Did you know that you can print your own shipping labels directly at any United States Postal Service (USPS) location? This is a convenient option for customers who send packages on a regular basis, or even those who mail stuff just once in a while.
This practical guide explains how to print shipping labels at the post office, the types of labels available, and other services you can take advantage of to simplify the mailing experience.
When Do You Need a Shipping Label?
You need a shipping label to transport packages through postal and courier systems. A shipping label contains critical sender and recipient details, including names, addresses, tracking numbers, and routing information. These labels serve as the package’s identifier; they guide every package from origin to destination safely and efficiently.
Common Types of Shipping Labels
Common types of shipping labels used for general logistics include Standard, International, and Return labels. These are usually available at different international carriers, serving the same purpose of providing accurate shipping information, but each carrier follows specific formatting requirements for their labels.
There are also specialized labels, like Fragile, Hazardous Material, and Priority, as well as custom/branded labels for businesses.
Here are the types of shipping labels based on function or content:
Standard Shipping Labels. These contain basic delivery info for domestic or local shipments. They also indicate standard delivery timeframes based on distance.
International Shipping Labels. These include customs forms for cross-border shipments.
Return Shipping Labels. These are prepaid, pre-addressed labels for easy package returns, and are often included in the original delivery.
Fragile/Special Handling Labels. These labels indicate delicate contents needing careful handling (e.g., "This Side Up").
Hazardous Material (Hazmat) Labels: Required for dangerous goods, displaying hazard symbols for safety.
Warning Labels. These highlight risks depending on the package content, like dry ice, lithium batteries, or flammable materials.
Temperature Monitoring Labels. These are used for perishable or temperature-sensitive goods, such as pharmaceuticals or food.
Priority/Urgent Labels. These labels mark time-sensitive or urgent shipments.
Types of shipping labels based on format/printing include:
Sheet Labels. The labels come in flat sheets, and are good for laser/inkjet printers. This option is ideal for small-volume purchases.
Roll Labels. The labels are in continuous rolls, and are more appropriate for thermal printers and high-volume needs.
Fanfold Labels. These are folded, continuous labels, and are also designed for high-volume thermal printing.
Thermal Labels. These are designed for ink-free thermal printing, and are commonly used for barcodes.
Electronic Labels (E-labels). These are digital labels transmitted electronically for real-time tracking.
Types of customized shipping labels include:
Barcode/QR Code Labels. These labels are machine-readable for tracking and sorting.
Custom Branded Labels. These labels feature company logos/colors for branding.
What Types of Shipping Labels Can You Print at the USPS?
The USPS allows customers to print shipping labels for various services like Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage, for both domestic and international shipments. These printing options are available via the Label Broker service (QR Code/ID) or the Click-N-Ship feature at self-service kiosks or retail counters. Customers can print on standard paper or even thermal labels.
The types of labels you can print include:
Labels for domestic services: Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Media Mail.
Labels for international services: Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, and First-Class Package International Service, including customs forms.
Return Labels: Prepaid return labels (No Postage Necessary).
How to Print at the Post Office or Label Broker
USPS locations offer self-service kiosks where you can enter shipment details and print labels instantly. Alternatively, you can ask postal clerks at the service counter to assist you throughout the process. Printing labels at the post office is a useful solution if you need labels while traveling or you’re unable to print at home.
Before you head to the post office, make sure you have everything you need to make the label-printing process faster and smoother; these include:
The recipient’s full address.
Your/the sender’s return address and contact information.
Details about the package content, including the content’s value if insurance/customs documentation is required.
Insurance information, signature confirmation, or any other special service requests.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to print shipping labels at the Post Office:
Create the shipping label online and pay for postage or a prepaid/return label via USPS.com Click-N-Ship or via a third-party service.
Get the QR code or Label Broker ID via email.
Visit a local post office with a Label Broker kiosk or retail window.
You or an employee scans the code, prints the label, and affixes it to your package.
You can print labels on a standard 8.5” x 11” paper, self-adhesive sheets, or 4” x 6” thermal roll labels or fanfold labels. Alternatively, you can get a printed label delivered to you for a fee.
You may also pay for postage directly at the post office when you print the labels.Options include traditional stamps for lightweight packages and envelopes; prepaid shipping labels for frequent shippers; or counter-calculated postage to ensure accurate pricing based on your package’s dimensions and weight.
Label Printing for Special USPS Services and Package Guidelines
USPS supports label printing for specialty services such as Certified Mail, Registered Mail, and insured shipments. These services are ideal for sensitive, high-value, or time-sensitive shipments that require added security and tracking.
USPS enforces specific size and weight limits for packages. Generally, a parcel must not exceed 108 inches in combined length and girth; the maximum weight allowed per package is 70 pounds.
Postal employees ensure that the correct labels are printed and applied, and your package meets the size and weight requirements to avoid shipping issues.
USPS also offers package pickup, tracking confirmation, and shipment insurance. Package pickup allows a carrier to collect shipments directly from your home or office; you can get insurance for your package for added protection, particularly if you’re shipping valuable items.
Final Thoughts
Printing shipping labels at the post office offers both convenience and accuracy. You don’t need to set up a printer or label sheets at home or in your office. Staff at the post office or kiosk can help ensure correct label formatting, complete package information, and compliance with package size and weight requirements.
Correct labeling is crucial to successful package delivery. Any errors or unclear information can cause delays, misrouting, or lost parcels. Ensuring that labels are complete, legible, and properly attached helps maintain reliable tracking and timely delivery.
Make sure you have all necessary information ahead of time, and familiarize yourself with available shipping services and the process of printing labels at the post office.