Irregular Packages

If your package cannot be sorted on mail processing equipment because of its size, shape, or contents additional charges may apply.

Find out when to select this option for US Postal Service and UPS.


Select the "Irregular or unusual package" check box if you are planning to ship using US Postal Service Parcel Post and any of the following applies:

  • A parcel longer than 34 inches

  • A parcel higher or wider than 17 inches

  • A glass container with more than 24 ounces of liquid

  • A metal container with one or more gallons of liquid

  • A plastic container with one or more gallons of liquid

  • An insecurely wrapped parcel

  • A metal banded parcel

  • A can, roll, or tube

  • A wooden or metal box

  • Books, printed matter, or business forms weighing more than 25 pounds.

  • A high-density parcel weighing more than 15 pounds and exerting more than 60 pounds per-square-foot pressure on its smallest side.

  • A film case weighing more than 5 pounds or with strap-type closures, except any film case the USPS authorizes to be entered as a machinable parcel and to be identified by the words "Machinable in United States Postal Service Equipment" permanently attached as a nontransferable decal in the lower right corner of the case.

  • Parcels with characteristics (such as inadequate packaging) that could result in damage to the contents of the mailpiece, other parcels, or postal machinery if mechanical sortation is used.

  • The longest side of your package is over 60 inches, or the second longest side is over 30 inches.

  • The package is encased in an external shipping container made of metal or wood.

  • The package is a cylindrical item, such as a barrel, drum, pail, or tire that is not fully encased in a corrugated cardboard shipping container.

Note: If you select the "Irregular package" check box, a $5 surcharge will be added to the shipping cost. This surcharge will not be shown when you use the “Research rates and services” feature on the listing form. However, the surcharge will be shown correctly in your listing and when the buyer pays for your item.

Note: If you ship with UPS, you may be charged a $5 surcharge by the carrier if any of the following applies to your package:

  • The longest side of your package is over 60 inches or the second longest side is over 30 inches.

  • The package is encased in an external shipping container made of metal or wood

  • The package is a cylindrical item, such as a barrel, drum, pail, or tire that is not fully encased in a corrugated cardboard shipping container.

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