If you have a small home scale, use it to weigh the package so you can estimate the cost with the price calculator. If you are sending a heavy object or mailing over a long distance, a flat rate box may be cheaper than using your own supplies.
For example, if the length is 60 inches (150 cm) (1. 5 m) and the thickest part of the package is 50 inches (130 cm) (1. 27 m), it would be too big based on the priority mail guidelines.
Shipping distance plays into the overall cost, so this calculator helps you decide whether to use your own box or a flat rate box. Use the price calculator at https://postcalc. usps. com/.
The main benefit of flat rate products is the ease of shipping. Whatever fits in the product can be shipped, as long as it’s under 70 pounds (31. 75 kg). Envelopes aren’t only for flat stuff like paper, but they are mainly designed for thin objects. Flat rate products must be picked up at the post office or ordered online through some third party distributors or the USPS website. Pick them up for free and pay when you ship.
Each size box costs a specific amount, so you don’t want to pick a bigger box than you need because you’ll spend extra money for no reason. Flat rate box sizes by outside measurements in inches are small (8 11/16x5 7/16x1 3/4), medium top-loading (11 1/4x8 3/4x 6), medium side-loading (14x12x3 1/2), and large (12 1/4x12 1/4x 6).
This option is more expensive than regular priority mail shipping due to faster delivery times.
Go to the USPS website and select “Schedule a Pickup” under the “Mail and Ship” menu button.
