The Mysterious Allure of Regional USPS Shipping Boxes

[gretchen5422]

it looks like the regional boxes can save some money on shipping but its so hard to find info on USPS to understand when you can use them. Do they only display as an option when printing a label only when they can be used or is ebay counting on me to know the rules on regional boxes? 

[greatmidwestcoin]

They display all of the time I believe. Do you click the down arrow on your shipping options age? It pays sometimes to use them and others not to.  Good luck.

[bestapparel4u]

Regional A boxes allow you to ship up to 15 lbs.  If your package is over 15 lbs, you can't use a Regional A box.
Regional Rate Box B has a 20-pound maximum for both domestic and international shipping.

[geo2061]

They can save a bit when the circumstances are right and you want  Priority Service with Zone Pricing - (imo) the greatest limitation is their size -

the A is a bit small (ID: 10 x 7 x 4.75)"

the B is larger (ID: 12+ x 10.4 x 5.25)"  but will usually cost more than straight Priority for my shipments.  

A great Plus of coarse is that the boxes are Free, can kick myself when i don't have one and the shipping price happens to be significantly lower than any other option.

[geo2061]

  i believe you Must use eBay Labels (or equivalent with Commercial Rates) to use Regional Boxes, Counter Service would require a Commercial Account to receive the lower rate.

- - Anyone - Please correct me if i'm wrong.

[nobody*s_perfect]

I think that postage for Regional boxes is available over-the counter.  The page in Notice 123 which shows the rates for the Regional boxes has a footnote that refers to a $2.30 "Additional fee if paid at retail."

http://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/dmm300/notice123.pdf

[pooh333piglet]

I would need to check at my post office to be sure it wasn't changed but the clerks did have the option for Rate A and B on their screen when paying at counter. I prepay online labels but I either gave people Rate A boxes when in the post office and they need a box or I also bring in a small pile of 5-7 at a time every so often for people to use and leave them there. My 2 nearby post offices also keep them on hand so when I need A or B of either size they have it. I keep a supply but for one reason or another need one at that moment. Or I also have mentioned to someone I see packing something small in a medium flat rate to ask for a Rate A. This is not every week and I dont stand there monitoring people mailing but they often look confused and the only person they see is me in the lobby farting around with my packages and I'll say something like...do you have a question about best way to mail? I get thanked over and over for saving them money. 

I have an addiction to Rate A. Generally the side loader but I recently used tons of the top loader A and was impressed with myself. I am such a great packer. I thank myself for being so smart and efficient cos hey someone's gotta do it.

[calntom]

If the shipment is over 2 lbs. and will fit into a Regional A box, there is money to be saved shipping USPS.

Also be checking on UPS rates when over 2 lbs and it won't fit into a Regional A box.  

I have not used the Regional B boxes aside for a handful of times over the years

[nobody*s_perfect · Accepted solution]

The regional boxes can be used anytime you can use Priority Mail, subject to the weight limits mentioned above.

Some of the available information about them, even some written by USPS, seems to imply that there are geographic limits, but that's not what "Regional" means.  You can ship a Regional box to any ZIP Code.  Apparently "Regional" is some odd way of referring to pricing which is based on zones but not on weight.

Generally the Regional A boxes can save you money for any package over 2 pounds, and Regional B for any package over 5 pounds. But I haven't checked this on the new rates that go into effect on Sunday.

[comics-scifi-collectibles]

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@gretchen5422 wrote:

it looks like the regional boxes can save some money on shipping but its so hard to find info on USPS to understand when you can use them. Do they only display as an option when printing a label only when they can be used or is ebay counting on me to know the rules on regional boxes? 

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@gretchen5422   One more thing to add is that you can now select regional A rate boxes on the shipping form when listing... but NOT regional B boxes.

I use a LOT of regional A boxes as I can ship up to about 27 comics in one of the longer ones, they come in a smaller square version too.     

[a*l**]

I can not find or choose A regional A rate box, it is not on my form for my listings. What am I missing ? I am pretty new to selling on ebay. 

[comics-scifi-collectibles]

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@a*l** wrote:

I can not find or choose A regional A rate box, it is not on my form for my listings. What am I missing ? I am pretty new to selling on ebay. 

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If you are using the quick listing form the option to select Regional A box in the shipping section is not available.  You would have to enter 2 pounds for the box weight.  Do NOT offer any international shipping as the weight won't be correct.  

Then when you purchase the label you select carrier-supplied packaging and the Regional Rate A box will be on the list.  

OR you can select switch to business form on the upper right-hand side of your draft then you will have the option to select a Regional A box on the listing form.

Let me know that answers your question.