Are ALL Priority mail boxes "flat rate" now?

[Imzadi]

I can't seem to find an answer to this on the USPS site.

I'm trying to send something Priority mail as cheaply as possible. It's only one pound but it's an odd size, so I was checking to see if I need to put it in my own box and stick Priority labels all over the package, or if it will fit in a Priority box.

I can only find a page for "Priority flat rate boxes." My item is too small to fit in the smallest box for $4.80. But the next larger "flat rate" size is something like $10.

What happened to sending things according to weight?

 

[msmayor]

All you need is a plain box.

If you use a flat-rate box, they will ALWAYS charge the flat rate, even if you are re-using the box and scratch the "flat rate" part out.

Anything can be sent "priority" by weight as long as it is in a plain box.

 

[rflorek]

They also still offer many sizes of "plain" priority boxes, not just flat rate. A plain box will always work.

By the way, if you're on usps.com, go under their shop and select shipping supplies and Priority Mail. The first page is flat rate, but as you page into it, you can see the different non-fat rate boxes and envelopes.

 

[Imzadi]

Whew! Thank you!

 

[mamalle]

doesnt it have to be in their box? I went online this morning to mail out a box from my house that would of been a large flat rate box and it said it had to be in their box. I was going to apply my priority mail stickers but didnt want to take the chance since it wasnt in their shipping materials..

 

[rflorek]

doesnt it have to be in their box? I went online this morning to mail out a box from my house that would of been a large flat rate box and it said it had to be in their box. I was going to apply my priority mail stickers but didnt want to take the chance since it wasnt in their shipping materials..

If you are shipping using the flat rate option, it has to be in a Priority Mail flat rate box. If you are just using standard Priority mail, it can be any box.

 

[mamalle]

using USPS online shipping from your house only gives you the flat rate option for each type of box. I guess I will be standing in line tomorrow.. I never go to the post office anymore since I mail everything from my house normally.

 

[Imzadi]

using USPS online shipping from your house only gives you the flat rate option for each type of box. I guess I will be standing in line tomorrow.. I never go to the post office anymore since I mail everything from my house normally.

I'll be in line behind you. The reason I went to the UPSP site in the first place was to check the sizes of their "plain" Priority boxes. I have an Amazon box the item fits in. But, Amazon uses nice, thick, sturdy boxes and I swear it adds a couple extra ounces. I don't want a box that's going to push the item into the next weight/price category, if possible.

 

[rflorek]

using USPS online shipping from your house only gives you the flat rate option for each type of box. I guess I will be standing in line tomorrow.. I never go to the post office anymore since I mail everything from my house normally.

I just logged in to the USPS site and made up a dummy shipment and it gave me an option of regular Priority Mail along with Express and Flat Rate Priority.

 

[Imzadi]

By the way, if you're on usps.com, go under their shop and select shipping supplies and Priority Mail. The first page is flat rate, but as you page into it, you can see the different non-fat rate boxes and envelopes.

Found it! On the Priority Flat Rate page, there is a link to order "eco-friendly" sh ipping supplies, once I click on that, on page FOUR, I finally found the regular, "plain" Priority size boxes I'm used to seeing in the P.O. One is the perfect size for my item. Thanks!

 

[Robinrs]

I ship out about 20 boxes a week and NEVER stand on line. If I don't print my labels on eBay I use the Automated Postal Center inside the Post office. It's the best thing EVER! I'm in and out!

 

[rflorek]

I ship out about 20 boxes a week and NEVER stand on line. If I don't print my labels on eBay I use the Automated Postal Center inside the Post office. It's the best thing EVER! I'm in and out!

I print my labels through eBay too, but I wish my local P.O. had an automated machine. That looks like fun!

 

[mamalle]

I use the automatic one also for small packages because I believe once it gets to 14oz you have to turn it in to a postal worker and Im not sure if you can skip the line for that. I personally use shipping from home almost all the time. My mailman is wonderful about picking up packages on my front patio.

btw- thanks I did go back and find the regular priority mail price. Its actually cheeper than going on person. So that worked out and no going to the Post Office. Its sitting on my front patio and will go out tomorrow!