Prio Mail question

Barry

Is there a thickness limitation when using a Flat Rate Envelope?

On the USPS web site, it says as long as the flat rate box/envelope isn't deformed or seams cut, it's OK. However, under the general envelope heading it says 3/4 inch max.

Anyone know for sure?

MsMorrisine

for sure?

YMMV.

some send stuff first class that should be priority, other PO make them go priority, others go first class. Those that get away with first class sometimes have customers saying it came postage due, others arrived ok.


3/4" thick?


I've sent stuff in those envelopes and it was way more than 3/4" thick. But who knows what is "required."

LindeDad

Not sure where to find it but I got a flyer from them saying really thick won't fly anymore.
But I have been able to send a slab in a safety mailer in a bubble pack mailer with a packing slip and it went OK.

Edit to add that in most cases for the shipment of coins the Small box cost the same and affords better protection at the same price point.

nickel

Supposidly , the flap must fold onto the envelope . We have shoved a box of 25
Collector safe slab style holders (the ones with white inserts)and as long as it doesn't
tear the envelope , off it goes with just a bit of tape on the corners to prevent being
torn in sorting machines . It's not pretty looking , bulges about 2.5 x 3.5 by 9.5 lenght .
Any taping around the lenght and girth of envelope is probably not allowed .

LindeDad

<< <i>Supposidly , the flap must fold onto the envelope . We have shoved a box of 25
Collector safe slab style holders (the ones with white inserts)and as long as it doesn't
tear the envelope , off it goes with just a bit of tape on the corners to prevent being
torn in sorting machines . It's not pretty looking , bulges about 2.5 x 3.5 by 9.5 lenght .
Any taping around the lenght and girth of envelope is probably not allowed . >>



Those types won't fly anymore expect to get it back the next day.

Bochiman

I've had them say "NO!" to any tape.
One thing to be careful of is being "penny wise and pound foolish". Do you want to risk them opening up, for any reason, and having to deal with the issue?
You may want to blame ("you" being generic) the post office if that happens, but at that point, the finger should be pointed at the person doing the actual packaging and shipping, not USPS.

I think, a few years back, there was someone who posted that they had that happen.....the envelope was ripped open, and delivered, missing some items.
My current rule of thumb is NOT to try to save a few bucks when I am shipping something that is worth more than those few bucks.

derryb

from the USPS domestic mail manual:

"1.5 Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes
Any amount of material (up to 70 pounds) may be mailed in a USPS-produced Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope or Flat Rate Box. When sealing a Flat Rate Envelope or Flat Rate Box, the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. Tape may be applied to the flaps and seams to reinforce the container, provided the design of the container is not enlarged by opening the sides and the container is not reconstructed in any way. "

The 3/4" MAX requirement is for determining if "flat-size" to avoid parcel post rates and has nothing to do with "flat rate."

USPS Domestic Mail Manual (save the link)

blu62vette

I have put small flat rate boxes in them.

Barry

<< <i>from the USPS domestic mail manual:

The 3/4" MAX requirement is for determining if "flat-size" to avoid parcel post rates and has nothing to do with "flat rate."

USPS Domestic Mail Manual (save the link) >>


Thanks derryb. That's the way I interpreted it, too, but wanted a second opinion

derryb

be prepared to quote the paragraph number and words to the counter clerk who tells you differently. When they disagree I usually ask for the manager.