It may seem like a silly question. If you think about it, however, it makes sense. After all, both of these shipping companies provide boxes for their customers to use when sending their packages. Wouldn’t it stand to reason that the UPS and FedEx boxes would be the same size and dimensions? Fortunately for those who frequently ship using one company but have a package that needs to go with another company, the answer is no. These two companies use completely different measurements for their boxes. However, there are other factors that must be considered as well. With that being said, can you use a FedEx box to ship UPS? Keep reading to find out!
Can I Use A FedEx Box To Ship UPS?
Yes. However, FedEx will not deliver packages that have been shipped using a UPS box. So, when you ship UPS via a UPS box to a customer who is shipping from the same location as you, you should use your own FedEx account and drop-off location.
What Is A FedEx Box?
In the world of shipping, “boxes” can actually refer to any type of container that holds items during shipment. In general, though, the word “box” refers to a cardboard container that is used to ship items. Usually, boxes are used for shipping smaller items like clothing, shoes, toys, small appliances, etc. Boxes are also used for very large items, like automobile engines, transmissions, or even whole automobiles. The dimensions of a box are key to determining how much the box will cost to ship. The bigger the box, the more the shipping company will charge you to ship it. So, if you want to save money on shipping, the size of the box can make a big difference.
What Is A UPS Box?
As mentioned above, UPS boxes are completely different from FedEx boxes. This means that you cannot use a FedEx box to ship with UPS and vice versa. It’s important to note that the dimensions of a box will differ depending on the type of service you choose. For example, if you ship using Economy Ground (this is the most common shipping method), the dimensions of the box are different than if you ship using one of the other UPS services, like 2nd Day Air or Next Day Air. When shipping with UPS, you have the option to use a box that they provide or to use your own box. If you use your own box, you should check the dimensions to make sure that your box can be used with UPS.
The Differences Between FedEx And UPS Boxes
1. Size
FedEx boxes can be up to 20 inches wide and 60 inches long, while UPS boxes are smaller. The standard size for the FedEx box is 12 x 12 x 10 inches, while the UPS standard box is 8.5 x 8.5 x 6.5 inches.
2. Weight
FedEx boxes weigh up to 70 pounds and are filled with air, while UPS boxes weigh up to 75 pounds and are filled with packing material like paper or Styrofoam peanuts.
3. Package Identification
A FedEx package identification label is required on all packages shipped from a FedEx facility (including a drop-off location) and must include the name of the sender, receiver, and delivery address along with an account number for processing purposes; if no account number is provided then a tracking label must also be applied to the package (unless it will not be used). A signature may also be required upon delivery of packages requiring it due to size or weight; however, this requirement has been canceled in favor of a delivery confirmation number on all packages shipped by FedEx Express Services. The identification label must include the date of shipment, time of shipment, and the name of the person who signed for it (“FedEx Transport Manager” or “FedEx Tracing”).
4. Delivery Confirmation Number (D-Number)
A delivery confirmation number (D-Number) is provided to the customer at the time of delivery and is used for tracking purposes. The D-Number is a unique identification number that identifies each package delivered by FedEx Express Services, including package drop-off locations and remote packaging facilities. D-Numbers are assigned in sequential order, starting with 1 as the first digit of each package’s D-Number, so that a package’s D-Number can be used as a reference point to determine its position in sequence at any given time during the shipment process. Every FedEx Express Service Package has a unique identification number that includes a letter prefix indicating the service type (e.g., FES = FedEx Express Services), followed by a series of numbers that determine its position in sequential order within each service type (e.g., 1 = first in the sequence, 2 = second in the sequence, etc.). The last three digits of this numbering system are also known as “sequence numbers”, but they do not directly indicate their positions within an individual service type’s numbering system.
5. Delivery Confirmation Tracking Number (D-Tracking)
FedEx Express Services provides a delivery confirmation number to the customer for each shipment, and this tracking number is recorded on the FedEx tracking system as well as in the FedEx system’s internal database. The D-Number is not necessarily used as a reference point to determine the position of an individual package at any given time during shipment, but it can be used to determine how many packages of a particular service type are outstanding in sequence at any given time. Many service types have similar numbering systems, and thus it may be possible to determine what service type’s package number corresponds to an individual package’s D-Tracking number through its D-Number. However, some service types do not have an identical numbering system; for example, FedEx Express Services packages are assigned a unique identification number that includes only two digits (e.g., 001), while FedEx Ground packages are assigned a unique identification number that includes four digits (e.g., 1111). In these cases, it may be necessary to compare information from the package label with information from other sources before determining which service type’s package corresponds to an individual package’s D-Tracking number through its D-Number.
6. Track and Trace (T&T) Number
FedEx Express Services also provides a T&T number to the customer for each shipment, and this tracking number is recorded on the FedEx tracking system as well as in the FedEx system’s internal database. The T&T Number is not necessarily used as a reference point to determine the position of an individual package at any given time during shipment, but it can be used to determine how many packages of a particular service type are outstanding in sequence at any given time. Many service types have similar numbering systems, and thus it may be possible to determine what service type’s package number corresponds to an individual package’s T&T number through its T&T Number. However, some service types do not have an identical numbering system; for example, FedEx Express Services packages are assigned a unique identification number that includes only two digits (e.g., 001), while FedEx Ground packages are assigned a unique identification number that includes four digits (e.g., 1111). In these cases, it may be necessary to compare information from the package label with information from other sources before determining which service type’s package corresponds to an individual package’s T&T number through its T&T Number.
How To Find The Right Shipment Box For Your Package
- You may need to call FedEx or UPS and ask them which box is better for your package; the larger box (FedEx) or the smaller box (UPS).
- You can get a shipping label with your return address on it from your local post office. They will then put it in the appropriate box for you.
- The boxes are not always labeled by size. For instance, if you are going to ship a small item, such as an envelope, it may just be labeled “small” or “medium”. If the item fits in one of these boxes, then use that size, otherwise use the next size up.
- If you do not have an address label, you can use the envelope with the return address on it to write “return address” or “no return”. This will tell them that this is not a package that needs to be returned.
- A box with a tapered top is better than one with just a flat top as it will hold more weight and maybe more durable if your package gets damaged while in transit.
- If you are shipping something fragile, such as glassware, or something that has been dropped multiple times and has dents or scratches in it, then use a box with sides rather than just a flat top.
- If your package contains coupons for money back, then use a box that is the appropriate size for each coupon (i.e.: if there are 10 coupons and they are all 3 inches wide and 1 inch tall, then use a 3x3x1 box).
- If your package weighs over 50 pounds (at least for FedEx), then you will need to provide them with an oversized shipping label from your local post office so they can ship the package on their own without having to send it through UPS or FedEx first. You will not be able to just print a label from the internet and use it.
- If you are returning an item that you have not paid for, then the package must be re-inspected by FedEx or UPS prior to being shipped. This is so they can ensure that there are no missing items in the package and that it is not damaged in any way.
- If your return is going to be local (i.e.: if you are shipping to a friend’s house), then use the local return address on the box rather than your own return address so they do not know who is sending it back to you.
Final Word
You’ve learned a lot in this chapter. We talked about the different types of packages, what happens to them when they are shipped, and how to ship them. It’s important to know how your packages are going to be handled when they arrive. I hope you know that you can deliver your packages in style!
