Can I use a USPS Priority Mail "Express" box to ship something but w/a Priority Mail 2 day label?

[whereseric]

Hi all,
I recently ordered some empty boxes from the USPS website, I meant to order plain two-day Priority Mail boxes but accidentally ordered the Priority Mail Express boxes. Can I still use these Express boxes but just affix a 2 day Priority Mail label to the box without a problem? If necessary,  I'll cross out the words "Express" anywhere on the box. Is that doable or will the box be returned to me? Again, it's not a flat rate box but a Priority Mail Express box. Thanks for any info you can provide.

[thatisrathernice]

I'm not really sure of the correct answer but my gut wants me to tell you that no you can't do that. Even if it was allowed not everyone who works for USPS is on the same page and it is just asking for issues from point A to point B. I personally wouldn't risk it no matter who said it was okay. I would reorder the correct boxes and purchase some from the store in the mean time. Better to be safe than sorry.

Hope this helps!

[kimberleys_attic · Accepted solution]

No, the USPS will expect "Express" postage.  I don't know if they still make the dual red and blue boxes that could go either way, they used to be available.  Best thing to do is order the right boxes and drop the express  boxes off at your local post office.

[casaedn]

If you use the wrong box they will charge your customer postage due when it gets to them or it will be returned to you as postage due for using the wrong box.

[zzydny]

No.  Someone tried this the other day at the local PO, and the clerk ripped the label off.  She told the guy he would have to pay the Express fee or repack in the proper box.  I know because I was the next person in line and I had to wait until the guy was done whining and while the clerk explained that rules are rules. 

Use the right box and the right label.  Save time and trouble for yourself, the clerk, and the people behind you in line.

[southern*sweet*tea]

You can use any plain box to ship Priority. It does not have to be a Priority box unless you are shipping flat rate, Regional Rate, or Express.  For run of the mill, regular zoned Priority any brown box will do, just mark out any numbers or bar codes.

[duchess-at-speakeasy]

No, you cannot alter the box in any way -- you will have to pay Priority Express postage.  In fact, USPS now back-charges underpayments to your Paypal or eBay account so you can't escape.

But first check the box carefully to see if it's a dual-use box.  I don't know if the combo box is still offered.

You certainly can take the Express boxes to your local PO and swap them for any Priority Mail boxes of similar size.  I think the Medium Mailing Box (weight-based) is about the same size -- you know, the original "shirt box."  Most PO's stock the MMB in addition to the usual array of FRB's.  Some may even have other weight-based boxes in the back room -- just ask.

Your local PMB might also appreciate receiving some of the Express boxes.

~~C~~