How to ship a package

Sending packages 

If you’re new to shipping packages online, don’t worry, it’s a very simple process and we're here to hold your hand. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to ship a package, including:

Whether you’ve sold something online or you’re sending gifts to family overseas, Parcel Monkey can help. Our clever shipping calculator will help you find discounted rates with reputable shipping companies, compare prices to find the best deal and ship packages to over 240 destinations worldwide. 

What’s more, you can send a package from home or drop off your package at a local Post Office or parcel drop off point.

How to pack items for shipping

When you ship a package through a courier network it will be travelling with thousands of others, going through depots, sometimes airports and loaded on and off trucks. With this in mind, it's essential that your item is suitably packed and protected for travel.

Always use a heavy-duty corrugated cardboard box. It's ok to reuse an old box, but reinforce corners and joins with tape and make sure you remove any old shipping labels. Double boxing is another good option for adding extra protection.

Items inside the box should be wrapped individually and all gaps should be filled to minimise movement during transit. You can find more packaging advice in our full guide on how to wrap a package for shipping.

Getting a shipping quote

Once your item is securely packaged, it’s time to get a shipping quote.

Whether you’re shipping a package in the US or sending a parcel abroad, you don’t need to shop around for the best price because Parcel Monkey does it for you. All you need to do is tell us the size and weight of your package and where it’s going. 

Once you've entered your parcel's details into our shipping calculator, we’ll provide you with quotes from multiple shipping companies all at discounted rates. Our shipping calculator is free to use and you don’t even need to register to see your quotes.

There are two ways you can get a shipping quote with Parcel Monkey:

1. Enter the weight and destination into any of the quick quote bars.

2. Click ‘Ship a package’ and enter the full details into our shipping calculator.

Option 2 will give you the most accurate price, as courier prices are based on volumetric weight, which requires the weight and dimensions of your package. However, the quick quote tool is a handy way of getting an estimated cost very quickly. Even if you start with the quick quote, you will need to complete the full quote form before you can complete your booking.

Choosing a courier service

Once you click ‘Get a quote’ you’ll see quotes from a number of different carriers, including UPS, DHL, USPS and our own-brand services.

Which courier service you choose, depends on a number of factors. You should ask yourself the following questions:

• How quickly does my parcel need to arrive? 

• Do I want to send a package from home? 

• If you choose a drop off service, do you want to drop off your parcel at your local Post Office or a courier drop off point? 

• Does your item need protection cover, if so, how much?

Confirm your booking

Once you’ve chosen the service that meets your needs, our very simple booking system will guide you through the process of paying for your shipment and printing your shipping labels.

If you’re sending a package internationally we will help you complete any necessary customs documents during the booking process, so all you have to do is print them at the end and attach them to your package.

Find out how to print and attach customs documents.

Can you mail a package from home?

Yes, you can! If you select one of our discounted pickup and delivery services you can send a package without leaving your home. No queuing at the Post Office!

All you need to do is get a shipping quote, select a ‘Pickup service’ and a courier will collect your package from your home or work address.

Collection times vary by carrier, but generally, collections are made Monday to Friday between 9 am and 6 pm, so you will need to ensure that you are available all day. 

How to use a parcel drop off service 

If you can’t be available all day and would prefer to drop off your package at a time that's convenient for you, you’ll need to select a ‘Drop off’ service from your quote results. 

To drop off your parcel at the Post Office, book one of our discounted USPS services like Parcel Select, Priority Mail or Priority International. Simply pay for your shipping online, print and attach the prepaid label, then drop off your parcel. At the counter, they will scan your package and give you a receipt. It’s that easy!

We also offer a variety of services where you can drop off your package at a local FedEx, UPS or DHL drop off point. Just click the info icon next to each service to see the drop off information.  

Need more help? 

If it's your first time to ship a package, there's really nothing to it. You can find more helpful information on shipping packages below or please feel free to contact our customer support team on Live Chat and they'll be happy to help. 

Live chat can be accessed from any page on the website by clicking the Live Chat icon.