Are USPS Padded Flat Rate Envelopes out of stock or no longer available? Can't even find them on the

[busybeeshopper12]

website. I have heard about USPS free supplies being delayed or out of stock but I can't even find the Padded Flat Rate envelopes listed. If I am missing something please let me know. If not what alternatives are you using if these were your go to for certain orders? Luckily, I can usually just buy bubble mailers and send priority but sometimes the flat rate option is cheaper. Thanks!

[mtgraves7984]

I still see the Priority Flat Rate Envelopes available. Can you put those around your bubble mailers?

[busybeeshopper12]

Oh I will have to look at that if they have regular flat rate and I can add my own bubbles that might be an alternative thanks. But where are the padded flat rate that they always had?

[evry1nositswindy]

There was a shortage last year too.  By the time I received mine, I had forgotten I had even ordered them.  Not sure what the issue is.

[redmodelt]

Might get the Tyvak (sp) type, could be more flexible. I see bubble padded, but only in the express form.

[busybeeshopper12]

yes only seeing express padded. That will be way too expensive to ship. Guess I will have to keep checking. Thanks.

[busybeeshopper12]

thanks. I suppose that is the case but I hadn't seen anyone else posting that they aren't available at all. I would rather them still be listed on the USPS site and either be able to order with a long delay or at least have them still listed with an out of stock notice.

[stuff4divas · Accepted solution]

@busybeeshopper12 

Good idea from @mtgraves7984  to put your bubble envelope into the cardboard flat rate envelope, but if they don't fit, order the legal size ones too as a back up bc they will have extra room to stretch out and cost just a little more to ship.

Also, you can use the regional and flat rate boxes

I too don't see the bubble ones, must be OOS

[busybeeshopper12]

Thank you. I will just have to work around it as you mentioned. I appreciate your helpful reply.

[redmodelt]

Generally, if you no longer see something listed, it would be a good indication that they will no longer be supplying that type or that the restocking will be so far out, they don't want to hold orders.

[valueaddedresource]

A friend sent me this screenshot of what is showing in their saved favorites on USPS....that "discontinued" doesn't look good. 😟

[wastingtime101]

The clear envelopes for customs forms were also "discontinued" with a "page not found" about 2 years ago. They suddenly appeared back in the USPS store a couple months ago. I'm not counting out the PFREs just yet.

I've had a difficult time getting certain box sizes for a few months now (sizes 7 and 4).

[buyselljack2016]

out of stock.

Ask yourself why?

Look online.  You can get them from "other than USPS" for no cost $0.00 for the item. Just pay a shipping charge.

That's where the bubble mailers have gone.

[hotproperties]

Legal flat or regular flat envelopes.

[fetter.aviation]

The USPS site says they are discontinued.  I have been using 100+ per month...this stinks if it holds.  The USPS "Newsroom" does say that the prepaid Priority Mail Flat Rate envelopes are being discontinued, but nothing on these.