Rules for Flat Rate Boxes

A trip to the post office should not be a time of complete and total confusion. Flat rate shipping is an easy to way to ship packages all over the world. Once you know all the rules and regulations you won’t have to worry about hidden fees, and going to the post office won’t have to be a dreaded chore.

1. Anything that can fit inside of the offered flat rate boxes can be shipped. There are small, medium and large flat rate boxes that are offered. Check usps.com for up-to-date pricing and sizing of flat rate boxes. Extra box lining, padding and secure packing are features offered to promote the security and care of your packages. Insurance of up to $500 is also offered in case of any damage to your packages occur.

2. There are often discounts offered if you are shipping to military personnel overseas. Addresses that include APO (Army post offices) or FPO (fleet post offices) are examples of military addresses overseas. Be sure to ask for any discounts or deals offered to deliver to these addresses.

3. Each package's weight limit is 70 pounds. In some cases, the product inside of the flat rate box will fit but will be too heavy to ship for the flat rate. Be sure to consolidate or simply obtain another flat rate box to ship your materials in. Your package will be weighed at the post office before it is shipped.

4. There must be no obstruction to the flat rate box; it must be able to close completely in order for it to be accepted for shipping.