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USPS' Flat Rate Box and Envelope allows you to use USPS Priority Mail® service and offers very affordable shipping rates to anywhere in the U.S. for shipments up to 70 pounds.
Sometimes using USPS Flat Rate service is the cheapest way to ship. However, sometimes standard Priority Mail or other services may be cheaper to ship.
Easily compare shipping rates with ShipSaving's shipping rate calculator and get the best shipping service for you right away!
In any case, knowing what flat rate shipping is and how to use it correctly will ultimately save you shipping time and money.
USPS Flat Rate is a shipping service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that allows customers to ship a package of any weight up to 70 pounds for a flat fee. The fee is determined by the package size, not its weight, making it an affordable and convenient option for shipping heavier items.
Flat Rate boxes and envelopes are free from USPS and can be ordered online, picked up at a post office, or delivered to your home or business. There are several types of Flat Rate boxes and envelopes to choose from.
Here are six reasons to consider using USPS flat-rate boxes and envelopes:
Cost-Effective: With USPS Flat Rate, you pay a flat fee for a box or envelope regardless of the weight of the package. This makes it an affordable option for shipping heavier items.
Convenient: USPS Flat Rate boxes and envelopes are free and can be ordered online, picked up at a post office, or delivered to your home or business. This does packing and shipping your items easy without purchasing boxes or envelopes separately.
Time-Saving: With USPS Flat Rate, you don't need to calculate the weight of your package or compare shipping rates from different carriers. You choose the appropriate box or envelope size and pay a flat fee.
Tracking and Insurance: USPS Flat Rate includes free tracking and delivery confirmation and up to $200 in insurance coverage. This provides peace of mind that your package will be delivered safely and securely.
Priority Mail Service: USPS Flat Rate boxes and envelopes are part of the Priority Mail service, which means they typically arrive at their destination within 1-3 business days. This is faster than standard ground shipping and can be a great option if you need your package to arrive quickly.
Versatile: USPS Flat Rate boxes and envelopes come in various sizes, making them suitable for shipping a wide range of items, from small documents to large, bulky items. This versatility can make it easier to choose the correct box or envelope for your shipping needs.
USPS Flat Rate packages cannot be used with the standard Priority Mail® service, First Class Mail®, Media Mail®, or other carriers. They can only be used with the designated Priority Mail Flat Rate service. If you attempt to use a flat rate box or envelope with any other service, the package will be returned or billed for additional shipping charges.
Also, there are certain situations where it may not be the best choice. Here are a few instances where USPS Flat Rate may not be appropriate:
Large or Oversized Items: USPS Flat Rate boxes and envelopes come in specific sizes, which may not be suitable for larger or oversized items. In these cases, using a carrier that charges based on weight and distance may be more cost-effective.
International Shipping: USPS Flat Rate is designed for domestic shipping within the United States. If you need to ship internationally, use a different shipping option appropriate for your destination country.
Fragile or High-Value Items: While USPS Flat Rate does include insurance coverage up to $200, it may not be suitable for shipping fragile or high-value items. Consider using a carrier offering additional insurance or specialized packaging options in these cases.
Time-Sensitive Deliveries: While USPS Flat Rate typically arrives within 1-3 business days, it may not be suitable for time-sensitive deliveries that require guaranteed delivery times or same-day shipping.
Priority Mail Flat Rate rates and sizes for each package type are listed below.
Priority Mail and Priority Mail Flat Rate are two different shipping services offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS). While both services offer expedited shipping and include free tracking and insurance, there are some critical differences between the two:
Priority Mail: Priority Mail rates are based on the weight, shape, and distance of the package, which means that the shipping cost can vary depending on these factors.
Priority Mail Flat Rate: Priority Mail Flat Rate is a type of Priority Mail service that offers a flat rate for shipping, regardless of the weight or distance of the package. With Priority Mail Flat Rate, you can use USPS-provided boxes and envelopes at no additional cost, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for shipping heavier items.
ShipSaving has partnered with USPS to offer great shipping discounts whether you use Flat Rate or custom packaging!
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