USPS Flat Rate Box Sizes, Prices, and How it Works
Editors note: This blog was last updated February, 2024.
USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes are an easy-to-use, cost-effective shipping option. You can easily ship like the experts; just know the USPS Flat Rate box sizes, prices, and how it works before you buy.
How Does USPS Flat Rate Shipping Work?
The USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate service will ship your package anywhere in the U.S. in 1-3 business days for a flat fee. To ship with this service, follow these easy steps:
What are the 2024 USPS Flat Rate Box Sizes and Prices?
As you’ll see below, Shippo offers discounted shipping rates when compared to what you’d find at your local Post Office. No volume or coding requirements. On top of this, Shippo merchants get access to special pricing on Priority Mail Flat Rate services during peak season. Sign up for a free Shippo account, to see live discounted rates and print USPS labels for Flat Rate Boxes.
Some notes to take into account when choosing which Flat Rate options to choose:
- Flat Rate Envelope: Best for 1-70 lbs
- Legal Flat Rate Envelope: Best for 2-70 lbs
- Padded Flat Rate Envelope: Best for 2-70 lbs
- Small Flate Rate Box: Best for 1-20 lbs AND zones 5-9 as well as 21-70 lbs (all distances)
- Medium Flat Rate Box: Best for 3-20 lbs AND zones 7-9 as well as 21-70 lbs (all distances)
- Large Flat Rate Box: Best for 5-20 lbs AND zones 8-9 as well as 21-70 lbs (all distances)
- APO/FPO/DPO Large Box: Best for 1-70 lbs
We'll walk through these examples a little further below.
Is Priority Mail the Same as Flat Rate?
USPS Priority Mail is one of the most popular service levels the Postal Service offers, and for good reason. It’s cost-effective and encompasses three widely-used shipping options: Priority Mail Flat Rate (which we discussed above), Priority Mail weight-based, and Priority Mail Cubic.
To ship via Flat Rate, you need to use the Flat Rate branded boxes. To use Cubic and weight-based options, you must use your own packaging or USPS Priority Mail boxes.
Which is Cheaper: Flat Rate or Priority Mail?
Generally speaking, the USPS Flat Rate boxes are a great option for heavy items that are traveling long distances. We ran the numbers to find out exactly when you should use a Flat Rate box and when you should use your own packaging and ship via USPS Priority Mail weight-based or Cubic instead.
When to Use USPS Flat Rate Envelopes
- USPS Flat Rate Envelopes are almost ALWAYS the cheapest option.
- However, use your own envelope for packages weighing exactly 1 lb. and traveling locally.
- And if your package weighs less than 1 lb., use your own envelope and ship via USPS First-Class Package Service.
Use your own envelope (NOT a Flat Rate envelope) for the following scenarios:
When to Use USPS Flat Rate Boxes
- For 1 – 20 lb. packages, choose Flat Rate for long distances and your own box for short distances.
- For <1 lb. packages, use your own box and ship via USPS First-Class Package Service.
- For >20 lb. packages, use a Flat Rate box.
Use your own box (NOT a Flat Rate box) for the following scenarios:
Keep in mind that the maximum weight is 70 pounds. And, when sealing a Flat Rate envelope or box, the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds.
Is Priority Mail (Weight-based) or Flat Rate Faster?
Technically speaking, they are all part of the Priority Mail mail stream, so they all ship within 1-3 business days.
Are There Any Other Restrictions?
There are specific regulations and standards for mailing restricted, prohibited, and hazardous materials, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. You also can’t ship airbags, ammunition, explosives, or gasoline. For more details, visit the USPS Shipping Restrictions page.
How Do I Get a USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Label?
Setting up a free Shippo account takes just a few minutes, and then you can print the label from your office or warehouse. (Feel free to check out our USPS shipping calculator to get a clearer picture of how you can save on USPS shipping rates by using Shippo.) Affix the label to the USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate box. Then, put it in your mailbox or schedule a pick-up with your local mail carrier in the Shippo dashboard.
Make sure the label you’re using matches the packaging. For example, if you use a Priority Mail Express Flat Rate box, you need to use a Priority Mail Express Flat Rate label.
If you liked this post, you may also be interested in a video that our co-founder Laura Behrens Wu did with the co-founder of packaging solution company Lumi on shipping with the USPS.
Shippo is a multi-carrier API and web app that helps retailers, marketplaces, and platforms connect to a global network of carriers. Businesses use Shippo to get real-time rates, print labels, automate international paperwork, track packages and facilitate returns. Shippo provides the tools to help businesses succeed through e-commerce shipping.
