eBay

recommended · ‎03-14-2021

Hi All,

I think (think) what I call "Large Cube" 12-1/4 x 12-1/4 x 8-1/2 Priority boxes (not Flat-rate) used to measure 12x12x8. For the last few years, I have been successful thinly cutting two flaps and taping them tightly together so they truly measure 12" by 12" or less. The last two batches I've received from USPS are designed so there is no way to force them to be 12" by 12."

The question... will the post office let the large cubes "slide" and not physically measure them? Or do I need to type in those measurements as 13 x 13? I'm proud to say I have never ever tried to cheat the post office. I have never made a buyer pay postage due. But it almost feels like the post office is trying to, dare I say it, cheat us by having those USPS provided boxes measure just over 12."

Are there any old-timers or postal employees out there that may know this answer?

Thank you so much for any help!

alcoforever · ‎03-14-2021

I would think that your PM box is still less than 1 cu. ft. so it should go by weight and distance only. I know that those 36" long triangular tube PM boxes go by weight & distance. Never an oversize charge on them.

You should be able to get a definitive answer by entering the 13" dimensions on the USPS website while selecting PM and PM box.

biggymoe · ‎03-14-2021

Boxes can have various dimensions. The important factor is that the total cubic inches is 1728, or less. That equates to a 12x12x12, but doesn't have to be exactly those dimensions.

recommended · ‎03-14-2021

Thank you! I didn't realize the cubic foot was the line it crossed over. Another seller replied with a similar answer so I will call it good. Of course I'll enter 13x13x9 and keep a close I on it. Thank you again for the fast response!

recommended · ‎03-14-2021

Wow! All this time I've been stressing over the 12+ inches. I didn't realize it was the 12x12x12 line I had to be concerned with. Another seller replied with a very similar answer too. I will enter 13x13x9 and keep an eye on it and repost if I find anything out of order. Thank you very much for the fast response!