If you are looking for a free thermal printer from UPS, FedEx, or USPS, the options are more limited than many older guides suggest.
As of 2026, none of the three carriers publicly advertises a standard program that gives every customer a free thermal printer. UPS offers thermal printers for purchase to certain qualified customers and also lists a rental option, while FedEx and USPS primarily provide free shipping supplies, packaging, and labels rather than free printer hardware.
However, businesses with high shipping volumes may still be able to access special equipment programs, negotiated account benefits, or discounted hardware depending on the carrier and their account relationship.
Can You Get a Free Thermal Printer From UPS?
UPS does not currently advertise a standard program that gives every customer a free thermal printer.
Instead, qualified U.S. customers may be able to purchase label printers through the UPS Digital Connections Program. UPS also states that thermal label printers may be available to rent by contacting customer service.
The Digital Connections Program is designed for eligible businesses and can provide access to partner solutions, pricing, and funding depending on the customer’s shipping relationship with UPS.
Who May Qualify?
Eligibility is not automatic. UPS says businesses should contact a UPS representative to determine whether they qualify. Some programs may involve minimum shipping revenue commitments or other account requirements.
What Printers Work With UPS?
UPS supports most thermal label printers that can print standard 4 × 6-inch shipping labels. UPS.com and CampusShip can work with compatible thermal printers, while WorldShip supports additional label sizes.
If you already own a thermal printer, you usually do not need a UPS-branded device as long as the printer supports the required label format.
Can You Rent a Printer From UPS?
Yes. UPS currently lists thermal printer rental as an option. Availability may depend on your account and location, so contact UPS or your account representative for current pricing and eligibility.
Can You Get a Free Thermal Printer From FedEx?
FedEx does not currently advertise a standard program that provides customers with a free thermal printer.
FedEx Ship Manager supports both thermal and laser printers, so businesses can use compatible hardware to print FedEx shipping labels. However, customers generally need to provide their own printer.
What Does FedEx Provide for Free?
FedEx does offer complimentary shipping supplies for eligible shipments and account holders. Depending on the service, these may include FedEx-branded envelopes, paks, poly bags, boxes, and tubes.
These free supplies should not be confused with free printer hardware.
Do You Need a Thermal Printer to Ship With FedEx?
No. FedEx Ship Manager can work with either a laser printer or a thermal printer.
If you ship frequently, a 4 × 6-inch thermal label printer may be more convenient because it can print shipping labels without ink or toner. Occasional shippers can also print labels using a regular printer.
What If You Don’t Have a Printer?
You may not need to buy a printer just to send an occasional FedEx package. FedEx allows users to create certain shipping labels through its mobile tools and bring the generated barcode to an eligible FedEx location, where a team member can print the label.
For businesses shipping large volumes, it may also be worth contacting a FedEx account representative to ask whether any negotiated equipment, technology, or shipping incentives are available for your account.
Can You Get a Free Thermal Printer From USPS?
USPS does not currently advertise a program that gives customers a free thermal printer.
Instead, USPS provides several free shipping supplies, including Priority Mail labels, forms, envelopes, and other mailing materials. These supplies can be ordered through the USPS Postal Store at no cost when they are intended for eligible USPS services.
What Free Shipping Supplies Does USPS Offer?
USPS offers a range of free supplies, including:
Priority Mail labels
Priority Mail Express labels
Certified Mail labels and forms
Mailing envelopes and packaging
Customs declaration pouches and other shipping forms
Availability depends on the specific USPS service you are using.
Do You Need a Printer to Ship With USPS?
Not always.
USPS offers Label Broker, which allows customers who do not have access to a printer to bring a QR code or Label Broker ID to a participating Post Office.
A USPS employee can scan the code, print the shipping label, and attach it to your package.
Can You Print USPS Labels at Home?
Yes. USPS Click-N-Ship allows you to create and pay for shipping labels online and print them using a compatible home or office printer.
USPS currently recommends using a laser printer or a high-quality inkjet printer for Click-N-Ship labels. A thermal printer may also be useful for frequent shippers when supported by the shipping software you use.
What If You Ship a High Volume With USPS?
Businesses that ship frequently should contact USPS Business Customer Gateway support or a USPS business representative to ask about commercial shipping options, discounted postage, and other account benefits.
However, businesses should not assume that USPS will provide free printer hardware unless a specific program or agreement explicitly includes it.
UPS vs. FedEx vs. USPS: What Do They Offer?
Here is a quick comparison of what each carrier currently offers for shipping labels, supplies, and printer access.
| Carrier | Free Thermal Printer? | Free Shipping Supplies? | Printer Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS | No standard free-printer program | Yes, for eligible UPS services | Qualified customers may purchase or rent compatible thermal printers |
| FedEx | No standard free-printer program | Yes, for eligible FedEx services | Use your own thermal or laser printer, or print certain labels at FedEx locations |
| USPS | No standard free-printer program | Yes, for eligible USPS services | Use Click-N-Ship or Label Broker to have a label printed at participating Post Offices |
The key difference is that free shipping supplies are common, but free printer hardware is not.
UPS currently offers the most direct printer-related options through its purchase and rental programs, while FedEx and USPS focus primarily on shipping supplies, labels, and ways to print without owning specialized hardware.
How to Get a Thermal Printer Cheap or Free for Your Business
If UPS, FedEx, or USPS does not provide a free thermal printer, there are still several ways to reduce the cost.
Ask Your Carrier Account Representative
Businesses with high shipping volume may qualify for negotiated rates, account incentives, equipment programs, or technology support that are not publicly advertised.
If you regularly ship with UPS or FedEx, ask your account representative whether any printer discounts, rentals, or equipment benefits are available.
Check Shipping Software Promotions
Some shipping platforms and e-commerce services occasionally offer discounted hardware, printer bundles, or promotional credits for new customers.
Before signing up, compare the total subscription cost and make sure the offer actually saves you money.
Buy a Refurbished Thermal Printer
Refurbished thermal printers can cost significantly less than new models. Look for reputable sellers that provide a warranty or return policy.
Make sure the printer supports the 4 × 6-inch shipping labels commonly used by major carriers.
Use a Regular Printer First
If you only ship a few packages each week, you may not need a thermal printer yet. A laser or inkjet printer can work for shipping labels until your order volume grows.
Use Carrier Label-Printing Services
If you rarely ship packages, services such as USPS Label Broker or eligible FedEx label-printing options may allow you to ship without owning a printer at all.
For occasional sellers, this can be cheaper than buying dedicated hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Thermal Printers
Does UPS give free thermal printers?
UPS does not currently advertise a standard program that gives every customer a free thermal printer. Qualified customers may have access to printer purchase or rental options depending on their account.
Does FedEx provide free thermal printers?
FedEx does not currently advertise a general free thermal-printer program. It does provide free shipping supplies for eligible services and supports compatible thermal and laser printers.
Does USPS give free thermal printers?
USPS does not currently advertise a free thermal-printer program. It does offer free shipping supplies and Label Broker, which lets eligible customers have shipping labels printed at participating Post Offices.
Can I get free shipping labels from UPS, FedEx, or USPS?
Yes, all three carriers offer certain free labels or shipping supplies for eligible services. The exact supplies available depend on the carrier and shipping method.
Do I need a thermal printer to ship packages?
No. You can often use a regular laser or inkjet printer, and some carrier services can print a label for you.
What size thermal printer is best for shipping labels?
A printer that supports 4 × 6-inch labels is the most common choice for shipping labels used by major carriers.
Is a thermal printer worth buying?
It can be worth it if you ship packages frequently. Thermal printers do not require ink or toner and can make high-volume label printing faster and more convenient.
Conclusion
UPS, FedEx, and USPS all provide useful shipping supplies and label-printing options, but none currently advertises a standard program that gives every customer a free thermal printer.
UPS offers the most direct printer-related options through purchase and rental programs for eligible customers, while FedEx and USPS focus more on free shipping supplies and ways to print labels without specialized hardware.
If you ship frequently, a compatible 4 × 6-inch thermal printer can still be a worthwhile investment. High-volume businesses should also ask their carrier representative about account-specific discounts, equipment programs, or negotiated benefits.
Vincent Cruz is the founder and editor of Durofy, where he covers business, technology, and practical consumer guides.
