Shipping centers can provide more than a place to send a package. A local post office can offer a range of services that help individuals and businesses handle shipping, packing, printing, document preparation, and other mailing-related tasks. From sending an international shipment to preparing a passport renewal or purchasing packaging supplies, a post office can provide several useful services in one location.

These services can make it easier to address different mailing and document needs without visiting multiple locations. Whether you need to prepare a package, manage paperwork, arrange a private mailbox, or purchase postage and shipping supplies, a local shipping center may have several options available. Here are six reasons to visit a post office when you need assistance with mailing, documents, packages, or related services.

1. Convenient Services

Choose Shipment Options

Shipping centers can provide multiple options for sending packages and documents. Services may include domestic shipping, international shipping, overnight shipping, bulk mail, and return shipments. Having different options available allows customers to select a service based on the type of shipment and the delivery timeframe they need.

Handle International Shipments

International shipping can involve additional forms and requirements, making assistance particularly useful. Shipping services can include help with customs forms and other documentation needed for international deliveries. Tracking and insurance options can also be available for shipments, including those containing valuable items.

Manage Bulk and Return Shipments

Shipping centers can also assist businesses with bulk shipping needs. Bulk pickup and drop-off services can provide an option for businesses that regularly handle multiple packages. Return shipping services can also make it easier to prepare merchandise for shipment back to a retailer, including printing return labels and preparing packages for delivery.

2. Practical Package Preparation

Pack Specialty Items

Proper packaging can be an important part of preparing a shipment, particularly when an item is fragile, valuable, unusually shaped, or otherwise requires additional protection. Packing services can help customers select appropriate materials and prepare items for shipment. A post office that provides packing assistance can make it easier to address packaging needs before a shipment is sent.

Use Custom Packaging

Custom boxing and packing services can accommodate a variety of items, including electronics, artwork, antiques, household goods, and commercial merchandise. Protective materials such as foam inserts, packing peanuts, and other packing materials can be used to help protect contents during transportation. Specialty packing can also provide solutions for items that do not fit conveniently into standard packaging.

Find Packing Supplies

Shipping centers can also provide packaging supplies for customers who need materials for their shipments. Boxes, padded envelopes, mailers, envelopes, tape, and other shipping materials can be purchased for different mailing needs. Gift-wrapping supplies and services are also available for packages intended as gifts.

Gift-wrapping supplies and services are also available for packages intended as gifts. Customers can select appropriate wrapping materials and have gifts prepared before they are shipped. This provides another convenient option when mailing a package for a special occasion.

3. Versatile Document and Mail Services

Complete Document Services

A shipping center can also be useful when mailing is only one part of what needs to be accomplished. Document services can provide practical options for individuals and businesses that need to print, copy, transmit, digitize, or securely dispose of paperwork. A post office offering these services can provide several options for handling documents alongside mailing needs.

Print and Finish

Printing services can include document printing, color printing copies, and bulk printing. Additional finishing options such as binding and laminating can help prepare documents for professional or everyday use. These services can be useful when several printed materials need to be prepared without relying entirely on home or office equipment.

Scan, Shred, and Fax

Document scanning provides a way to create digital copies of physical paperwork, while document shredding offers an option for securely disposing of documents that are no longer needed. Fax services can also be used to send or receive documents when fax transmission is required. These options can help customers manage different types of paperwork through one service location.

Rent a Private Mailbox

Private mailbox services can provide an alternative for customers who want a dedicated mailing address. A private mailbox can provide a professional street address for receiving mail and packages, making it useful for both personal and business needs. This can give customers another option for managing incoming correspondence and shipments.

Mailbox services can also provide package acceptance from different carriers and mail holding for customers who need their correspondence kept while they are away. For businesses, having a separate mailing address can provide another way to manage incoming correspondence and packages. A private mailbox can therefore support both personal and business mailing needs.

4. Personal Mailing Services

Complete Passport Renewals

Passport renewal assistance can provide several services in one location. Customers renewing a passport can receive help to review their documents and prepare the materials needed for submission. This gives customers an option for handling several passport renewal needs through a local post office.

Passport services can include passport photography, document review, assistance with Form DS-82, and guidance regarding supporting documents. Application materials can also be shipped after they have been prepared. Passport status tracking and expedited processing options are available as part of the passport renewal services.

Use Notary Services

Notary services can be useful when a document requires notarization as part of a personal, business, or administrative process. Having notary services available alongside shipping and document services can make it possible to handle multiple related tasks during the same visit. A post office with notary services can therefore provide another option for managing document-related needs.

Customers can also combine notary services with other available document services when their paperwork needs to be printed, copied, scanned, faxed, or shipped. This can provide a practical option when several steps need to be completed for the same set of documents. Combining these services can help keep related mailing and document tasks in one location.

Purchase Mailing Supplies

Shipping centers can also serve as a convenient place to purchase supplies for mailing and document needs. Available products can include shipping boxes, specialty mailers, padded envelopes, packaging tape, protective packing materials, envelopes, and other supplies used to prepare shipments. These products can help customers gather materials for different types of mailing needs.

Buy Stamps and Gifts

Postage stamps are also available, including Forever stamps, additional-ounce stamps, commemorative stamps, stamp sheets, and stamp rolls. Customers can purchase the postage and packaging supplies needed to prepare mail without making separate stops for basic shipping materials. These options can make a post office useful for routine mailing needs.

Other products include office supplies, greeting cards, and gifts. Gift-wrapping services and supplies can also provide an option for preparing a package before it is shipped. These products complement the shipping and mailing services available at the location.

According to Reuters, USPS delivers to 170 million addresses six days a week.

A local shipping center can offer practical support for a variety of personal and business needs beyond mailing packages. From packing and printing to passport renewals, notary services, private mailboxes, and shipping supplies, these services can make everyday tasks more convenient. Learn more about the services available from Ship It Right USPS and discover how our offerings can support your shipping and document needs.