How to Ship Packages from St. Thomas to the U.S. Mainland

How to Ship Packages from St. Thomas to the U.S. Mainland

Shipping a package from St. Thomas to the mainland United States is more straightforward than many people think. As part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas follows domestic mailing rules for shipments to the continental U.S. That means you don’t need customs forms, but you do need to understand the differences between shipping options, proper packing, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Whether you're a resident sending family items to the States, a small business fulfilling orders, or a visitor mailing gifts or souvenirs back home, this guide walks you through the key steps. At Mail Plus, located in Tutu Park Mall, we offer everything you need for secure, efficient shipping—packing supplies, trained staff, and trusted carrier options like USPS, FedEx, and DHL.

Shipping from the U.S. Virgin Islands: What You Need to Know

Although geographically separate from the mainland, St. Thomas is considered part of the domestic U.S. for shipping purposes. This is important because it simplifies the process. You won’t have to fill out customs forms, and you’ll pay domestic postage rates for most services.

However, not all carriers treat the U.S. Virgin Islands the same way. Delivery timelines and service availability can vary, so it's important to understand your options and choose the one that best fits your needs.

What You'll Need Before Shipping

To successfully ship a package from St. Thomas to the U.S., you'll need the following:

• Accurate recipient address: Include full name, street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
  
  
• Proper packaging: Use the right-sized box or envelope, with enough protection for your item.
  
  
• Delivery timeline: Determine how quickly you need the package to arrive.
  
  
• Carrier selection: Choose USPS, FedEx, or DHL based on budget and speed.
  
  

If you're unsure how to proceed, our experienced team at Mail Plus can help with every step of the process, including packaging, labeling, and selecting the best shipping service.

Choosing the Right Carrier: USPS vs. FedEx vs. DHL

Different carriers offer different benefits. Here’s a quick comparison of the three main shipping providers we work with:

As an authorized shipper for all three, Mail Plus can help you choose the most cost-effective or time-efficient option based on your individual needs.

How to Package Your Item for Safe Shipping

Improper packaging is one of the leading causes of lost or damaged shipments. To ensure your item arrives safely, follow these best practices:

• Use new, sturdy boxes—avoid reusing old or weak ones.
  
  
• Choose the right size box so items don’t shift around during transit.
  
  
• Wrap breakable items in bubble wrap or foam.
  
  
• Fill empty space with packing paper, peanuts, or air pillows.
  
  
• Seal all seams with heavy-duty packing tape, not standard office tape.
  
  
• Clearly write both the sender and recipient addresses on the outside of the box. Avoid using only a printed label in case it gets damaged.
  
  

We carry a full range of professional packing supplies at Mail Plus, and our staff is happy to assist you with proper preparation to avoid damage and delay.

How Long Will It Take for My Package to Arrive?

Delivery times depend on the carrier and service level selected:

• USPS Priority Mail: 3–7 business days
  
  
• FedEx Express: 1–2 business days
  
  
• FedEx Ground: 3–5 business days
  
  
• DHL (if routing through U.S. first): Varies based on destination
  
  

Remember, shipping times can be longer during peak periods such as the holidays or in the event of weather disruptions, including tropical storms or hurricanes.

Avoid These Common Mistakes When Shipping from St. Thomas

Many people make simple mistakes that cause unnecessary delays or additional costs. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Wrong or incomplete address – Always double-check ZIP codes and apartment numbers.
   
   
2. Insufficient packaging – Fragile items require internal cushioning and double boxing in some cases.
   
   
3. Choosing the wrong service – Express isn’t always worth the cost; know your deadline.
   
   
4. Not comparing rates – FedEx and USPS often differ greatly in price for the same package.
   
   
5. Ignoring tracking info – Always get a tracking number and monitor your shipment.
   
   

At Mail Plus, we help customers avoid these problems every day by providing personalized service and attention to detail.

What You Can and Can’t Ship from St. Thomas

Most household and commercial items can be shipped from the Virgin Islands, but there are a few restrictions to note.

Commonly Shipped Items:

• Clothing, electronics, gifts
  
  
• Documents and office supplies
  
  
• Health and beauty products
  
  
• Packaged food (non-perishable)
  
  
• Souvenirs
  
  

Items That May Require Special Handling or Are Restricted:

• Alcohol or lithium batteries
  
  
• Perishable goods or live plants
  
  
• Aerosols and flammable items
  
  
• High-value electronics without insurance
  
  

If you’re uncertain, contact Mail Plus before shipping. We can verify what’s allowed and how to properly declare and pack restricted items.

Tourists: Want to Ship Souvenirs Home Instead of Packing Them?

If you’re visiting St. Thomas and don’t have space in your luggage for the gifts or souvenirs you picked up, you’re not alone. Every week, we help tourists ship home:

• Handcrafted art or décor
  
  
• Bottles of local sauces or spices
  
  
• Duty-free items
  
  
• Beachwear or snorkeling gear
  
  

Instead of paying for extra luggage or worrying about breakage in transit, drop by Mail Plus. We’ll help you pack and ship everything safely to your home address in the U.S.

FAQs

Local, Reliable Service You Can Count On

For nearly two decades, Mail Plus has been the trusted local shipping center for residents and visitors in St. Thomas. Our team understands the unique needs of island shipping—whether it’s ensuring timely delivery, securing delicate items, or finding the most cost-effective option.



When you visit Mail Plus, you’re not dealing with a national chain. You’re working with locals who care about your shipment as much as you do.

Next Steps: Ship with Confidence at Mail Plus

If you're ready to send a package to the mainland U.S., come by Mail Plus in Tutu Park Mall. We'll walk you through the process, provide the supplies you need, and ensure your package arrives safely and on time.

Stop by today or call us at (340) 714-5068 for a quote, carrier comparison, or packaging assistance.

Learn more about our full range of shipping and mailing services at https://www.mailplusvi.com/

Internal Link Opportunity:

[Shipping Services – https://www.mailplusvi.com/shipping]

External Source:

[USPS Domestic Shipping Guide – https://www.usps.com/ship/]