How to Schedule USPS Pickups with Stamps.com

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How to Schedule USPS Pickups with Stamps.com

Your mail carrier is already coming by—why not have them grab your packages too? Here's how to set up free USPS pickups with Stamps.com.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the USPS pickup service, including how to schedule a USPS pickup, what packages qualify, and how Stamps.com streamlines the entire experience.

What is USPS pickup service?

USPS pickup service allows your mail carrier to collect packages directly from your home or business during their regular delivery route. Think of it as reverse delivery. Your mail carrier is already coming to your address—USPS pickup service just means they grab your outgoing packages while they’re there. Leave your shipments on the porch, at the front desk, or wherever works for you. Done.

The service covers most domestic and international shipping needs. Priority Mail®, Priority Mail Express®, USPS Ground Advantage®, and international shipments all qualify for USPS home pickup. You can even arrange a USPS return pickup for prepaid packages you need to send back to retailers.

Is USPS pickup free?

The pickup itself? Free. Doesn’t matter if it’s 2 packages or 20—USPS doesn’t charge for carrier collection during regular delivery. You’re already on their route.

To qualify for free USPS pickup, your shipment must include at least one package using a premium service like Priority Mail®, Priority Mail Express®, or First Class Mail International®.

If you need a specific time window, USPS offers Pickup On Demand for $25. This premium service lets you choose a two-hour window for collection.

How to schedule a USPS pickup with Stamps.com

The most significant time-saving feature of Stamps.com is the ability to schedule USPS pickups directly from your account—eliminating the wasted productivity of driving to and waiting in line at the post office.

Here’s how to schedule a USPS pickup online through Stamps.com:

Step 1: Print your shipping labels. Using Stamps.com, create and print labels for all packages you need shipped. Make sure the weight and dimensions are accurate.

Step 2: Navigate to Schedule a Pickup. Log into your Stamps.com account, go to the History tab, and select "Schedule a Pickup."

Step 3: Review your packages and add instructions. The pickup request pop-up is pre-filled with your eligible packages. You can also leave special instructions for your mail carrier—like where you’ll leave the packages or any access notes.

Step 4: Create a SCAN form. For businesses shipping multiple packages, create a Shipment Confirmation Acceptance Notice (SCAN) form. This generates a single barcode that your carrier scans, recording all your packages as accepted into the USPS system instantly. It streamlines the collection process and ensures every package gets tracked from the moment it leaves your hands.

Step 5: Place packages in your designated spot. Leave your labeled packages in the location you specified—whether that’s your porch, front desk, or inside a lobby.

Your mail carrier picks up the packages during their normal route, typically around the time they deliver your regular mail.

Tips for a smooth USPS home pickup experience

Getting the most from USPS home pickup requires a little preparation.

Schedule USPS pickups with Stamps.com

Stamps.com turns USPS pickup scheduling into a seamless part of your shipping workflow. Beyond requesting carrier collection, you’ll access discounted postage rates—up to 88% off USPS and UPS shipping costs—plus tools to compare rates across carriers and track every package from one dashboard.

Ready to skip the lines? Start your free trial of Stamps.com and schedule USPS pickups today.