I am planning on sending a gift to a friend for Christmas. However, he lived across the country. I am mailing a small picture frame and a card, and wanted to use a flat rate box. But, I've never used one before and I don't know much about them.. so here are my questions:
Where can I get a flat rate box?
(I did look this up, and found you could get them online. I attempted to do that but got confused in the process. If anyone knows how to order them online and could explain with detail, that'd be so helpful!)
Do I need a stamp for a flat rate box?
Can I mail a flat rate box at my local post office?
Can I get a flat rate box at my local post office?
It is important to me that my friend receives his present. Thanks!
Oh and if there is a better way to ship this, please share.
Flat rate boxes are free at the Post Office but require postage to be paid in order for it to be accepted and processed. The fee varies by the size of the box but you can ship anything that you can fit inside the box for one flat fee depending on the box size. Weight is not a factor if it fits inside the box. All flat rate boxes are shipped via express mail. Most people would agree that it is a very good way to ship.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) bases pricing of mail on a combination of size, weight, shape, destination, item valuation, and class of service selected.
If you go to a local Post Office branch, they will have the free flat rate boxes and envelopes available for customers. To secure the items being sent, suggest placing them into a sealable plastic bag, then placing this bag into the box or envelope selected for shipping. If you plan to take the items with you, get the box, and prepare the package for shipment all in the same trip, be sure to take sealing tape, paper to crush or foam peanuts to cushion/pad the items mailed, and scissors with you. None of these items will be available free for use from the Postal clerk.
Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope - $6.10 postage
USPS Supplied Padded Envelope - 12-1/2 inches L x 9-1/2 inches W
Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box - $5.95 postage
USPS-Produced Small Box - 8-5/8 inches L x 15-3/8 inches W x 1-5/8 inches D
Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box - $12.65 postage
USPS Supplied Medium Box - 13-5/8 inches L x 11-7/8 inches W x 3-3/8 inches D
USPS Supplied Medium Box - 11 inches L x 8-1/2 inches W x 5-1/2 inches D
By the way, you are correct about being able to order and have the Postal carrier delivery flat rate boxes and envelopes to your door. These packing materials are free, and must be used to get the USPS Flat Rate pricing. For only a single container, you need visit a local Post Office branch. But you can order a multi-pack of the packing materials needed and have the Postal carrier deliver them to your address. Because this is for a holiday gift, recommend visiting the local Post Office branch to get the required box since Christmas is fast approaching and the window for timely delivery slipping.
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Below are some examples of the postage costs to send a First-Class Mail Parcel padded envelope (sender supplied) from one United States location to another. Once the weight exceeds fourteen ounces for a padded envelope, the packed item is postage rated as a package. If the sender wants USPS Tracking for their First-Class Mail Parcel, they can add the option for $1.05 extra at the local Post Office when the parcel is mailed.
First-Class Mail Parcel
Customer supplied small padded envelope
one ounce - $2.32
two ounces - $2.32
three ounces - $2.32
four ounces - $2.50
five ounces - $2.68
six ounces - $2.86
seven ounces - $3.04
eight ounces - $3.22
nine ounces - $3.40
ten ounces - $3.58
eleven ounces - $3.76
twelve ounces - $3.94
thirteen ounces - $4.12
https://www.usps.com/
https://www.usps.com/ship/first-class-ma...
https://www.usps.com/ship/insurance-extr...
You will save a lot by packing it in your own box and having the exact correct postage calculated at the post office.
Apparently if you can accurately weigh the complete package you can buy postage online and have your computer print a label with it's own unique bar code. (Easier to go to a local post office)
http://postcalc.usps.com/
"Jake" gets the 10 points - xlnt answer
