How to ship with USPS cube-shaped Priority Boxes? Not an option on eBay, PirateShip, or GoShippo

[final_level_gamez]

I have this Medium cube-shaped Priority box:

https://store.usps.com/store/product/priority-mail-medium-cube-shaped-box-P_O_BOX4

What option in eBay do I choose to ship it? I don't see "cubic" or "cube" packaging as an option on any of the Shipping sites I use (haven't checked Stamps.com). Apparently there are discounts for cubic packaging...How do I take advantage of that?

[whitewaterford]

@final_level_gamez I'm not sure about the other shipping sites, but my understanding is on eBay if you put in accurate OUTSIDE dimensions of your box (any box) and accurate weight, if cubic rates are cheaper, that is what will be generated and you will see it printed on the label.  I don't think there is an easy way to know if you are getting cubic pricing in eBay until after you generate the label.  I think I've only seen a couple generate cubic since eBay started supporting it as I only mail one or two in a week's time.   Use PRIORITY MAIL option for mailing if you are using a priority mail box like you described.  Otherwise you can use Ground Advantage.

P. S.  Cubic refers more to the volume of the box rather than the shape of the box!

[lacemaker3]

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@final_level_gamez wrote:

I have this Medium cube-shaped Priority box:

https://store.usps.com/store/product/priority-mail-medium-cube-shaped-box-P_O_BOX4

What option in eBay do I choose to ship it? I don't see "cubic" or "cube" packaging as an option on any of the Shipping sites I use (haven't checked Stamps.com). Apparently there are discounts for cubic packaging...How do I take advantage of that?

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@final_level_gamez 

Just for clarity, here's a picture of the box you're asking about, from the link you provided:

To purchase a label for that box, just choose Priority Mail and enter the dimensions, and the weight of the box after it is packed up. It's not a flat-rate box, so it just goes as regular Priority Mail.

Your question has nothing to do with USPS Cubic pricing, it's just what USPS calls this box.

[final_level_gamez]

how sneaky...so it should display the "Cubic" on the label, only after i actually purchase the label & the dimensions fit the criteria.

It would be cool if eBay showed a little "Cubic" bubble somewhere on the shipping page once you hit the right dimensions. Ok thanks I'll see what happens.

[final_level_gamez]

Well when someone shipped this same box to me, it indeed was categorized as "Cubic" on the label. So I don't think my question or the box have "nothing to do with USPS Cubic pricing". I'm guessing USPS made this particular package cube-shaped, with the intention (or at least knowledge) that it slotted into the Cubic pricing.

[wastingtime101]

Cubic pricing has nothing to do with the shape of the box. It has to do with package volume (cubic feet).

[stephenmorgan · Accepted solution]

On Pirate Ship, just enter the measurements and since it is just a Priority Box and not a Flat Rate Priority Box select the option for Priority Mail Cubic.

On eBay it is called priority Mail, but it is the same price.

Up to 20 pounds it is the same rate.

[final_level_gamez]

Oh i see...When you say "nothing to do with the shape" you literally mean "nothing to do with the geometric name of the shape that describes the box" (e.g. cube, sphere, triangular prism).

But Cubic pricing indeed has something to do with the dimensions of the box's shape (since that's how you calculate volume, of course):

https://goshippo.com/blog/a-cheat-sheet-on-usps-cubic-pricing

This USPS "Cube" box just so happens to also have a volume that fits into the Cubic pricing category (l*w*h/1728 < 0.5)

...as long as the contents also weigh <20lb:

https://goshippo.com/blog/a-cheat-sheet-on-usps-cubic-pricing

Blegh. Okay got it...

Surprisingly active forum here-thanks

[final_level_gamez]

Great! So in other words, PirateShip "exposes" the fact it's using Cubic pricing to the User--as a result of calculating the cheapest shipping option based on dimensions and weight--while eBay seems to do the same "in secret"/in the background. (Up until you actually print the label, that is.) Thanks

[wastingtime101]

eBay defaults to whichever is less expensive between the cubic rate and the weighted rate. You won't know which rate is applied unless you're either a complete shipping nerd like me that can tell by looking at the rate 😂 or like the average seller you can tell when you see what's printed on the label.

Cubic rate is not always available as it is not always less expensive than the weighted rate.

For example, shipping that 7x7x6 box at a weight of 2 lb it's going to cost exactly the same to zone 8 (CA > NY) at the weighted rate and the cubic rate. Actually, the rates were exactly the same until July 12th. I haven't examined the July 13th increase that closely just yet. However when the weight increases, suddenly the cubic rate becomes lower than the weighted rate.

Bottom line it doesn't really matter as you'll pay the lower rate, whether weighted or cubic.

[richard1rst]

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@final_level_gamez wrote:

Oh i see...When you say "nothing to do with the shape" you literally mean "nothing to do with the geometric name of the shape that describes the box" (e.g. cube, sphere, triangular prism).

Actually that is far more accurate than you realize. Mathematically a “cube” is only a “cube” if all 6 sides are at 90 degrees to ever adjoining side AND all 6 faces are the same size.

Therefore: 7x7x7 is a cube. 7x7x6 is a cuboid (or if you prefer cubical in shape)

Yes, yes - this has nothing to do with the discussion at hand but sometimes the “schoolmarm” in me comes out. Constantly correcting 12 nieces and nephews have created a pattern of behavior.

Sorry to muddy the waters