Can I use any box for USPS Ground Advantage? Specifically a 7in x 4.5in (5) x 2in

[giovdel_7322]

I'm looking to sell a phone and have two boxes with similar dimensions (7in x 4.5in (5) x 2in - 4.5in is rounded up) that were used for phones in the past (shipped via UPS Ground).

Can I use these same boxes if I were to ship with USPS Ground Advantage? I'm aware I have to remove any labels (which I did). The box itself is brown.

[stephenmorgan]

I received and sent many items in that same size box thru the USPS.  

With phones there may be some special requirements for the batteries.  

https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm

Shipping Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)

Hazardous materials are substances that could injure people or cause damage if not handled properly, like chemicals or flammable items.

HAZMAT also includes lithium batteries (like the ones in cell phones and electronics; they contain a lot of energy and can be a fire risk) and liquid mercury:

• Some HAZMAT is prohibited—you can’t send it through USPS and must use another carrier.
• Other HAZMAT is restricted—you can mail it if you follow all the rules.
• Some HAZMAT can only be sent by ground transportation—it can’t go on airplanes.
• If you are mailing packages that contain hazardous materials (HAZMAT), you must separate HAZMAT packages from all other packages and present them in a container marked "HAZMAT."

If you knowingly mail materials that are dangerous or injurious to life, health, or property, for each violation, you face a civil penalty of at least $250 (but not more than $100,000), the costs of any cleanup, and damages. You may also face criminal penalties.

[giovdel_7322]

I'm getting mixed results when looking into the shipping services and their policy. Some people state that USPS Ground Advantage should work with just the Ground Advantage shipping label and with any box (granted it just be plain - in my case it's just a brown box). Whereas others state that there needs to be a "Surface Transportation Only," "Restricted Electronic Device," and/or a Lithium Battery UN # labels.

If I can't use USPS Ground Advantage, is my other option UPS Ground/Ground Saver?

I'm selling a used smartphone in its OEM box + original accessories (USB C - USB C cable, USB C - USB A adapter), as well as 2 cases. All contents will be inside this brown box.

[gator08041971 · Accepted solution]

@giovdel_7322 

I have shipped phones before, as well as many laptops.

You need to do the following:

Use USPS Ground Advantage.

Use the HAZMAT options for Lithium Battery - Used electronics

This will mark the shipping label correctly.

You may also want to find or print the following label for the box and fill out the info:

You do those two things and you will be fine.

You get mixed answers because there are different scenarios.

For example, a brand new, never used, never charged up item might not need a hazmat label like I suggested above, especially if shipped by a manufacturer or large retailer, though often I get them with the labels.  But any used item, used batteries MUST have correct labeling.

Those packages that contain these items and are NOT properly labeled that later cause property damage because of their items, would be subjected to fines as noted above.  But if properly marked, both on the shipping label and with a hazard sticker that makes it the shipper responsibility to ship it safely in accordance with their policies.

When buying the label on ebay, you can delineate the hazard as part of the process of selecting the label.  There is NO EXTRA CHARGE, so no reason to not do this properly!

[giovdel_7322]

I appreciate both you and @stephenmorgan response to my question.

So - just to clarify - I have the option to select a HAZMAT  option for Lithium Batteries - Used Electronics when purchasing the shipping label via eBay?

If so, that sounds great and seems pretty straightforward now.

Once again, I appreciate both of your responses.

[gator08041971]

@giovdel_7322 

So - just to clarify - I have the option to select a HAZMAT option for Lithium Batteries - Used Electronics when purchasing the shipping label via eBay?

Yes.

Where it says "This package doesn't contain hazardous materials" click Edit and you will have this:

[giovdel_7322]

Thanks again!

[kensgiftshop]

You can use any box for Ground Advantage, as long as it's not a Priority Mail box.

[giovdel_7322]

Thanks, I'll keep this in mind for future listings.