USPS Priority Mail Package vs. USPS Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box etc.

[1aufoxx]

When shipping out an item the default is USPS Priority Mail Package or Envelope, but I see other options. Is the USPS Priority Mail Package/Envelope a catch all or do I have to pick the specific box Im using (small, medium, large)? 

[sam9876]

 You don't have to specify.

[buyselljack2016]

@1aufoxx

Your label must match the box/envelope being used if using flat rate.

If a "flat rate" box it must have flat rate postage label.

Flat rate label can not be used on a non flat rate box.

Flat rate label must match the "flat rate"  size being used.

Non flat rate you have choice of package/envelope,  or large package (any dimension over 12")

[1aufoxx]

But

---

@buyselljack2016 wrote:

@1aufoxx

Your label must match the box/envelope being used if using flat rate.

If a "flat rate" box it must have flat rate postage label.

Flat rate label can not be used on a non flat rate box.

Flat rate label must match the "flat rate"  size being used.

Non flat rate you have choice of package/envelope,  or large package (any dimension over 12")

---

But there is none specified in USPS Priority Mail. It just says "USPS Priority Mail"

[nobody*s_perfect]

---

@1aufoxx wrote:

When shipping out an item the default is USPS Priority Mail Package or Envelope, but I see other options. Is the USPS Priority Mail Package/Envelope a catch all or do I have to pick the specific box Im using (small, medium, large)? 

---

Use the general "catch all" option unless you are using one of the specific USPS Priority Mail boxes that actually says "Flat rate" or "Regional" on it.    

Do NOT choose small, medium, or large for a regular box. Those are only for the specific boxes that have  "flat rate" printed on them.

[1aufoxx]

---

@nobody*s_perfect wrote:

---

@1aufoxx wrote:

When shipping out an item the default is USPS Priority Mail Package or Envelope, but I see other options. Is the USPS Priority Mail Package/Envelope a catch all or do I have to pick the specific box Im using (small, medium, large)? 

---

Use the general "catch all" option unless you are using one of the specific USPS Priority Mail boxes that actually says "Flat rate" or "Regional" on it.    

Do NOT choose small, medium, or large for a regular box. Those are only for the specific boxes that have  "flat rate" printed on them.

---

Above are the ones USPS sent me in the mail. I would guess those are the specific boxes youre referencing? 

[nobody*s_perfect]

---

@1aufoxx wrote:

---

@nobody*s_perfect wrote: ... Do NOT choose small, medium, or large for a regular box. Those are only for the specific boxes that have  "flat rate" printed on them.

Above are the ones USPS sent me in the mail. I would guess those are the specific boxes youre referencing? 

---

Does "above" mean regular boxes or flat rate boxes? I referred to both types.

 If the boxes say flat rate on them, then you should purchase labels for flat rate. (Even if regular rate would be cheaper.)

[1aufoxx]

---

@nobody*s_perfect wrote:

---

@1aufoxx wrote:

---

@nobody*s_perfect wrote: ... Do NOT choose small, medium, or large for a regular box. Those are only for the specific boxes that have  "flat rate" printed on them.

Above are the ones USPS sent me in the mail. I would guess those are the specific boxes youre referencing? 

---

Does "above" mean regular boxes or flat rate boxes? I referred to both types.

 If the boxes say flat rate on them, then you should purchase labels for flat rate. (Even if regular rate would be cheaper.)

---

Sorry. Meant to attach a picture. Here: 

[jawe-4215]

Yes, that would be the medium choice

[lex-talon]

Correct.

[disneyshopper]

I am in California.  Most of my items weigh 2 pounds or less, so shipping using regular Priority Mail which is priced by weight and distance to the buyer is less expensive than using the majority of the Priority Flat Rate boxes.  If I were to ship heavier items and there is a flat rate priority box that would fit (such as the Medium or Large flat rate priority box) then I would use that.

Occasionally my items might fit into a Priority Padded Flat Rate envelope, which eliminates the weight of the box, so I might use that to ship.

[7606dennis]

I would select USPS Priority Mail.  If the item can then ship for less in PM Flat Rate box you can ship it in one of those and still be providing the service promised.

[sam9876]

Bingo!

[johnrj1226]

We  have shipped 1521 items since 2010,  all via USPS and  95%  via priority mail service, most of our items are in the 2 lb. range, items like clothing, footwear, hand bags and  some odds & ends) and occasionally  and item or two in the 4 to 5 lb. range and a fair number of items less than a pound. 

We  very seldom ship via Priority  medium or large flat rate. 

We live in Georgia  (Atl. area)and about 45% of our sales go to the far  western states - California, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, etc.   Most of our shipments are via standard Priority mail boxes (USPS has a lot of various sizes of Priority Mail boxes you can order for  free), some  small flat rate boxes, a bunch of padded flat rate  envelopes and lots of Regional Rate boxes, primarily Regional A and just a few Regional B.  For light weight items (less than 1 lb.)  First  Class Package is  a good thing - you have to furnish the shipping box/envelope and there is no "free" insurance coverage as you get with priority mail.

We only ship to  all 50 US states and US protectorates - like Puerto Rico, Guam, etc.  Do not sell any thing big and bulky -  sell  stuff that will fit into a standard size Priority Mail box -  don't want to get involved  in exceeding the cubic size and girth  size  surcharges which  can be  significant.

On January 27, 2019 USPS will change their pricing schedule ( i.e. increase prices and/or reduce discounts and other changes).  For example the First Class Package prices will change from one price to all  50 states to a zone base price schedule - I suspect this will mean a price increase - I personally haven't  taken the time to  digest the USPS 2019 price changes but it will be for real -  happens just like clock work  every January.  BTW  first  class stamps are increasing from 50  cents to 55 cents - buy 'em now if you need them as  they are  good "forever" - unless USPS changes their mind.

Hope this helps - ask questions will  get  back to you or some other member(s) might offer helpful advice.

Ciao! & Pura Vida! (Life is pure/good if you are in Costa Rica)