Save Money On Shipping With United States Postal Service Flat Rate Boxes

USPS Flat Rate boxes offer a cost-effective solution for shipping a substantial number of packages. The fixed pricing and flexible shipping options make them a popular choice among frequent shippers. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to utilize USPS Flat Rate boxes.

Getting Boxes

To take advantage of USPS flat rate, you will need the right supplies. USPS offers their priority mail boxes and envelopes for free. There is no cost for picking up these priority boxes, but you must use them for the proper form of priority mail shipping.

These free shipping supplies can pick up flat rate boxes in-person from any post office. Authorized USPS shippers may also have the boxes available. You can also order the boxes from the USPS website. So long as you create an account and have a physical address that can receive packages, USPS will deliver boxes to you for free. Other online ordering options for flat rate boxes include USPS affiliates such as eBay and Stamps.com.

When ordered online, USPS flat rate boxes come in packages of 10 and 25. Flat rate envelopes come in sets of 10 and 100.

What You Can Ship

A USPS Priority Mail box allows you to ship any items that fit within the box and adhere to USPS shipping restrictions. The package must close within its normal folds and weigh no more than 70 pounds (maximum weight) for standard Flat Rate boxes and 20 pounds for Express services. This makes it a great option for both small items and heavy items.

Prohibited items include airbags, ammunition, explosives, gasoline, marijuana, cigarettes, and other hazardous materials.

How to Ship

After you’ve packed your boxes, you can mail your box at the post office, where you’ll pay the cost of shipping for your selected box. You can also pay for your costs of shipping in advance at the post office and then mail your box from home.

You can also print shipping labels and pay postage online. When you do this, you want to make sure the label you use matches the type of box you have. You may not use USPS Priority Mail boxes for anything but Priority Mail, and you must pay Express rates if you are using an Express box.

When paying for postage online, you can simply place the package in your mailbox for pick up. If the package is larger, you can also schedule a free pickup for USPS to collect the package.

Where You Can Ship To

Flat rate boxes can be shipped anywhere in the U.S., with a broader address range compared to some other flat-rate shipping services like UPS and FedEx. This includes short distances and long distances without any additional charge based on distance.

Delivery Time

USPS flat rate boxes fall under Priority Mail, which delivers within 1-3 business days, while Priority Mail Express ensures delivery within one business day.

Available Boxes and Prices

The biggest benefit to flat rate boxes is that, so long as you follow the shipping guidelines, you will pay the same price for every box you ship, every time. Unlike regular shipping, you do not have to account for weight in the price of your delivery. Available USPS flat rate box sizes and USPS flat rate shipping prices include:

• Small Flat Rate Box. 8 11/16” x 5 7/16” x 1 3/4”. Ships for $7.20.
• Medium Flat Rate Box, Top Loading. 11 1/4" x 8 3/4" x 6. Ships for 13.65.
• Medium Flat Rate Box, Side Loading. 14” x 12” x 3 1/2”. Ships for $13.65.
• Large Flat Rate Box. 12 1/4” x 12 1/4" x 6”. Ships for $18.90.
• APO/FPO Large Box. 12 1/4” x 12 1/4" x 6”. Ships for $17.40.

APO/FPO boxes also allow for shipments to military personnel overseas.

In addition to boxes, USPS Flat Rate envelopes work under the same shipment standards. The available sizes are:

• Gift Card Envelope. 10” x 7”. Mails for $6.70.
• Flat Rate Envelope. 12 1/2" x 9 1/2". Mails for $6.70.
• Legal Flat Rate Envelope. 15” x 9 1/2". Mails for $7.00.
• Padded Flat Rate Envelope. 12 1/2" x 9 1/2". Mails for $7.25.

Flat Rate Express boxes and envelopes have a higher cost than standard Flat Rate shipping. For example, a 12 1/2" x 9 1/2" Express envelope would mail for $24.70 at retail price. The weight limit is also lower, 20 pounds instead of 70.

The pricing of flat rate boxes is superior to most of the same shipments at the FedEx and UPS Ground Rate. FedEx’s One Rate boxes vary in price for the distance to the delivery, while USPS boxes are the same, no matter where you ship in the US.

How Flat Rate Works for E-Commerce

The main advantage to this shipping method is that you don't have to pay for boxes, plus you have a known price of shipping, which is a big boon for any e-commerce business that incorporates shipping costs into the budget. The options for free delivery of boxes and other shipping supplies and paying for postage online also provide an added convenience for running operations.

E-commerce businesses can also take advantage of Commercial Base Pricing, which provides an even lower shipping cost than the flat rate. These rates are accessible through USPS approved online shipping solutions. Commercial Plus Pricing is also available for shippers who spend more than $50,000 per year. Different shipping discounts are available and require different qualifications for each USPS service.

Other benefits to using flat rate shipping for e-commerce include priority shipment and secure delivery. USPS is the only service authorized to place packages in mailboxes. Mail carriers may also attempt to redeliver larger packages instead of abandoning them on the porch, ensuring that all deliveries make it to customers safely.

Handling Heavy Packages and Large Items

Flat rate boxes are ideal for heavy packages and large items since the fixed rate does not change with the dimensional weight or actual weight. This can be particularly useful for shipping heavy items and large boxes without incurring extra charges.

Flat Rate Options for International Shipping

While flat rate boxes are primarily for domestic shipping, USPS also offers international shipping options with flat rates, making it easier to manage costs for global deliveries.

Simplifying the Shipping Process with FirstMile

FirstMile can help streamline the shipping process and provide competitive shipping rates for flat rate boxes. By leveraging FirstMile's data-driven approach and seamless integration with various shipping carriers, businesses can optimize their shipping strategies and reduce costs.

In conclusion, USPS flat rate boxes provide a cost-effective, reliable solution for various shipping needs, from small electronics to heavy items. FirstMile can further enhance this by offering tailored pricing and efficient shipping management, ensuring a smooth operation for your business.

For more information on how FirstMile can assist with USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate services, contact us to discuss your specific needs and see how we can help you save on shipping costs.

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Sources:
www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm
www.stamps.com/usps/priority-mail-flat-rate/
www.readycloud.com/articles/how-does-usps-flat-rate-shipping-work#section1
www.practicalecommerce.com/7-reasons-to-consider-usps-flat-rate-shipping
www.usps.com/ship/priority-mail-express.htm
support.shippingeasy.com/hc/en-us/articles/206622003-What-is-Commercial-Base-Pricing-
support.shippingeasy.com/hc/en-us/articles/205465166

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