A question re: USPS irregular size surcharge for the seasoned sellers out there.

Hello al,

Hoping for some input from the seasoned sellers out there.

Since the recent inception of the USPS irregular size surcharge, I have been particular as to packing orders in obviously "cubed" boxes only.

I find myself in a situation where the dimensional needs of my box force me to use a box with an unacceptable number of extraneous graphics printed on it.

In times pre-surcharge, I merely put such a box in a white mylar/bubble mailer for a "clean" look & measured the exterior numbers accordingly for accurate postage.

Question: Since the inception of the USPS irregular shape surcharge, if I use a bubble mailer & put a box inside of that mailer, how does USPS now appraise the exterior dimensions of that package?

Though it is somewhat irregular in appearance (puffy, a little uneven, etc.) is this now still considered a "cubed" box or is it now elevated to an irregular package with a $4.00 surcharge?

Any feedback appreciated. TIA.

pastimpressions

439 View listings

Posted 6 months ago·Last reply 6 months ago

4 comments

ryry-jj

·6 months ago

1912 View listings

If it is "puffy", (not 100% what your "puffy" means) measure that distance for an accurate measurement, not edge to edge. USPS is more forgiving then FedEx or UPS will be.

Why can you not get a clean box? What size are we talking about?

pastimpressions

OP6 months ago

439 View listings

By "puffy" I am just referring to "less than square" by virtue of the effects of folding & taping corners of a bubble mailer over a box. I am equal parts OCD & perfectionist.

I have done this in the past many times with no issues, but all prior to the irregular surcharge.

Just wondering if defined terms have changed to cast a broad net in accruing surcharge fees?

The dimensions themselves are not unusual.

I have a specific size shipping box I have in qty that works for the majority of my needs. Just so happens, I am about 1/4" too short in the length dimension of this box to use it.

Thanks for your feedback.

wastingtime101

·6 months ago

0 View listings

@pastimpressions wrote:
Question: Since the inception of the USPS irregular shape surcharge, if I use a bubble mailer & put a box inside of that mailer, how does USPS now appraise the exterior dimensions of that package?

Though it is somewhat irregular in appearance (puffy, a little uneven, etc.) is this now still considered a "cubed" box or is it now elevated to an irregular package with a $4.00 surcharge?

Nothing has changed on that front. L of envelope x W of envelope as measured when empty, then H of envelope once it's stuffed. No, it's not irregular.

pastimpressions

OP6 months ago

439 View listings

Thank you for your feedback.