by A.R. Posley

Created on: January 19, 2010

For first-time US Postal Service (USPS) package shippers or those who do not ship packages frequently with USPS, it can be a hassle to ship packages if you don’t know the guidelines.  Some of the questions new shippers ask range from “What size items can be shipped for $4.95 using a Priority Mail Flat Rate box?” to “Do you save money when printing and paying for postage labels online?”  This article dispels the myths and confirms the facts about shipping with USPS based on research of their shipping guidelines. 

Myth or Fact?

1. You can ship a pair of boots for $4.95 using a Priority Mail Flat Rate box.

2. A pair of barbells of any weight can be shipped for $4.95 as long as it fits in a small Priority Mail Flat Rate box.

3. A small Priority Mail Flat Rate box cannot not weigh more than four pounds and a medium Priority Mail Flat Rate box cannot weigh more than 20 pounds if shipped internationally?

4. Both Priority Mail Flat Rate envelopes and small Flat Rate boxes ship for $4.95.

5. When calculating postage on www.usps.com, choose “package” as the shape of a corrugated box measuring 8 inches in width and 15 inches in height. 

6. A printer can be shipped using USPS’s First Class Mail Service.

7.  Printing your own postage online is less expensive than paying for postage in USPS retail stores.

8. You can track a large flat envelope containing photos using a delivery confirmation number.

9. An envelope of any thickness that measures 6 1/8 in. to 12 in. in height and 11 ½ in. to 15 in. in length is considered a large envelope.

10. Supplies that are ordered on usps.com are delivered in 7-10 business days.

Answers:

1. Myth.  An item must fit into the small Priority Mail Flat Rate Box with the dimensions: 8 5/8 in. x 5 3/8 in. x 1 5/8 in. to ship for $4.95.  A pair of boots does not fit into this size box; rather an ipod would be a better fit.

2. Fact. Items that fit into small Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes are one low price for domestic shipping regardless of the actual weight of the item.

3. Fact.  While weight is not an issue for Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes used for domestic shipping to US destinations, weight limitations apply to international shipping. 

4. Fact. Both Priority Mail Flat Rate envelopes and small Flat Rate boxes ship for $4.95.

5. Myth.  If any dimension of a box is over 12 inches, you must choose the shape “Large Package” on usps.com.

6. Myth. To ship with First Class Mail Service, the weight of a package must not exceed 13 ounces.

7. Fact.  When printing postage with Click-n-Ship at www.usps.com, shippers receive discounts on a range of services including delivery confirmation.

8. Myth.  First Class Mail Large Envelopes (Flat Pieces) and letter size envelopes are not eligible for delivery confirmation.

9. Myth. A large envelope that exceeds ¾ inches in thickness is considered a “thick envelope”.

10. Fact. If you are a frequent shipper, be sure to allow sufficient time to receive your ordered supplies. 

Of most importance, these myths and facts serve as a brief tutorial for individuals shipping gifts to family or friends or inexperienced eBay shippers using the US Postal Service.  More of USPS’s shipping guidelines are found on their website.

Learn more about this author, A.R. Posley.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.