USPS Labels for Priority Mail: 2026 Printing & Cubic Guide

• 8 min read

Sending a package with USPS Priority Mail is a popular choice for its balance of speed and cost. Before your box can start its journey, it needs the single most important document: a correctly created shipping label. The easiest way to create USPS labels for Priority Mail is by using the free USPS Click-N-Ship service online or other third-party shipping software. After creating a label, you can print it at home or use a QR code to have it printed for free at the Post Office. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the process, from choosing the right software to what to do if you don’t even own a printer.

How to Create USPS Labels for Priority Mail at Home

Gone are the days of waiting in line at the Post Office. You can easily create USPS labels for Priority Mail from your computer, often at a discounted rate compared to the retail counter.

Using USPS Click N Ship for Priority Mail Labels

Click N Ship is the official online tool from USPS. It allows you to create and pay for postage for most USPS services, including Priority Mail.

  • No Fees: There are no monthly subscription fees to use the Click N Ship service.
  • Easy Payment: You can pay for your labels directly with a credit card.
  • Included Insurance: Priority Mail shipments include up to $100 of insurance automatically when you create your label.
  • Schedule a Pickup: After you print your label, you can schedule a free next day Package Pickup right from your doorstep.

Using Third Party Tools like PayPal and Pirate Ship

While Click N Ship is convenient, third party shipping platforms can sometimes offer even better pricing or unique rate options. See our guide to shipping discounts to understand how those savings work.

The PayPal Shipping Center, powered by ShipStation, is a great option for those who use PayPal. You can buy and print USPS and UPS labels directly, and a feature called “Quick Labels” lets you create USPS labels for Priority Mail even if the shipment isn’t related to a PayPal transaction.

Pirate Ship is a popular free service that gives shippers access to commercial pricing, including a special rate called Priority Mail Cubic. This dimension based pricing can be a huge money saver for small, heavy packages.

  • What is Priority Mail Cubic? Instead of basing the price only on weight, Cubic pricing is based on the package’s outer dimensions for parcels up to 20 pounds and 0.5 cubic feet.
  • What Qualifies? The service is available for commercial customers and can be used for boxes, soft packs, and padded envelopes.
  • Cubic Tiers: There are five pricing tiers, from 0.10 to 0.50 cubic feet, making it a flexible option.

Not sure if weight based Priority Mail or Cubic pricing is cheaper for your box? The easiest way to find out is to compare shipping rates with a free calculator before you buy your label.

No Printer? No Problem: USPS Printing Services

What if you need to create USPS labels for Priority Mail but don’t have a printer? USPS has you covered with two convenient services.

The USPS Label Broker Service Explained

The USPS Label Broker service is a fantastic option for those without a printer. When you create your label online (through Click N Ship or another provider), you can choose to receive a QR code instead of a printable file. Simply take your package and smartphone to a participating Post Office. A retail associate can scan the QR code and print the shipping label for you right there. Many locations also have self service kiosks that can print your label from the QR code.

Using the USPS Label Delivery Service

If you aren’t in a hurry and prefer the label come to you, there’s the USPS Label Delivery Service. For a small fee (currently around $1.55 per label), USPS will print your prepaid outbound or return label and deliver it to your address via the mail. This service is available for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and USPS Ground Advantage.

Properly Attaching Your Priority Mail Label

Creating the label is half the battle; attaching it correctly ensures it can be scanned and processed without a hitch.

  • Placement is Key: Always place the label on the largest, flattest surface of the box.
  • Keep it Flat: Never wrap the label over an edge or corner of the package.
  • Avoid Covering Barcodes: Be careful not to place tape over the barcode, as the reflection can interfere with scanners.
  • Mind the Quiet Zone: Scanners need a small amount of clear space around the barcode to read it properly. Leave at least 1/8th of an inch of clear space above and below the barcode.

Choosing the Right Label Size and Printer

When printing USPS labels for Priority Mail at home, you have a couple of common format options.

Label Size 4x6 versus 8.5x11: What’s the Difference?

The 4x6 inch label is the industry standard for shipping and is used by most thermal label printers. The 8.5x11 inch option is simply a standard sheet of paper from a regular desktop printer, which you then cut out and tape to your package. Most shipping software, including USPS Click N Ship and the PayPal Shipping Center, allows you to choose either format.

Why a Thermal Printer is a Smart Investment

If you ship more than a few packages a month, investing in a thermal printer for a USPS label is highly recommended. These printers use heat to create an image on special peel and stick labels.

The primary benefit is efficiency and reliability. There’s no ink or toner to replace, and the 4x6 peel and stick labels are fast to apply and less prone to smudging or water damage than paper. Using a thermal printer helps ensure your barcodes are crisp and meet USPS print quality requirements for contrast and scannability.

Special Cases: Handling Boxes and Returns

Two common scenarios that require specific attention are using free USPS boxes and managing customer returns.

Using a Custom Package for Priority Mail Box 4

USPS provides free branded packaging, like the Priority Mail Box 4, but you must use it correctly. This specific box measures about 7.25 by 7.25 by 6.5 inches.

Crucially, Priority Mail Box 4 is not a USPS Flat Rate box. You must select a variable rate service like weight based Priority Mail or, if it qualifies, Priority Mail Cubic. You cannot use Priority Mail branded boxes for any other service, like USPS Ground Advantage, even if you try to cover the logos.

How to Print a Priority Mail Return Label

To have a customer send an item back, you can create a prepaid USPS Priority Mail return label. These labels are often scan based, meaning you aren’t charged for the postage until the USPS scans the label into their network.

You have several options to get the label to your customer:

  • Email them the label as a PDF to print at home.
  • Send them a Label Broker QR code if they don’t have a printer.
  • Use the Label Delivery Service to have USPS mail the physical label to them.

Before You Print: Compare Shipping Rates First

Whether you’re using Priority Mail Cubic, weight based rates, or another service, prices can vary significantly between carriers. Before you commit to printing USPS labels for Priority Mail, it’s wise to see if UPS or FedEx could get your package there for less. Here’s how to compare UPS vs USPS rates.

Using a free comparison tool is the fastest way to get a clear picture. With the Online Shipping Calculator, you can see side by side rate estimates from all major carriers in seconds, ensuring you always find the cheapest way to ship.

Frequently Asked Questions about USPS Labels for Priority Mail

1. Can I print a USPS Priority Mail label on regular paper?
Yes, you can. Most shipping software allows you to generate a label on a standard 8.5x11 inch sheet of paper. You will need to cut it out and attach it to your package securely with clear tape, making sure not to cover any barcodes.

2. What happens if I don’t have a printer for my USPS label?
You can use the USPS Label Broker service. Create your label online and select the QR code option. A postal worker at a participating Post Office can then scan the code from your phone and print the label for you.

3. Is Priority Mail Box 4 a Flat Rate box?
No, it is not. It is a mailing box that must be used with a weight based or dimension based Priority Mail service, such as Priority Mail Cubic.

4. How do I get the cheapest price for my Priority Mail shipment?
The best way to ensure you’re getting the lowest price is to use a shipping software that provides commercial rates (like Pirate Ship) and to compare services. For small, heavy packages, Priority Mail Cubic is often cheaper than standard weight based rates. Always check rates across multiple carriers before you buy.

5. Does Priority Mail include insurance when I print a label online?
Yes, when you create domestic USPS labels for Priority Mail online, up to $100 of insurance coverage is typically included. You can purchase additional insurance for higher value items.