Size of USPS Priority Box

[mbenson7]

I have USPS priority mailing boxes (the pre-printed ones that you get for free from the post office) that list the longest dimension as 15.375 (OD).  According to the USPS site, a large package is defined as "any dimension over 12 inches."  OK, fine, so that would indicate this is a large package.  However, I've also seen ebay discussions in which it appears a large package refers to the overall girth of the box, rather than any single dimension.  The OD dimensions of this box are 12.5 x 3.125 x 15.375.  

Is this considered a large package or just a "regular" package?  I can't believe I find this so confusing.

Thanks!

[couldabeenworse]

I can't believe I find this so confusing.

It's not your fault; USPS's sizing terms are poorly thought out and inconsistent, and the some of the shipping partners aggravate the situation with their dopey menus.  There should be no need to select "large package" anywhere; you should just be able to input the dimensions and get the quote.  For priority mail, the "balloon rate" only kicks in if the box is over one cubic foot, so no, that wouldn't need to be declared a "large package".  Even with the other services, a dimension over 12" doesn't mean it's a "large package" - it just kicks you to a screen that asks for dimensions.

[partial*eclipse]

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@couldabeenworse wrote:

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 ... a dimension over 12" doesn't mean it's a "large package" - it just kicks you to a screen that asks for dimensions.

This is the essential fact.  If all of a box's dimensions are 12 inches or less, then it's mathematically impossible for it to incur a surcharge so they let you skip the step of entering dimensions.

The actual thresholds are (1)  a length-plus girth over 84 inches (balloon rate) or (2) a volume over 1 cubic foot (dimensional weight).

A box that's 12.5 x 3.125 x 15.375 has a volume of about 600 cubic inches and a length-plus-girth of 47 inches, both are well under those thresholds. As long as it doesn't say "flat rate" or "Regional" on it, it will ship at the regular Priority Mail rates that are based on weight and distance.

In fact, ALL of the free Priority Mail boxes currently available are below those surcharge thresholds. The only one that wasn't was the Regional C box, which measured 12 by 12 by 15 inches; after the Regional C postage rates were discontinued, the box was available for a few months as a generic non-Regional box.  There might be a few of these boxes still out there someplace.

[bubbleman2010]

If box is marked priority you just select priority mail for the shipping and enter the weight no need to measure anything..

[rixstuff]

Their sizing is purposely confusing - particularly the flat rate - so you think you are getting a great deal all based on not having to weigh the item.  FR will cause you to GROSSLY over pay - the "small" box is so tiny that you couldnt put more than a VCR tape in there but costs as much as a first class 1 lb to ship.  The ads made it seem you could ship a pony from NY to LA for $3 but that is SSSSOOOO not true.  No thanks, I would rather weigh it myself and pay only as much postage as is required.

[mbenson7]

Thank you for clarifying... and for letting me know I'm not a total dope haha!

[mbenson7]

OK, that makes sense. Thank you for explaining.

[mbenson7]

Great. That saves me from an extra step!

[mbenson7]

Yes, I have some flat rate boxes but quickly figured out that it's highly unlikely I'll sell anything that would make the flat rate boxes worthwhile. I'm sticking with either my own packages or the USPS mailing (not flat rate) boxes and envelopes.

[fern*wood]

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@bubbleman2010 wrote:

If box is marked priority you just select priority mail for the shipping and enter the weight no need to measure anything..

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I have some of the old discontinued "C" priority boxes that I have to enter the dimensions for since they are larger than 12x12x12.

[rixstuff]

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@mbenson7 wrote:
Yes, I have some flat rate boxes but quickly figured out that it's highly unlikely I'll sell anything that would make the flat rate boxes worthwhile. I'm sticking with either my own packages or the USPS mailing (not flat rate) boxes and envelopes.

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The tyvek envelopes from the PO are AWESOME!!

[partial*eclipse]

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mbenson7 wrote: ...  it's highly unlikely I'll sell anything that would make the flat rate boxes worthwhile .....

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At current USPS prices, the Medium flat-rate box is cheaper than the regular rates if you're shipping more than 2 pounds to Zone 7 or 8, more than 4 pounds to Zone 6, etc.  

Also don't overlook the Regional boxes: The Regional A box is a great value since it ships at the 2-pound rate but can weigh up to 15 pounds.

[the*dog*ate*my*tablecloth]

Since they raised the poundage on the B box to equal 5 pounds instead of 4 I use the MFRB quite often. I ship corner to corner. People who live on the coasts will do better with flat rate boxes than people who live in the center of the country. I think people who say they're a bad deal must not ship like that.

I use padded flat rate envelopes and RRA boxes the most though. 

[penguins_dont_fly]

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@mbenson7 wrote:
Yes, I have some flat rate boxes but quickly figured out that it's highly unlikely I'll sell anything that would make the flat rate boxes worthwhile. I'm sticking with either my own packages or the USPS mailing (not flat rate) boxes and envelopes.

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I only ship Priority and most of my items weight over 1 lb

The only "Flat Rate" boxes that I use regularly aren't really Flat Rate LOL....they are just badly named ... "Regional Boxes" 

I use a lot of Regional A boxes.

An "A" box ships at the 2 lb Calculated Rate and can be used for items weighing up to 15 lbs.

So if I have anything that weighs over  2 lbs  that fits in an A box, I use an A box.

A single fork (or 4)  goes in a SFRB

Any box that will fit inside a PFRE will go in a PFRE.

Other flat rates have limited use, for me ... except for that rare occasion where I am shipping heavy stoneware to zone 8 ... then a LFRB sometimes is a slightly better deal, but not always 🙂

[d-k_treasures]

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@rixstuff wrote:

Their sizing is purposely confusing - particularly the flat rate - so you think you are getting a great deal all based on not having to weigh the item.  FR will cause you to GROSSLY over pay - the "small" box is so tiny that you couldnt put more than a VCR tape in there but costs as much as a first class 1 lb to ship.  The ads made it seem you could ship a pony from NY to LA for $3 but that is SSSSOOOO not true.  No thanks, I would rather weigh it myself and pay only as much postage as is required.

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But if you want to ship 60 pounds of lead shot, the medium flat rate box will save you a boatload of money.