Save on shipping: we'll cut your box down to size
Carriers charge for the size of the box as well as the weight. If the box is much bigger than what's in it, you're paying to ship air. Bring your box in open, or skip the box and let us pack it in one of ours. Either way, we'll get it down to size before we quote it.
Quick answers
- A smaller box usually means a lower price.
- We can cut your box down, sell you a smaller one, or price it both ways.
- We quote FedEx and USPS side by side.
- Bring your box open, or just bring the item and use one of our boxes.
Why a bigger box costs more
Carriers bill whichever is higher: what the box weighs, or its "dimensional weight."
Dimensional weight is length × width × height, divided by 139. FedEx has used that formula for years. USPS switched to the same number on July 12, 2026, for any package over one cubic foot. Both carriers now round every side up to the next whole inch before they do the math.
Here's what that looks like. A 4-pound pair of boots in an 18 × 14 × 12 box bills as 22 pounds. Put the same boots in a 14 × 10 × 6 box, and USPS bills 4 pounds while FedEx bills 7.
If you shipped something last year and it costs more now in the same box, that's why.
Can you make my box smaller?
Yes. We can cut your box down, move your item into a smaller box, or try it both ways and show you the difference.
Cutting down works on most boxes that are still open. We measure your item, score the box at the height it needs, fold the extra down, and tape it. You keep your box and lose the empty space.
If the box is too worn to cut, or a new one would come out smaller, we'll pack it in one of ours. Our boxes are made for shipping, not for moving or storage.
When it's close, we'll do it both ways. We measure each version, run it through FedEx and USPS, and you pick the one you like. New boxes and packing materials are extra, and we'll tell you what they cost before we start.
Less empty space means less room for your item to move, so we'll add padding where it needs it.
The one thing that slows us down is a box that's already taped shut. People seal everything at home, then bring in a box twice the size of what's inside. We can still fix it, but we have to cut it open first. Leave it open, or don't bring a box at all. Bring the item and we'll box it here.
FedEx or USPS: it changes box to box
Neither carrier wins every time. We quote both.
A light box going to Toms River and a heavy one going to California can come out cheaper on different carriers. Once the box is the right size, we price it both ways and you choose.
Speed costs more than size
Ground is the lowest-priced service. Ask when it actually needs to be there.
If Ground gets it there in time, that's usually the cheapest option we have. Overnight is for when the date really can't move.
Flat rate boxes
USPS Flat Rate costs the same up to 70 pounds, so it's a good deal for small, heavy things.
Flat Rate isn't billed by dimensional weight at all. That makes it a strong choice for books, tools, and car parts. Light items almost always ship for less by weight. We'll check both.
Already bought a label online?
We'll take it. But the price is set by the size you typed in, and cutting the box down now won't lower it.
Most people don't realize this: if the box turns out bigger than what you entered, the carrier can charge the difference after the package ships. So if you're not sure of the size, come in before you buy the label. We'll measure it first.
Shipping out of the country
Box size matters overseas too. We ship with FedEx, USPS, and Meest. You fill out the customs form, so bring a description and a value for every item.
Headed to Mexico? Read our guide to shipping a package to Mexico.
Bring it in open, or just bring the item.
No appointment needed.
Call 732-730-5230 if you'd rather ask first.
Tell us what you need and we'll sort it out
Call 732-730-5230 or walk in during store hours. If it's something we don't do, we'll point you to who does.