Mail Class Page – Priority Mail Flat rate

Enjoy fast, simplified, and reliable shipping with Priority Mail Flat Rate® from USPS. Ship packages and envelopes up to 70lbs anywhere in the country. Get a specific package type and pay one flat rate, regardless of weight or distance.

USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Pricing for 2024

Description
Dimensions
Weight
Post Office™
Rate
Stamps.com
Rate
Good for…

Flat Rate Envelope

12 1⁄2″ x 9 1⁄2″

up to 70 lbs.

$9.85

$7.99

Documents,
Passports,
Manuscripts

Legal Flat Rate Envelope

15″ x 9 1/2″

up to 70 lbs.

$10.15

$8.27

Legal papers

Padded Flat Rate Envelope

12 1⁄2″ x 9 1⁄2″

up to 70 lbs.

$10.60

$8.74

Books,
Clothing,
Boxed jewelry

Small Flat Rate Box

8 11⁄16″ x 5 7⁄16″ x 1 3⁄4″

up to 70 lbs.

$10.40

$8.51

Brochures,
Small electronics

Medium Flat Rate Box – Top Loading

11 1⁄4″ x 8 3⁄4″ x 6″

up to 70 lbs.

$18.40

$14.38

Shoes,
Office supplies

Medium Flat Rate Box – Side Loading

14″ x 12″ x 3 1⁄2″

up to 70 lbs.

$18.40

$14.38

Shoes,
Office supplies

Large Flat Rate Box

12 1⁄4″ x 12 1⁄4″ x 6″

up to 70 lbs.

$24.75

$19.51

Gifts,
Laptop, Computers

APO/FPO Large Box

12 1⁄4″ x 12 1⁄4″ x 6″

up to 70 lbs.

$24.75

$17.70

Care packages to troops

Understanding Flat Rate

Rates

Weight

Shapes and Sizes

Rates

While Flat Rate pricing simplifies costs, making them more cut and dry, it can often be more expensive than necessary. Flat Rate typically benefits consumers more than businesses. Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes (including Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope and Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope) and the Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box are still typically a good deal, especially with a 17% off  Stamps.com discount.

Weight

All types of flat rate boxes have a weight maximum of 70lbs. This means you can pack any item into any box regardless of weight, as long as it fits in the box. This system advantages smaller, heavier items. 

Shapes and Sizes

Flat Rate packaging comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, from a Legal Flat Rate Envelope to a Large Flat Rate Box. The former is better for things like papers and documents, the latter can include any three dimensional item, like a laptop, that fits inside a 12 1⁄4″ x 12 1⁄4″ x 6″ box. There are nine different types of Flat Rate boxes and envelopes: see the table above.

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Pro Tips

What are the different types of Flat Rate Envelopes?
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Regular, Legal, and Padded

How does Flat Rate Pricing work?
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Flat Rate pricing allows you to ship packages to any domestic address at a fixed price, regardless of weight (up to 70 lbs) or distance. You must use designated USPS Flat Rate packaging (envelopes or boxes). This eliminates the need to weigh packages or calculate shipping costs based on distance.

What are the different types of Flat Rate Boxes
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USPS offers several types of Flat Rate boxes for Priority Mail, including small, medium, and large sizes, as well as padded and legal flat rate envelopes. These boxes allow you to ship items up to 70 lbs to any state at a flat rate price, regardless of weight or distance within the US.

How does USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate tracking work?
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USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate tracking works by providing a unique tracking number for each shipment, allowing both the sender and recipient to monitor its progress through the USPS system. This tracking information is updated in real-time as the package moves through different USPS facilities and is scanned at each stage.

How Long Does Flat Rate Delivery take?
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Flat rate shipping delivery times vary depending on the carrier and service selected, but generally range from 1 to 5 business days for domestic shipments. USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate is typically 1-3 business days. UPS Simple Rate offers various speeds, including within 5 days, within 3 business days, second day, and next day. FedEx One Rate also provides different delivery speeds, including next day, 2-day, and 3-day options.

Explain Flat Rate Pricing
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Flat rate pricing is a pricing strategy where a business charges a single, fixed price for a specific product or service, regardless of the time or resources required to complete the job. This provides customers with upfront cost clarity and can simplify the billing process.

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