Drop and Send FAQ

Have questions about Drop and Send? We have answers!

What is Drop and Send?

Drop and Send is the name of our extra-simple shipping service. We’ve installed package drop boxes in rural neighborhoods around Helena, so you don’t have to go to town to send things. You don’t need postage, a scale, or a printer, just a cell phone and credit or debit card.

How does it work?

Use our app or click here to find a nearby box. Scan its Pickup Code to tell us you’re dropping something off (or text the location number to 844-727-4258). Fill out one of the labels provided at the box and attach it to your package. Then just drop your package in the box. We’ll come collect your package, attach a shipping label and postage, and send it for you. Your credit card will be billed for the cost of shipping and you’ll get an email receipt with tracking codes.

How do I pay you?

Set up an account in the Helena Express app and fill in your credit card info. It’ll be securely saved and we’ll use it when you ship something. If you don’t want to use the app, just fill out a paper form available at any drop box.

If you’re a business, we also offer invoicing and other payment options. Contact us to discuss.

How much does it cost?

You pay the normal price of shipping plus a small service fee, typically $5 or less. You can use the rate calculator in our app or right here to get shipping estimates.

What can I send?

Anything that fits in the drop box, with a short list of exceptions (guns, pot, animals, stuff like that). There’s a list of restricted items posted at each drop box. Some of them we can allow if you tell us first, like fresh food. We can ship via USPS, UPS, or FedEx. You can pick a preferred carrier, or let us choose the cheapest option. You can add extra options like insurance or signature on delivery. Our drop boxes can also be used to send Media Mail, Certified Mail, and other special services normally only available at a post office.

Sounds great, how exactly do I use Drop and Send?

With the app

  1. If it’s your first time, get our app and use it to set up an account and link a credit or debit card. Your card won’t be charged until you send a package.
  2. Prepare your package by adding padding if necessary. Make sure it’s taped up so it won’t come open.
  3. Use our app to find a Drop and Send location near you.
  4. When you get to the Drop and Send location, fill out a provided shipping label with your account number, package destination, and desired shipping speed.
  5. Use the Helena Express app to request a pickup by scanning the Pickup Code.
  6. Put your package in the box. It’ll be safely locked inside until we come get it.
  7. We’ll send you an email receipt with tracking info when we pick up your package.

Without the app

  1. If it’s your first time, launch our web app and set up an account.
  2. Prepare your package, adding padding if necessary. Make sure it’s taped up so it won’t come open.
  3. Click here to find nearby Drop and Send locations.
  4. Get to the Drop and Send location.
  5. Fill out a provided shipping label with your account number, package destination, shipping speed, and any extra options.
  6. Text the location number on the drop box to 844-727-4258 or type it in on this page
  7. Put your package in the box. It’ll be safely locked inside until we come get it.
  8. We’ll send you an email receipt with tracking info when we pick up your package.

This seems complicated, is there another way?

We try very hard to make it as easy as possible to get started with Drop and Send. However, you can also schedule a package pickup or visit a postage kiosk if you prefer.