Ship an envelope
Documents, paperwork, and flat little things.
There overnight, for less.
Envelope shipping made easy with LugLess
Not everything you send needs a box. Sometimes it is a signed contract, a stack of forms with a deadline on them, or paperwork that has to get there fast.
The Envelope is the smallest and cheapest thing LugLess ships. It moves on express service, so it can be there overnight or in 2 days, and it is tracked the whole way. No counter line, no guessing which service to pick, no paying box prices to send a few sheets of paper.
What our shippers say
Rated 4.4 out of 5 from over 18,000 reviews on Trustpilot.
Why send an envelope instead of a box?
A box is priced and routed like a box, even when there is almost nothing in it. An envelope is not, and it moves faster.
Shipping an envelope means you:
- Pay the lowest price of anything LugLess ships
- Get express speed, including overnight and 2 day options
- Use an envelope you already have, with nothing to buy
- Book online instead of standing at a shipping counter
- Track it from drop-off to delivery, same as every LugLess shipment
How LugLess envelope shipping works
Four steps, and none of them involve a counter line.
1. Get a quote
Choose Envelope, tell us where it is going, and compare live rates and delivery speeds.
2. Pack and label
We send your label as soon as you book. Use an envelope or padded mailer you already have, seal it flat, and tape the label on.
3. Drop it off
Leave it at a nearby carrier location, or have it picked up from your doorstep.
4. Track it
Follow your envelope from drop-off to delivery, overnight or in 2 days.
Learn more about how LugLess works.
What can you ship in an envelope?
If it is flat, light, and under 5 lbs, it belongs in an envelope. Common sends:
Documents, contracts, and signed paperwork
Forms and applications with a deadline
Transcripts, certificates, and school paperwork
Closing and tax documents for a move
Photos, prints, and flat keepsakes
Anything flat and light that a box would overcharge you for
Sending something with bulk to it instead? That is a job for box shipping.
Envelope or Mini box?
These are our two smallest items, and picking the right one keeps you from overpaying or getting an adjustment charge later. The short version: flat goes in an envelope, bulky goes in a box.
| Envelope | Mini box | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Flat and bendable | Boxed and rigid |
| Weight limit | Up to 5 lbs | Up to 10 lbs |
| Speed | 2 day and overnight options | Ground service |
| Best for | Documents and paperwork | Shoes, a gift, one small item |
| Packaging | An envelope or mailer you supply | A small box you supply |
Still not sure? Get an envelope quote, then price a mini box in the calculator and book whichever comes back cheaper. More on the small box tier over on box shipping.
How much does it cost to ship an envelope?
Envelopes start at $12.99, the lowest price of anything LugLess ships. What you pay for yours comes down to:
- How far it is travelling
- How fast you need it there, overnight or 2 day
- Whether you drop it off or have it picked up
- The weight you declare, up to the 5 lb envelope limit
One thing worth getting right: declare the real weight. If your envelope comes in heavier than what you booked, the carrier reweighs it and the difference lands on your card after delivery. Weigh it first and there is no surprise.
How to pack an envelope for shipping
Paper is easy to ship and easy to crease. A few minutes of packing is the difference between paperwork that arrives signable and paperwork that arrives soft in one corner.
Best practices for shipping an envelope:
- Use a sturdy envelope or a padded mailer, not a thin paper one
- Slide a piece of cardboard in with documents so they cannot bend
- Seal every edge with tape, not just the flap
- Keep it flat, and size up to a Mini box the moment it starts to bulge
- Weigh it before you book so your declared weight is the real one
- Put the LugLess label flat on the front, and tuck backup contact info inside
- Skip cash, gift cards, jewelry, and anything you could not replace
- Consider adding Value Protection, our paid add-on, on anything that matters
Prohibited items and value limits are set by our Terms of Service. See what you can ship with LugLess before you seal it up.
LugLess vs. other ways to send documents
When something flat has to get across the country, you have three realistic options.
Frequently asked questions about envelope shipping
How much does it cost to ship an envelope?
Envelopes start at $12.99, the lowest price of anything LugLess ships. What you pay depends on how far it is going and how fast you need it there. Enter your details for an envelope quote and you will see a live rate before you book.
How fast does a LugLess Envelope arrive?
Envelopes ship on express service, so you can choose a 2 day option or overnight delivery. That is the main difference from boxes, which travel on ground service and take longer across the country.
How heavy can a LugLess Envelope be?
Up to 5 lbs. If your envelope is heavier than that, or if what you are sending will not lie flat, book a Mini box instead. Declaring a weight you are over on is the one thing that gets you an adjustment charge later, so weigh it before you book.
Do I need a special envelope from LugLess?
No. Use an envelope or padded mailer you already have. LugLess does not sell packaging and you do not need carrier-branded packaging to book. Just make sure it closes flat and holds up to a cross-country trip.
Do you provide the shipping label?
Yes. As soon as you book, LugLess generates your FedEx or UPS label and sends it to you. Print it at home and tape it flat on the front, or show the digital label at a FedEx or UPS location and they will scan and print it for you. LugLess does not sell packaging, so the envelope itself is yours.
Can I ship documents with LugLess?
Yes. Documents and paperwork are exactly what the Envelope is for, and every shipment is tracked from drop-off to delivery. Skip cash, gift cards, and anything you could not replace. See what you can ship with LugLess.
Should I book an Envelope or a Mini box?
Pick the Envelope when what you are sending is flat, light, and under 5 lbs, like documents or paperwork. Pick the Mini box when it has bulk to it, like a pair of shoes, a single gift, or the one thing that did not fit in your suitcase. Both live on the box shipping page.
Can I track my envelope?
Yes. Tracking is included on every LugLess shipment, envelopes included, so you can follow it the whole way instead of wondering whether it landed.
Got something to send? let’s get it there.
Compare rates in seconds and have your envelope on its way today.