New Flat Rate boxes from the USPS

clackamas

I was at the PO today shipping some coins. The lady tells me about these new boxes for priority mail called "Flat Rate" boxes. They are $7.60 anywhere in the US for anything you can fit in them. Perfect for rolls, or anything moderatly heavy.

PhillyJoe

I've used the flat rate boxes and envelopes. Last box I mailed the old way was $20 priority, would have been $7.70. Clerk told me a lady brought a heavy package in a flat rate, $7.70; old way would have been $65.00. You can mail heavy catalogues in a envelope for under $5. Nice deal.

Joe

BAJJERFAN

Used one today.

K6AZ

You can order them online and have them sent to you free:

Flat Rate Boxes

ksteelheader

I sent one to George yesterday. (jrG man) There is a max weight of 70 lbs. Still a great deal for the heavy chit!

tsacch

Thats great...i ship laptops all the time and routinely pay $15 or more......how much more for insurance?

K6AZ

Insurance is the same as anything else. But since they only offer two sizes, I don't think either one would work for laptops.

ksteelheader

From the USPS website!


Envelopes
• The Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope is $3.85 for any U.S. destination and any weight up to a 70 lb. maximum.
• The dimensions of the envelope are 12 1/2" X 9 1/2".
• The contents of the flat rate envelope must be confined within the envelope, using the flap adhesive as the primary means of closure.
• The flap must close easily, adhere to the envelope and be secured with tape if desired.
• The design and shape of the envelope may not be altered or enlarged in any way to fit the contents.


Boxes
• The Priority Mail Flat Rate Box is $7.70 for any U.S. destination and any weight up to a 70 lb. maximum.
• The inside dimensions for the two boxes available are 11" x 8.5" x 5.5" and 13.625" x 11.875" x 3.375".
• The contents of the flat rate box must be neatly contained inside of the box with adhesive packaging tape.
• The box must close securely and retain its shape when taped with adhesive.
• The shape of the box may not be changed or enlarged to fit its contents.

Extra services such as Delivery Confirmation™, Signature Confirmation®, and Insurance are available to use with Priority Mail Flat-Rate Envelopes and Boxes.

relayer

The USPS is great

PayPal working with USPS first class insurance is great

The life of a shipper is good

michael

sweet

i will have to try this

Neptune

• The design and shape of the envelope may not be altered or enlarged in any way to fit the contents.

Now this is just downright idiodic.

RYK

• The design and shape of the envelope may not be altered or enlarged in any way to fit the contents.

Now this is just downright idiodic.

If you saw the way Heritage crams their phone book-size catalogs into a priority mail envelope you might not think so.

xbob

Thanks for the info. I'm gonna get some!

nederveit

Tsacch, don't give up hope on the laptop shipping. As Ken pointed out:

The inside dimensions for the two boxes available are 11" x 8.5" x 5.5" and 13.625" x 11.875" x 3.375

The IBM T41 Thinkpad, a "standard" laptop measures:

12.2 in x 10 in x 1.2 in

It looks to me that you could add some padding/protection and still get it to fit!

Boom

I am Sooo glad I got turned on to the USPS site and downloading the program, by Eric, k6az and Doug ss350camaro, I could just kiss 'em!

thebeav

Hi,
Glad to hear about these boxes.
I used a flat fate envelope this morning. I taped the flap for security and it voided the whole flat rate thing.......Live and learn....
Paul

K6AZ

<< <i>• The design and shape of the envelope may not be altered or enlarged in any way to fit the contents.

Now this is just downright idiodic.

If you saw the way Heritage crams their phone book-size catalogs into a priority mail envelope you might not think so. >>



Don't forget the shrink wrap either, I was told by clerks that you could not use tape or other material to bind the mailer.

BAJJERFAN

It is now permissible to use tape on flat rate mailers. In fact the gal here even put it on the envelope for me It was used more for repair than to seal the flap.

anoldgoat

My PO said I couldn't change the basic shape of the flat rate env. When I shipped out some five pound boxes of wheats in these I taped the whole outside of the env. They were OK with it. Great to hear about the boxes.

Barry

When I use the flat rate envelope, I use the USPS's Prio Mail tape to tape my computer printed label on the envelope. Just by chance, each of the 4 pieces of tape extends just past the seams. I usually use a couple of small pieces of CLEAR tape if there are a few other spots needing reinforcement. Nobody's ever given me grief over it.

lathmach

Wow.
Looks like you can put a bag of pennies in one of those boxes.
I think I'll get one just to see.

Ray

airplanenut

<< <i>My PO said I couldn't change the basic shape of the flat rate env. When I shipped out some five pound boxes of wheats in these I taped the whole outside of the env. They were OK with it. Great to hear about the boxes. >>

I once had something sealed just fine, but then added some tape for a bit of security... that doubled my postage