Who can use Ship Thrifty?

Anyone can use ShipThrifty.com - individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits. We support many military service members, their families, and nonprofits that send care packages to our troops.

What do people say about the Ship Thrifty.com shipping tools and working with you?

Our customers love working with us. Here are some of the common words they've shared: About the Tools - Brilliant, Amazing, Lifesaver, Easy, User-friendly, Fantastic, A Gift, Simple, Seamless, Speedy, Cost-saver, Timesaving, Valuable About Our Team - Amazing, Trustworthy, Love Working with Us, Professional, Passionate, Value Our Partnership, Flexible, Knowledgeable, Awesome, Compassionate, Dedicated, Helpful, Guardian Angel, Patient, Friends How They Feel About Working with Us - Blessed, Happy, Appreciative, Grateful, Delighted, Glad, Excited

How much does Ship Thrifty cost?

ShipThrifty.com is a free online shipping tool. We don't charge monthly fees to use the application.

How do you make money?

We are covered by the carriers.

I'm skeptical, this seems like a scam?

This is not the first time we’ve heard this, but rest assured, it is not a scam. We partner with the carriers and built our shipping tools from scratch with people who ship packages. We have extensive expertise in military shipping and support military families and nonprofits through our tools and education. We are Military OneSource Vetted/Approved and partner with The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Blue Star Mothers of America, and 100s of nonprofits nationwide, as well as bases worldwide. Several large corporations use us to ship their military care packages. We also teach at military pre-deployments, volunteer and packing events, and speak nationally at military events. Sometimes it is easier to see what others have to say, so take a look at our testimonials .

How do you save me money?

We partner with major carriers. We offer discounted rates on shipping and supplemental insurance to empower you to optimize your shipment(s) based on your needs and choices while sharing tips and resources to help you ship better. You will also save time, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. Depending on your shipping volume, we offer additional programs you may be eligible for. Email us at contactus@ShipThrifty.com to learn more.

I don't ship that much, so why should it matter how I ship?

Low-volume shippers pay the highest shipping rates. When you use Ship Thrifty.com , you can leverage our discounts with an easy-to-use interface that saves you time and money.

Why would I use ShipThrifty.com if I already have other shipping accounts?

There are a couple of answers to this question. Just because you have an account with a carrier does not mean you always get the best prices . Using ShipThrifty.com lets you easily manage your shipments (box sizes and weight), so you can get the best value for your shipping needs. Third, we designed our interface to display carrier information, so you can choose the option that best meets your needs based on speed, carrier, or cost. The site's simplicity lets you set up your shipment in a fraction of the time. We also offer discounted insurance, and if you run a business, we integrate with other platforms at no cost. If you'd like to discuss your specific needs and the differences between ShipThrifty.com , send us an email at contactus@ShipThrifty.com . There are many reasons to be excited about Ship Thrifty.

How do I get started?

Getting started is EASY! Just create your free accoun t at https://ShipThrifty.com/register . An OTP will be sent to your email to verify your account, and a member of our support team will contact you to personally activate it. If you need the account activated right away, call us at 800-544-4992. It’s just an added security measure we have in place to ensure your information has not been compromised.

How long does it take to get started?

Once your account is activated, you're ready to ship. If you are a business owner looking to integrate with other platforms, it takes about 5 minutes to set up webhooks. We can help to make the transition quick and painless. If you want us to teach you the special functions of the tools, it takes 10-30 minutes, depending on your shipping experience. Many just create their accounts and start shipping.

Do you offer training?

Yes, we offer training for individuals and businesses. We can train anyone on your team to ship. Email us at contactus@ShipThrifty.com to schedule online shipping training at your convenience. If you're familiar with shipping, you can also view our help videos on our https://shipthrifty.com/resource/category/help/ page.

How long does it take to learn Ship Thrifty?

We can teach someone to use our tools in under 10 minutes. Schedule training by calling our support team at 800-544-4992.

Is it easy to learn how to ship with Ship Thrifty?

Yep. Anyone can be a shipping Rockstar using Ship Thrifty.com . Our oldest known shipper is almost 90.

Do you offer shipping support?

Absolutely! We love helping people with their shipping. We can spend as little or as much time helping you as you need, and shipping support is always free.

Can I get a Ship Thrifty.com demo?

Yes, feel free to schedule a time that works for you here, https://calendly.com/ShipThrifty.

Do you offer shipping insurance?

Base coverage is offered by carriers as follows. USPS® Ground Advantage & Priority mail include coverage up to $100 for loss or damage. Other carrier insurance typically covers up to $100 for loss or damage. You can add supplemental insurance to any order for a fraction of what others charge. Expedited shipping is estimated, and carriers don’t include coverage for time-in-transit or “late” claims.

Where can I learn more about what Ship Thrifty offers for business shipping?

Visit our website or call us at 800-544-4992.

We already use a shipping service or ship through a different platform (Ship Station, Ship Easy, Shopify, Etsy, or others), so why would I consider Ship Thrifty?

Great question! We created Ship Thrifty to simplify shipping and provide businesses and consumers with options and transparency. We believe in delivering value to you. Save addresses, copy and edit labels, and use our custom, brandable tools at no additional cost. Our reporting is straightforward and easy to understand. You’ll know exactly what you’ve sent, what you’ve spent, and where everything is at. You can use Ship Thrifty, whether or not you have an online storefront. We are military shipping experts.

Is ShipThrifty.com for military shipping only?

No, Ship Thrifty can be used for shipments inside the U.S. and sending packages to APO, FPO, and DPO overseas military locations.

How do Ship Thrifty and Ship to Military work together?

Ship Thrifty is the backbone of our shipping application. It is how we pull prices from the carriers and print labels. Ship to Military is a website we set up to provide resources for military shippers.

Which package types offer the most cost-effective rates?

It depends on where you live in the U.S., the carrier, and your package's weight and dimensions. Generally, using a plain box or reusing a sturdy one is the most cost-effective option. Note: if you’re reusing a box, all prior labels must be removed, and boxes with hazard, cleaning, or alcohol markings must be removed or completely covered. We are always happy to help you identify the most cost-effective shipping options, so reach out for a free assessment.

How do I use Ship Thrifty to understand my best shipping options?

When you create your account, you can use our batch shipping tools to view costs for different box sizes and services. Copy your entry, try different boxes and dimensions, and refresh your rates. Ship Thrifty automatically displays the lowest-priced option first, and you can view additional options based on your needs. If you ship via USPS, a brown box you pay for may cost less than a flat-rate box in most cases.

Do you have a recommendation on where to get boxes?

We offer a box partnership with plain and branded boxes at wholesale rates through UCANPACK. Uline, Staples, and Amazon offer boxes for purchase online. Another option is to pick them up at local stores that carry boxes or envelopes, such as Dollar Stores, Staples, Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Lowe's. We recommend heavy-duty boxes, especially for heavier items or packages going long distances, such as those being sent to an APO/FPO/DPO. USPS.com also offers free shipping supplies for Priority Mail, but it often costs less to use your own box, even if you have to purchase it. Carriers do not permit their boxes or shipping materials to be used for any purpose other than shipping. Carrier-branded packaging may be used only for shipping with the specified service and carrier.

How do we pay for the labels?

Shipments are paid for by credit card at checkout. You can also prefund your shipping account by ACH or use your credit card to load your My Wallet in the admin area before making shipments. Credit card payments are processed through Stripe . They use tokenization, so card information is not stored directly on our platform. Many large companies use the service (Google, Target, Salesforce, NASDAQ, Shopify, Expedia, etc.). You can also mail a check to pre-fund your account, and we also offer ACH.

Do I need to purchase a postal scale?

It is not necessary, but it is a good investment if you ship regularly. The weight is more reliable than a bathroom scale and doesn’t require a significant investment. If you choose to use a bathroom scale, we recommend adding a pound or two to your weight just to be safe.

Do you have to round weights for packages?

Rounding up to the next pound is recommended among carriers. A weight of 10.2 pounds should be rounded up to 11. Think of each price bracket as having a little “up to” in front of it. If a 10.95-pound package may be heavier, round up to 12 pounds rather than 11, especially if you are not using a postal scale.

What is on the label?

The label will include your address, the recipient's address, and package details. If you are making an APO/FPO/DPO shipment, the customs details will also be printed on the label. You do not need to write out customs forms - everything prints right on the label. If you have more than 7 rows of customs details, an additional customs continuation form will be printed, and those labels should also be applied to your package flaps.

Where do I get my customs form for APO/FPO/DPO military shipments?

You don't need one when you use Ship Thrifty.com; your customs information is printed directly on your shipping label. Because you create and pay for your shipping label online, you avoid the line at the post office and skip the postal clerk entering your customs information by hand.

What information is required on Ship Thrifty to comply with customs regulations?

To disclose the items in your package, add a detailed description of each item, followed by the HS code that will display based on your item description. Select the country of origin, enter the quantity, price, and weight for each item. Your package weight and value will be calculated based on this information. The total weight of your customs entries should match the package weight or be a bit higher. If the total weight listed in your customs details is less than your package's actual weight, add some weight to the items. It is acceptable for the customs details to be slightly greater (2-3 lbs) than the box's actual weight to account for weighing discrepancies. 7 customs details fit on the main label, and each customs continuation can contain 28 items, with a maximum of 45 items. – Be sure to check what is prohibited for the base zip code you are sending with the What’s Prohibited link in the Create a Label tool or the circle with the line through it in the Create Multiple Labels tool. Sending items that aren’t allowed at that base may cause nonrefundable returned packages. – If you have more entries than what will fit on the address label, an additional custom continuation will be delivered, which also needs to be printed and put on the box.

What kind of reporting is available on the system?

Your admin panel provides access to live tracking, shipping history, historical reports, address books, and more.

Is the system secure?

We have SSL encryption on our site, which provides a higher level of security. We also support strong authentication, which means you need a username and password to access your data and prevent others from seeing it. We restrict internal access to our systems and do not sell, share, or distribute addresses. Our hosting tools also include security protocols to protect your information.

How does Ship Thrifty affect the post office?

We work with the post office. Ship Thrifty falls into the PC Postage category, which allows us to offer discounted rates. We increase efficiency for the post office, improving the experience for postal customers by reducing wait times.

How does my package get to the carrier?

You can drop off your boxes at any carrier location that matches the carrier printed on the shipping label. Carriers also partner with local stores for drop off. Anyone can schedule a pickup with USPS by completing USPS® Schedule a Pickup Form . If you have a lot of packages or larger, heavier ones, we recommend calling your local post office to ensure they can pick up. Pickup availability varies by location and staffing. If your business location is interested in site pickup, you can create an account with major carriers to set up pickups at your location. Carriers charge a fee for the service.

How do I track my package?

When you're logged into your Ship Thrifty.com account, go to your My Tracking link. You will also get live tracking notifications when a carrier scans your package. You can also enter your tracking link on the carrier's website to view the status report.

Why haven't I gotten a tracking notification for a while?

If you haven't gotten a live tracking alert for a while, your package is most likely still on its way. Check your My Tracking report and look to the right of the current-colored column for status. Military packages sometimes experience a delay between the USPS® International Service Center and the Base. The average time for packages to reach someone overseas is typically two weeks, but it can sometimes take longer.

I have salespeople who travel for my business can they use my account to ship?

Yes, you can give your salespeople access to your account by adding them as users. When you do, you will be able to track all shipments and gain clarity on shipping activity. This also streamlines package handling and makes sales easier for your company representatives. Luggage, golf clubs, trade show booths, and other items can also be shipped.

Can I upload my current address book to Ship Thrifty?

Yes, you can upload a CSV or Excel file to Ship Thrifty. Use the template available when you log in to your Ship Thrifty account and add your data. We can also add your addresses to your account for you, and this service is complimentary, as we are all about helping you ship better.

How do I integrate Ship Thrifty.com with my online shopping cart?

We can help you integrate any online applications with your Ship Thrifty account. It just takes a couple of minutes to set up, and we will help you. Reach out to let us know you'd like to discuss integration, and share a good time to reach you for further discussion or setup.

Does my business have to pay for integrating with Ship Thrifty?

No, we don't charge fees for integration or for getting you set up.

What is the maximum size a package can be to ship?

Carriers have size and weight restrictions. USPS® package cannot exceed 70 pounds, length + girth cannot exceed 108 inches FedEx Express® packages cannot exceed 150 pounds, 119 inches in length, and 165 inches in length and girth Length is the measurement of the longest side, and girth is the distance around the thickest part (perpendicular to length). Here's a link to our Ship Thrifty Blog Post on Carrier Size and weight shipping restrictions for more information.

What items can be sent to APO/FPO/DPO military addresses?

Items that can be sent overseas to our military include snacks, hygiene products, games, books, and similar items. It is important not to send items that are restricted by USPS or prohibited by the APO/FPO/DPO base locations. See Military Restrictions .

Are there items that cannot be sent to an APO/FPO/DPO?

Yes. Be sure you know what can and can’t be sent overseas. Restricted items can’t be shipped: Aerosols Alcohol-based items (hand sanitizer, wet wipes, mouthwash, eyeglass cleaner/wipes) Cleaning supplies (Tide pens, peroxides, chlorides) Nail polish Perfume or other hazardous materials Some Common Prohibited Items (at some bases) : Coffee Pork products Over-the-counter meds and supplements Any meat products - Beef jerky, tuna/chicken packets etc. Also, military shipments must comply with domestic and international shipping requirements. Ship Thrifty ties the military restrictions right to the shipping tools. You can also use this Military Restrictions link to check specific restrictions based on the base ZIP code and to follow domestic and international dangerous goods rules .

Can FedEx® or UPS ship to a PO Box?

No, FedEx and USPS cannot ship to PO Boxes. If you’re shipping to a PO Box, you must use USPS.

Are there items that cannot be sent via major shipping carriers like FedEx® and UPS®?

Yes, major carriers have general restricted items that include hazardous material, explosives, fireworks, firearms (parts or ammunition), money, money orders, passports, credit/debit/ATM cards, antiques, works of art, lottery tickets, animals, plants, pornographic materials, contraband, narcotics, and psychotropic substances, and fragile glassware. Additional information is available on the carrier websites.

Can a business get approved to send higher volumes of restricted items via carriers?

Yes, most items can be shipped when you have a carrier contract, a regular shipping volume, and comply with their regulations.

Can I ship using dry ice?

Dry ice is a restricted item. Ship Thrifty prohibits shipping dry ice and requests that you contact the carriers directly to arrange shipment.

Alcohol is a restricted item. You must obtain carrier approval to ship it, along with a contract, a regular shipping volume, and compliance with their regulations.

Can I ship internationally?

Ship Thrifty does not offer international shipping at this time.

Is there a specific carrier I have to use to send packages to a military service member?

If shipping within the U.S., major carriers can deliver packages to a base. If shipping overseas to an APO, FPO, or DPO, USPS is the only carrier approved to send to overseas military bases.

How do I address an APO/FPO/DPO shipment?

Military mail MUST be addressed to an actual person, or it won’t be delivered. Soldier, Any Service Member, etc., is not allowed. Rank/grade/rating is recommended but not required; skip it if sent to a DPO (e.g., CPT for Captain).

Do you offer Media Mail?

Yes. If you send books, play scripts, printed music books, CDs, records, tapes, 16 mm or smaller film, test materials, educational materials, or medical or student-related records, they can be sent for less via Media Mail. Media Mail may not contain advertising or be mixed with other items, such as bookmarks or T-shirts. Comic books cannot be sent via Media Mail either. Media Mail can be enabled in your Ship Thrifty account settings.

FAQs Archive - Ship Thrifty

Who can use Ship Thrifty?
Anyone can use ShipThrifty.com – individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits. [...]

September 19, 2025
What do people say about the Ship Thrifty.com shipping tools and working with you?
Our customers love working with us. Here are some of [...]

September 19, 2025
How much does Ship Thrifty cost?
ShipThrifty.com is a free online shipping tool. We don’t charge [...]

September 19, 2025
How do you make money?
We are covered by the carriers.

September 19, 2025
I’m skeptical, this seems like a scam?
This is not the first time we’ve heard this, but [...]

September 19, 2025
How do you save me money?
We partner with major carriers. We offer discounted rates on [...]

September 19, 2025
I don’t ship that much, so why should it matter how I ship?
Low-volume shippers pay the highest shipping rates. When you use [...]

September 19, 2025
Why would I use ShipThrifty.com if I already have other shipping accounts?
There are a couple of answers to this question. Just [...]

September 19, 2025
How do I get started?
Getting started is EASY! Just create your free account at [...]

September 19, 2025
How long does it take to get started?
Once your account is activated, you’re ready to ship. If [...]

September 19, 2025
Do you offer training?
Yes, we offer training for individuals and businesses. We can [...]

September 19, 2025
How long does it take to learn Ship Thrifty?
We can teach someone to use our tools in under [...]

September 19, 2025
Is it easy to learn how to ship with Ship Thrifty?
Yep. Anyone can be a shipping Rockstar using Ship Thrifty.com. Our [...]

September 19, 2025
Do you offer shipping support?
Absolutely! We love helping people with their shipping. We can [...]

September 19, 2025
Can I get a Ship Thrifty.com demo?
Yes, feel free to schedule a time that works for [...]

September 19, 2025
Do you offer shipping insurance?
Base coverage is offered by carriers as follows. USPS® Ground [...]

September 19, 2025
Where can I learn more about what Ship Thrifty offers for business shipping?
Visit our website or call us at 800-544-4992.

September 19, 2025
We already use a shipping service or ship through a different platform (Ship Station, Ship Easy, Shopify, Etsy, or others), so why would I consider Ship Thrifty?
Great question! We created Ship Thrifty to simplify shipping and [...]

September 19, 2025
Is ShipThrifty.com for military shipping only?
No, Ship Thrifty can be used for shipments inside the [...]

September 19, 2025
How do Ship Thrifty and Ship to Military work together?
Ship Thrifty is the backbone of our shipping application. It [...]

September 19, 2025
Which package types offer the most cost-effective rates?
It depends on where you live in the U.S., the [...]

September 19, 2025
How do I use Ship Thrifty to understand my best shipping options?
When you create your account, you can use our batch [...]

September 19, 2025
Do you have a recommendation on where to get boxes?
We offer a box partnership with plain and branded boxes [...]

September 19, 2025
How do we pay for the labels?
Shipments are paid for by credit card at checkout. You [...]

September 19, 2025
Do I need to purchase a postal scale?
It is not necessary, but it is a good investment [...]

September 19, 2025
Do you have to round weights for packages?
Rounding up to the next pound is recommended among carriers. [...]

September 19, 2025
What is on the label?
The label will include your address, the recipient’s address, and [...]

September 19, 2025
Where do I get my customs form for APO/FPO/DPO military shipments?
You don’t need one when you use Ship Thrifty.com; your [...]

September 19, 2025
What information is required on Ship Thrifty to comply with customs regulations?
To disclose the items in your package, add a detailed [...]

September 19, 2025
What kind of reporting is available on the system?
Your admin panel provides access to live tracking, shipping history, [...]

September 19, 2025
Is the system secure?
We have SSL encryption on our site, which provides a [...]

September 19, 2025
How does Ship Thrifty affect the post office?
We work with the post office. Ship Thrifty falls into [...]

September 19, 2025
How does my package get to the carrier?
You can drop off your boxes at any carrier location [...]

September 19, 2025
How do I track my package?
When you’re logged into your Ship Thrifty.com account, go to your [...]

September 19, 2025
Why haven’t I gotten a tracking notification for a while?
If you haven’t gotten a live tracking alert for a [...]

September 19, 2025
I have salespeople who travel for my business can they use my account to ship?
Yes, you can give your salespeople access to your account [...]

September 19, 2025
Can I upload my current address book to Ship Thrifty?
Yes, you can upload a CSV or Excel file to [...]

September 19, 2025
How do I integrate Ship Thrifty.com with my online shopping cart?
We can help you integrate any online applications with your [...]

September 19, 2025
Does my business have to pay for integrating with Ship Thrifty?
No, we don’t charge fees for integration or for getting [...]

September 19, 2025
What is the maximum size a package can be to ship?
Carriers have size and weight restrictions. USPS® package cannot exceed [...]

September 19, 2025
What items can be sent to APO/FPO/DPO military addresses?
Items that can be sent overseas to our military include [...]

September 19, 2025
Are there items that cannot be sent to an APO/FPO/DPO?
Yes. Be sure you know what can and can’t be [...]

September 19, 2025
Can FedEx® or UPS ship to a PO Box?
No, FedEx and USPS cannot ship to PO Boxes. If [...]

September 19, 2025
Are there items that cannot be sent via major shipping carriers like FedEx® and UPS®?
Yes, major carriers have general restricted items that include hazardous [...]

September 19, 2025
Can a business get approved to send higher volumes of restricted items via carriers?
Yes, most items can be shipped when you have a [...]

September 19, 2025
Can I ship using dry ice?
Dry ice is a restricted item. Ship Thrifty prohibits shipping [...]

September 19, 2025
Can I ship alcohol?
Alcohol is a restricted item. You must obtain carrier approval [...]

September 19, 2025
Can I ship internationally?
Ship Thrifty does not offer international shipping at this time.

September 19, 2025
Is there a specific carrier I have to use to send packages to a military service member?
If shipping within the U.S., major carriers can deliver packages [...]

September 19, 2025
How do I address an APO/FPO/DPO shipment?
Military mail MUST be addressed to an actual person, or [...]

September 19, 2025
Do you offer Media Mail?
Yes. If you send books, play scripts, printed music books, [...]

September 19, 2025
What do I do if I made a mistake on a label?
If you notice an error on a label and it [...]

September 19, 2025
What happens if my package weight or dimensions are not correct?
If the label has already been dropped off, there is [...]

September 19, 2025
What happens if my recipient’s address is incorrect and the package has already been scanned by the carrier?
USPS® typically returns the package to you with a note [...]

September 19, 2025
What is a manifest?
A manifest is a scan form that generates a barcode, [...]

September 19, 2025
Is Ship Thrifty on social media? Yes! Check out Ship Thrifty’s social media links below:
Ship Thrifty Instagram Page Ship Thrifty Facebook Page Ship Thrifty [...]

September 18, 2025

FAQs

Address: 255 7th Ave NW, Forest Lake, MN 55025

Email: contactus@shipthrifty.com Call us: 800-544-4992

Carrier information

Resources

Our Services

Copyright @ Ship Thrifty 2017-2026 Patents PendingTerms and Conditions | Privacy Policy

Address:
255 7th Ave NW,
Forest Lake, MN 55025

Email: contactus@shipthrifty.com
Call us: 800-544-4992

Copyright @ Ship Thrifty 2017-2026 Patents Pending
Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy