How to ship a package

Sending packages 

If you’ve not shipped a package before, don’t worry, it’s a very easy process and 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 a gift to a family member overseas, Parcel Monkey can help you with the whole process, from packaging advice to finding local shipping companies and comparing shipping rates to find the best deals.

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. Therefore, it’s essential that your item is adequately protected.

Always use a heavy-duty corrugated cardboard box and reinforce corners and joins with tape. 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.  

Get 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, Parcel Monkey will provide you with instant quotes from multiple shipping companies. What’s more, our prices are discounted so most of our customers find shipping a package through Parcel Monkey is significantly cheaper than going direct to a courier.

Our shipping calculator is completely free to use and you don’t even need to register.  

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 ‘send a parcel’ 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 be required to complete the full quote form before you can complete your booking.

Choose 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 including, how quickly you need your package to arrive and your budget.

Parcel Monkey will help you compare:

• Prices
• Transit times
• Delivery and collection options
• Protection cover
• Customer reviews

Confirm your booking

Once you’ve chosen the service that best suits 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.

How to ship a package from home

If you select one of our discounted pickup and delivery services, you can ship a package without even leaving your home.

All you need to do is get a shipping quote and select a ‘Pickup service’. The 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 send a package through the Post Office

If you would prefer to drop off your package at your nearest Post Office, you can book and pay for discounted USPS services through our shipping calculator, then drop off your package at any USPS Post Office.

Choose from popular services like Parcel Select, Priority Mail and Priority International, then pay for your shipping online, print and attach your shipping label and drop off your parcel. At the counter, they will scan your package and give you a receipt. It’s that easy!

Find a US Post Office near me

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.