Can You Ship a Bankers Box? Yes — Here Is How

Yes, you can ship a Bankers Box — but a standard document storage box with a removable lid is not designed for transit. The lid pops off under handling pressure, the thin cardboard tears easily, and if the box rips open your documents are lost.

The self-adhesive shipping version (discontinued)

Bankers Box used to sell a shipping-specific version (model 0007101) with thicker walls, a flip-top lid, and a self-adhesive tab that sealed securely without tape. It was the ideal way to ship documents in a Bankers Box.

That product is no longer available — it has been discontinued on Amazon, Staples, and other major retailers.

How to ship a Bankers Box now

Since the self-adhesive shipping version is gone, here is how to ship a standard Bankers Box storage box:

1. Tape the lid down completely. Run packing tape along all four edges where the lid meets the box. Then run a strip lengthwise and widthwise across the top.
2. Reinforce the bottom. Flip the box over and tape the bottom seam the same way. This is where blowouts happen.
3. Place it inside a larger box. For valuable or irreplaceable documents, put the taped Bankers Box inside a slightly larger corrugated shipping box with padding (crumpled paper or bubble wrap) between them. This master-carton approach is the safest method. Use our box finder to find a shipping box that fits around a standard 10 x 12 x 15 inch Bankers Box.

How much does it cost to ship a Bankers Box?

The cost depends on weight and distance. A Bankers Box full of documents is heavy — expect 15 to 25 lb depending on how tightly you pack it.

A standard letter/legal Bankers Box measures roughly 10 x 12 x 15 inches. Run your exact weight and destination through our shipping calculator to compare rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL side by side.

To get the lowest rates, print your label online through Stamps.com instead of paying counter prices at a UPS Store or post office. Online labels give you access to discounted commercial rates — often significantly cheaper than retail.

If you’re shipping with USPS, you also get free home pickup — no trip to the post office needed.

Tips for shipping documents in a Bankers Box

• Fill gaps. If the box is not completely full, pack crumpled paper or bubble wrap around the documents so they don’t shift and damage the box walls.
• Use quality packing tape. Dollar-store tape peels off in transit. Use 2-inch or 3-inch wide packing tape rated for shipping — it grips corrugated cardboard much better.
• Box-in-a-box for irreplaceable documents. Place the Bankers Box inside a slightly larger corrugated shipping box with padding between them. This double-wall approach protects against punctures and moisture. Our box finder can help you find the right outer box.
• Weigh before you label. A box of paper is heavier than you think. Weigh it so you pay the correct postage and avoid surcharges.

Frequently asked questions

Can you ship a Bankers Box through USPS? Yes. USPS will accept any properly sealed and addressed box as long as it weighs 70 lb or less. Tape the lid securely — USPS will not accept a box with a loose lid.

Will UPS or FedEx ship a Bankers Box? Yes. Both carriers accept Bankers Boxes. The package needs a printed shipping label and must be properly sealed with packing tape. UPS and FedEx accept packages up to 150 lb.

How heavy is a full Bankers Box? A standard letter-size Bankers Box filled with paper weighs roughly 20 to 25 lb. Legal-size documents or mixed files with binders can push it higher. Weigh the box before printing your label.

Is it cheaper to ship documents by USPS or UPS? It depends on weight and distance. For a 20 lb box shipped cross-country, UPS Ground and USPS Ground Advantage are usually within a few dollars of each other. Use our shipping calculator to compare rates for your specific shipment. USPS has the advantage of free home pickup.