 3 x 6 x .25.  Anything under .25 would not qualify as a first class parcel.

Generally, commercial parcels must measure:

• At least 3 inches high x 6 inches long x 1/4 inch thick.

https://pe.usps.com/businessmail101?ViewName=Parcels

Links on this page will also show you the minimums for letters (3.5 x 5) and flats (6 1/8 x 11.5).

[tree*fern]

@wooden_flower  For label size:  I can't remember the minimum scannable label size, and haven't found it so far. Maybe they changed the minimum label size?

[wooden_flower]

@tree*fern  I have never looked for a min label size, since I  always used 5x8 or larger mailers 🙂  I'll poke around.

[ferncliff-39]

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@tree*fern wrote:

Hi @maximum61 , while you can resize the label before you print, be careful not to make it too small. USPS has a minimum size requirement for scannable labels.

The label can continue down the other side, as long as the addresses and tracking barcode are not on the edge of the box. Fold it so a blank line is on the edge.

@wooden_flower  Please note that minimum is for "All pieces ¼ inch thick or less."  4x4 boxes are acceptable for First Class Package service.

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I used to ship with 4x4x4" boxes frequently and never resized the label for printing; however I did cut off the white left & right edges though and it fit perfectly on 2 sides of the box. (I know, more work 😊)

As you said I made sure to fold on one edge so the barcode was cleanly on one side for scanning.

[disneyshopper]

The printed label is 4 x 6 inches, so I would place the 4x4x4 box inside a polymailer, and place the shipping label on the polymailer.