You order something online. It ships. You wait. Then? Nothing.
Turns out, unfortunately you picked the wrong forwarding service and your item got returned, delayed, or stuck in customs.
If you travel, live abroad, shop online often, or run a business remotely, it’s common to get confused about mail forwarding and package forwarding. They may sound similar, but they’re built for very different needs. Choosing incorrectly can mean higher fees, missed deliveries, or lost time.
Let’s break it down in simple terms so you know exactly which service to use and when.
Mail Forwarding vs Package Forwarding (Side-by-Side)
| Mail Forwarding | Package Forwarding | |
| Designed for: | Letters and flat mail | Boxes and parcels |
| Typical items: | Bills, bank mail, government letters | Online orders, gifts, inventory |
| Scanning option: | Yes, contents or envelope | Usually no content scanning |
| Consolidation: | Limited or not available | Common and encouraged |
| Customs handling: | Minimal or none | Required for international shipping |
| Best for: | Ongoing personal or business mail | One-off or frequent package shipments |
What Each Service Includes and Excludes
Mail Forwarding Includes:
- Letters, documents, and magazines.
- Optional scanning, digital viewing, and mail storage.
- Forwarding on a schedule or on demand.
Mail Forwarding Excludes:
- Large boxes or oversized parcels.
- Items restricted by carriers or local laws.
Package Forwarding Includes:
- Receiving packages from online retailers.
- Package storage, and consolidation into one shipment.
- International shipping options, customs forms, and declarations.
Package Forwarding Excludes:
- Regular letter mail.
- Scanning of documents inside envelopes.
- Long-term mail management.
Pricing, Carriers, and Restrictions
Pricing Differences:
- Mail forwarding often comes with a monthly subscription fee, but lower forwarding costs per item
- Package forwarding often charges per package handling fees, along with shipping costs based on size, weight, and destination. Customs and duty fees also apply for international shipments.
Carriers Used
- Mail forwarding commonly uses USPS or local postal services.
- Package forwarding relies on DHL, FedEx, UPS, or similar carriers.
Restrictions to Be Aware Of
- Some items such as batteries, liquids, and food items may face limits or restrictions.
- Customs paperwork is required for most package forwarding shipments, and there are some items that can’t be shipped internationally.
Being unaware or ignoring these shipping rules is one of the biggest reasons packages get delayed or returned.
When Mail Forwarding Is the Better Choice
Mail forwarding works best if you:
- Travel long-term and need access to important letters.
- Live abroad but still receive government or bank mail.
- Run a remote business and need a stable mailing address.
- Want to view mail online before deciding what to forward.
If it fits in an envelope and time isn’t a major issue, mail forwarding is usually the best choice.
When Package Forwarding Makes More Sense
Package forwarding is ideal if you:
- Shop from stores that do not ship internationally.
- Need to send gifts or personal items abroad.
- Want to combine multiple orders into one shipment.
- Run an online business and ship products or supplies.
If it comes in a box, package forwarding is usually required.
How to Choose the Right Service
Ask yourself these questions:
- Is it a letter or a box?
- Do I need ongoing mail access or a one-time shipment?
- Will it cross international borders?
- Do I need scanning, consolidation, or customs handling?
Answering these will point you to your best solution quickly.
One Simple Way to Avoid the Confusion
A virtual mailbox can simplify everything, and this is where Anytime Mailbox makes things easier.
You get one real street address, digital access to your mail, and the flexibility to forward letters or packages only when you actually need to. No second-guessing which service to use. No returned deliveries because something was sent incorrectly.
If you travel often, live abroad, shop online internationally, or run a business remotely, setting up an Anytime Mailbox account gives you one place to manage it all.
Sign up for Anytime Mailbox now and take the stress out of mail and package forwarding.
