How do I print a Priority Mail label for the USPS EP14 Tyvek envelope?

[a_c_green]

I ran into this problem last night, and finally worked around it by using the USPS FR Padded Envelope instead, but I'd still like to find an answer for next time...

I had a manila folder of eBay paperwork to mail to my CPA, and it all fit in the Tyvek USPS Priority Mail envelope (EP14, with a barcode ending in 013). It was probably no thicker than a half inch at most, and shipping weight was just 7 ounces (which is why I wasn't looking to spend extra money on their Flat Rate Padded Envelope).

This was not an eBay sale, so I was looking at options under either PayPal/ShipNow or USPS Click 'n' Ship, but nothing seemed to fit. It didn't seem to qualify as a Package/Thick Envelope as it was just a folder of paperwork, and in hindsight I guess I could have stuffed some bubblewrap in there to pad it out, but that doesn't seem like it should be necessary. What would be the correct Package Type to choose if printing a label for the Tyvek envelope with no extra stuffing in it? I eventually went with the USPS FRPE instead, for $7.55.

[nobody*s_perfect · Accepted solution]

It wasn't actually a padded FRE, so that postage wasn't the right choice.  

Any piece that is not in the specific  flat-rate or Regional-rate packaging goes by the regular Priority Mail rates which are based on weight and distance. For Priority Mail it doesn't matter whether your item is flexible, under 3/4 inch thick, etc.   That term "Package/thick envelope" was made up by eBay.  First Class is the only USPS service where there is any price difference between letters, flats (AKA Large envelopes) and packages.

Your item should have shipped at the regular rate based on distance, which would cost $6.95 - $8.25 depending on Zone.  Most folks have accountants who aren't very far away, so you (and the CPA) might not get stuck with any postage due.

[a_c_green]

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@nobody*s_perfect wrote:

It wasn't actually a padded FRE, so that postage wasn't the right choice. 

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Whoops, I didn't make that clear; sorry: I did eventually use a padded FRE (with correct label for it), after giving up on trying to figure out what the right choice was for a Tyvek envelope. I've got a hefty supply of both, although I never use them myself. I keep getting them as padding in packages from other sellers. 

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Your item should have shipped at the regular rate based on distance, which would cost $6.95 - $8.25 depending on Zone.  Most folks have accountants who aren't very far away, so you (and the CPA) might not get stuck with any postage due.

Yes, he's not far away, and the PFRE label came up as a 1-Day Priority. Looks like I only ate 60¢ of difference. Thanks for clarifying!

[berserkerplanet]

As nobody said, if not PM flat rate, it's a package and ships at regular by weight zoned Priority Rates in PM or user supplied packaging, and the First Class Mail 1/4", 3/4", size. flexibility, etc criteria don't apply at all to Priority.

You actually could have sent it as a First Class Mail Flat with $1.90 in stamps in a manilla, or some sort of non-Priority envelope as it (meets the requirements for a flat: size, < 3/4", uniform, and flexible. But maybe the hassle of rounding up an appropriate FC envelope was worth the extra $5 (although you do get tracking with Priority)


Technical nit:
The FC Flat max 0.125" corner radius criterion might be tough to satisfy if shoving letter sized papers into an envelope. In practice USPS doesn't seem to care (although they might if a commercial mailing with 100's or 1000's of pieces - assume it has to do with machinability). letter size papers in a 9x12 envelope might present "floppy corners that fold over and technically violate the corner radius requirement. Again, on a one off USPS probably wouldn't care. Told you it was a nit