eBay

mbenson7 · ‎01-04-2018

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!

glgenterprise · ‎01-04-2018

@couldabeenworse wrote:
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.

I couldn't agree more - another one of my eBay programming pet pevees. If I enter the dimensions of the box - I SHOULD NOT have to then select package vs large package. I can't tell you the number of older listings I've gotten hosed on the calculated shipping due to the box dimensions kicking it over to the balloon pricing, even though I have entered the dimensions in the listing.

the*dog*ate*my*tablecloth · ‎01-04-2018

I ship anything in an RRA box over 1 pound. Then I don't need to keep other boxes in stock as well.

rixstuff · ‎01-04-2018

@d-k_treasures wrote:
@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.
But if you want to ship 60 pounds of lead shot, the medium flat rate box will save you a boatload of money.

Can you even GET 60 lbs of lead shot INTO one of those boxes? The weight number is huge but the volume number is small. Sure you can get 70 lbs in there (in theory) but can you realistically FIT a 20 lb coat? No.

d-k_treasures · ‎01-04-2018

@rixstuff wrote:
@d-k_treasures wrote:
@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.
But if you want to ship 60 pounds of lead shot, the medium flat rate box will save you a boatload of money.

Can you even GET 60 lbs of lead shot INTO one of those boxes? The weight number is huge but the volume number is small. Sure you can get 70 lbs in there (in theory) but can you realistically FIT a 20 lb coat? No.

Yeah - 2 bags of 25 pounds each fit fine, with space left over for a partial.

A coat? no -- not unless maybe you vacuum seal it.

I plan on using them for a lot of sets of toy soldier molds. They weigh about 30 pounds for each set.

_____________________________
"Nothing is obvious to the oblivious"

glgenterprise · ‎01-04-2018

@d-k_treasures wrote:

Yeah - 2 bags of 25 pounds each fit fine, with space left over for a partial.

A coat? no -- not unless maybe you vacuum seal it.

I plan on using them for a lot of sets of toy soldier molds. They weigh about 30 pounds for each set.

My worry with it is that whole you *can * ship that weight - the boxes are not really designed to hold up to the torture of shipping with that much weight in in. I've shipped really heavy stuff in those boxes and end up taping the **bleep** out of them to hopefully not lose items in transit.

duchess-at-speakeasy · ‎01-04-2018

The term "large package" is not relevant to Priority Mail. Always specify "package/thick envelope" -- the USPS calculator automatically takes dimensional weight into account (for Zones 5-9) so a volume greater than 1 cubic foot (1728 cubic inches) is important. Example: A 14x14x14 box = minimum zoned charge for 15 lbs. to Zones 5-9. (Seattle to San Francisco is Zone 5; Seattle to Chicago or San Antonio is Zone 7.)

However, if either actual weight or dimensional weight is greater than 70 lbs., you can't send it via USPS at all.

"Large package" does apply to Parcel Select/Retail Ground. This is where the 84-inch length plus girth kicks in -- a container weighing less than 20 lbs. incurs the "balloon" rate (over 84 inches) or the "oversized" rate (over 108 inches up to 130 inches). Examples: A 17x17x17 box = 85 inches L+G = a minimum zoned charge for 20 lbs. A 22x22x22 box = 110 inches L+G = zoned "oversized" charge.

A 26x26x26 box = 130 inches L+G = maximum allowable size.

~~C~~

My Glass Duchess
Quoting Mom: In polite society, "hey" is for horses.

partial*eclipse · ‎01-04-2018

The balloon rate for packages with a length-plus-girth over 84 inches (up to 108 inches) also applies to Priority Mail packages that are going to Zones 1 - 4.

d-k_treasures · ‎01-04-2018

@glgenterprise wrote:
@d-k_treasures wrote:

Yeah - 2 bags of 25 pounds each fit fine, with space left over for a partial.

A coat? no -- not unless maybe you vacuum seal it.

I plan on using them for a lot of sets of toy soldier molds. They weigh about 30 pounds for each set.

My worry with it is that whole you *can * ship that weight - the boxes are not really designed to hold up to the torture of shipping with that much weight in in. I've shipped really heavy stuff in those boxes and end up taping the **bleep** out of them to hopefully not lose items in transit.

Well, that's a given, seeing as those boxes aren't that strong. So you use lots of tape, and maybe reinforce it from within.

_____________________________
"Nothing is obvious to the oblivious"

partial*eclipse · ‎01-04-2018

d-k_treasures wrote: ... those boxes aren't that strong. So you use lots of tape, and maybe reinforce it from within.

You can use an inner box or even line it with plywood. Think of the FRB itself as a special wrapper.

go-bad-chicken · ‎01-04-2018

@d-k_treasures wrote:
@rixstuff wrote:
@d-k_treasures wrote:
@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.
But if you want to ship 60 pounds of lead shot, the medium flat rate box will save you a boatload of money.

Can you even GET 60 lbs of lead shot INTO one of those boxes? The weight number is huge but the volume number is small. Sure you can get 70 lbs in there (in theory) but can you realistically FIT a 20 lb coat? No.
Yeah - 2 bags of 25 pounds each fit fine, with space left over for a partial.

A coat? no -- not unless maybe you vacuum seal it.

I plan on using them for a lot of sets of toy soldier molds. They weigh about 30 pounds for each set.

Yep USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes have some really serious advantages in certain situations like yours. I am constantly trying to think inside the box, to maximize all of the possible advantages of the Flat Rate program.

I shipped a 58 lbs copper ingot to Florida about 3 years ago.

Ended up using the USPS LFR "Game Board Box" to get it done.But like someone else said earlier, I taped every single edge of that box, and then ended up banding it as well multiple times in both directions. I also added some homemade labels made with the DYMO printer stating "CAUTION! VERY HEAVY! 58lbs" It arrived in Florida in perfect condition.

Today USPS LFR "Game Board Box" postage would cost me $16.55 before extras (insurance, sig. confirmation, etc.)

- Today - USPS Priority Mail (using my own box) postage would cost me about $95.00 before extras (insurance, sig. confirmation, etc.)

- Today - USPS Ground (using my own box) postage would cost me about $82.00 before extras (insurance, sig. confirmation, etc.)

Last year I purchased a set of new shock absorbers for my truck, from a vendor on the river. They offered "Free Shipping". I thought to myself these guys are going to eat up a lot of their profit shipping these heavy suckers, until I received the package.

I quickly revised my opinion of their buisness model and re-classified them as shipping geniuses. That package weighed about 30 to 35lbs.

go-bad-chicken · ‎01-04-2018

@partial*eclipse wrote:
d-k_treasures wrote: ... those boxes aren't that strong. So you use lots of tape, and maybe reinforce it from within.
You can use an inner box or even line it with plywood. Think of the FRB itself as a special wrapper.

Exactly!

Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes are just the wrapping paper that come with a fixed rate cost.

I often cut up 3/4" - 1" rigid foam or cheap 1/8" luan door skin plywood to fit the bottoms and the tops, and sometimes even the sides, of various Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes for really heavy items that I have shipped. This stiffens up the box, and helps it to maintin a rigid shape while the package is in transit.

johnfduda · ‎01-05-2018

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

I once sold lead bars about 4 lbs apiece. I don't remember the exact weight but it was over 60 lbs. I think the limit is 72 lbs. I hold the record for amount of weight in a medium flat rate box at my local post office. It seemed like everytime I shipped one of those I'd get the girl and not the guy. He never helped her by hauling that box into the hamper in the back.

I stuffed extra cardboard into the box. You don't need bumbles to protect lead bars. You need more stiffening particularly in the corners.

I also had some experience with batteries for Uninteruptable Power Supplies as a buyer. Same deal there: Flat Rate boxes.

sam9876 · ‎01-05-2018

The maximum weight is 70 pounds.

chipper01work · ‎01-05-2018

@d-k_treasures wrote:
@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.
But if you want to ship 60 pounds of lead shot, the medium flat rate box will save you a boatload of money.

Hey I've done that too! My mailman always says "you made out like a bandit there" LOL.

chipper01work · ‎01-05-2018

@glgenterprise wrote:
@d-k_treasures wrote:

Yeah - 2 bags of 25 pounds each fit fine, with space left over for a partial.

A coat? no -- not unless maybe you vacuum seal it.

I plan on using them for a lot of sets of toy soldier molds. They weigh about 30 pounds for each set.

My worry with it is that whole you *can * ship that weight - the boxes are not really designed to hold up to the torture of shipping with that much weight in in. I've shipped really heavy stuff in those boxes and end up taping the **bleep** out of them to hopefully not lose items in transit.

I've shipped them with lead shot, lead ingots and small anvils. I've shipped them with 40 pounds of steel. I've even lined them with another box that has had the top cut off effectively creating a double walled box and I have cut a piece of 1/4" plywood to lay in the bottom to reinforce it. Using fiberglass reinforced tape on the bottom is a good idea too. When you're saving $30-$50 in postage it pays to put a little work into the box.