How to ship a package

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.

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

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

The Quick Quote - I don't know the exact weight and size of my package, just need an estimate for now.
Enter the weight and destination of your package into any of the quick quote bars and click 'get a quote'. This will give you an instant shipping estimate. We'll ask you to provide the accurate weight and dimensions of your package before you book and update the price to reflect this.

The Full Quote - I have the exact weight and measurements of my package and would like an accurate quote.
Click 'Send a package' in the top menu and complete our full quote form. Once we have the weight and dimensions of your package we can give you an accurate price.

Once you click 'Get a quote' you'll see quotes from a number of different couriers, 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.

Purchase and print your shipping label, then attach it to your package. If you've chosen a drop off service you can drop off your package at a package drop off point (we'll help you find your nearest drop off location during the booking process). If you've selected a pick up service a courier will collect your package right from your door.

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.

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, and 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.