How to Measure Items for Flat Rate Boxes

The United States Postal Service offers a convenient way to ship packages with their flat-rate shipping boxes. Specially marked boxes qualify for a flat shipping fee. Four different flat-rate boxes are available for domestic and international shipments. The only stipulation placed on this service is the item must fit inside the box completely, without changing the shape or the box. Pre-measure your items and determine the box you need to qualify.

Items needed

• Measuring tape


• Paper


• Pen


• Item being shipped


• Protective packaging

Instructions

1. Place the item you want to ship on a flat surface. Wrap breakable items in protective bubble wrap or foam. You must take packaging into consideration when measuring the item.


2. Measure the overall length, height and depth of the item. Write the measurement on a piece of paper. 


3. Look on the postal service website, usps.com, to determine the box that will hold your item. Choose from a small flat rate box: 8 5/8 inches by 5 3/8 inches by 1 5/8 inches, medium flat rate boxes: 13 5/8 inches by 11 7/8 inches by 3 3/8 inches or 11 inches by 8 ½ inches by 5 ½ inches, or a large flat rate box: 12 inches by 12 inches by 5 ½ inches.


4. Place your item in the box and fill voids with crumpled newspaper, peanuts or shredded paper. Close the box and secure the flaps. Make sure the box closes along the designated seams or you will need to choose a larger box. You can use tape to reinforce the flaps without changing the box’s shape.


5. Understand that the only weight restriction placed on flat-rate boxes is the box cannot exceed 70 pounds for domestic shipments and 20 pounds for international shipments. Use specially marked boxes for APO/FPO/DPO addresses.