How Does Priority Mail Flat Rate Work?
When you need to mail a package, finding a fast and affordable option can be difficult. However, a priority mail flat rate is a good choice to think about.
If you’re a small business owner, an eBay seller, or just someone sending a gift to a loved one, then this could be a problem.
However, USPS service gives you an easy way to get your items to their destination quickly.
Let’s find out more about Priority Mail Flat Rate, and how much it costs to ship using this service.
How Fast is Priority Mail Flat Rate Shipping?
A handy way to transport packages at a set flat charge is provided by USPS’s Priority Mail Flat Rate shipping option.
For goods weighing up to 70 lbs, it offers 1-3 days shipping options with fixed prices. USPS has flat rate envelopes and boxes in standard sizes for objects of various sizes.
Your package can be shipped using a Priority Mail Flat Rate box or envelope for a fixed price.
So, you won’t have to worry about your item’s weight or the expense of shipping it to its destination.
What is the Priority Mail Flat Rate Process?
Here is how USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate functions if you intend to use it soon:
1. Select Your Flat Rate Packaging
To make things easier for you, USPS offers a variety of flat-rate boxes and envelopes.
You can choose the packaging that best fits your purchases from the various sizes available.
2. Organize Your Items
In a flat box or envelope, carefully package your goods.
Verify that they fit snugly and without any bulges or filled regions.
3. Close the Box
To avoid any tampering or damage to your package during transit, seal it tightly.
Packaging tape can be used to seal it thoroughly.
4. Address the Package
The recipient’s address and your return address should be legibly written or printed on the package.
These addresses should be accurate and easy to read.
5. Pay for Postage
The best thing to do is to go to the USPS post office around you with your package. The postal staff there will assist you in weighing your parcel and will estimate the mailing costs.
You can use the Click-N-Ship option on the USPS website if you prefer to do business online.
6. Drop Off or Schedule Pickup
After paying for postage, you can go to the post office and hand over your package to the postal clerk.
Meanwhile, if you paid for postage online, you can schedule a USPS pickup. The postal carrier will come to your doorstep to collect the package.
What are Priority Mail Flat Rate Products?
Priority Mail Flat Rate products are special packaging options that allow you to send packages at a fixed rate, regardless of their weight or destination.
They include:
1. Priority Mail Flat Rate Large Box
This large box is a good choice if you have bigger items to ship.
It’s perfect for shipping clothing, household goods, or larger electronics.
The external measurement for Priority Mail Flat Rate Large Box is 12 1/4″ by 12 1/4″ by 6″ and the internal measurement is12″ by 12″ by 5 1/2″
2. Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Boxes
The sizes of these sturdy cardboard boxes range from tiny to huge.
The biggest advantage is that regardless of how heavy or distant your shipment is traveling, you will always pay the same flat rate for that box size.
The Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box measures 11 1/4″ x 8 3/4″ x 6″ externally and 11″ x 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ internally.
3. Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box
This small but sturdy box is perfect for tiny yet valuable items.
You can use it for items like books or small electronics.
The Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box has external dimensions of 8 11/16″ x 5 7/16″ x 1 3/4″ and internal dimensions of 8 5/8″ x 5 3/8″ x 1 5/8″.
4. Priority Mail Flat Rate APO/FPO Box
This box is designed for military members stationed overseas.
It’s specially marked for sending packages to APO/FPO addresses and is an economical option for showing support to our troops.
This box has external measurements of 12 1/4″ x 12 1/4″ x 6″ and internal measurements of 12″ x 12″ x 5 1/2″.
5. Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes
If your items are flat or can be folded, these envelopes are a great choice. They come in two sizes: regular and legal.
Just like with the boxes, you pay a fixed rate for the envelope size you use, making it simple and budget-friendly.
6. Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelopes
These are like regular flat rate envelopes. However, they have extra padding to protect delicate items.
It doesn’t matter if you’re sending small electronics, jewelry, or other fragile items, these envelopes offer extra cushioning for safety.
7. Priority Mail Legal Size Envelope
A larger flat rate envelope is perfect for documents and other legal-sized items.
It’s a cost-effective way to send important paperwork.
Can I Get a Priority Flat Rate Shipping Label?
Yes, you can get a Priority Mail Flat Rate shipping label.
You just have to choose flat rate delivery after logging into your account and enter both the recipient’s address and yours.
The next step is to select USPS and pay for the mailing label using a card, PayPal, or another supported payment method.
You must arrange for a pickup or drop-off at the post office after printing your label, and affixing it to the package.
Your shipping label must match the flat-rate box you’ve selected.
How Much Does Priority Mail Flat Rate Shipping Cost?
USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate shipping costs depend on the size of the flat rate packaging you choose.
Here’s a detailed breakdown in the table below:
| Box Type | Commercial Base Rate | Post Office Rate |
| Flat Rate Envelope | $8.05 | $9.65 |
| Padded Flat Rate Envelope | $8.80 | $10.40 |
| Small Flat Rate Box | $8.55 | $10.20 |
| Medium Flat Rate Box–1 | $14.75 | $17.10 |
| Medium Flat Rate Box–2 | $14.75 | $17.10 |
| Large Flat Rate Box | $19.60 | $22.80 |
What are the Benefits of Priority Mail Flat Rate?
Priority Mail Flat Rate has several advantages for both senders and recipients.
They include:
1. Affordability
Due to its lower, more predictable cost, flat-rate shipping can be a good choice for small businesses.
Flat-rate shipping charges are fixed, allowing you to save money, which you can put toward other aspects of the business.
It also allows you to plan your budget without being surprised by unforeseen shipping expenditures.
2. Speedy Delivery
Priority Mail Flat Rate packages are delivered within 1-3 business days.
This quick delivery makes it an excellent choice for time-sensitive shipments.
With this service, you and your clients can get the speedy delivery service you require from USPS.
3. Free Shipping Supplies
USPS provides free Priority Mail Flat Rate packaging.
This eliminates the need to purchase boxes or envelopes separately.
Brands can select a box or envelope that fits their goods rather than computing dimensional weight.
4. Insurance Coverage
Priority Mail includes $50 of insurance coverage for most shipments.
This provides peace of mind in case of loss or damage.
Priority Mail Flat Rate is a simple way of sending your packages to your loved ones or as an E-commerce seller.
With fixed rates, free packaging supplies, and other benefits, Priority Mail Flat Rate has become a preferred choice for many shippers.
