The flat rate boxes that I ordered from USPS came in today. It’s free to order them. I used the flat rate service when I sent a package to my friend in California. It’s really convenient because it’s free to order the boxes online, pack the box, print the postage label right from your computer and the best part is to schedule a next day free pick-up.
It only takes $8.95 to send the flat rate box anywhere in the US and to military addresses overseas. You can send as much stuff as you want as long as the box closes properly.
With the dimensions 11″ X 8.5″ X 5.5″ and 11-7/8″ x 3-3/8″ x 13-5/8″, it’s enough to put several stuff in there for your college student, a gift for someone or something you sold on Ebay!
I ordered boxes for Christmas in mind. Although I haven’t shopped for anything yet, the boxes really come in handy once it’s time to send. I used UPS and FedEx ground before too but from the last experience the pick-up is only for businesses. If you aren’t sending FedEx express overnight or next day delivery, using their ‘free’ white boxes is expensive. For FedEx Ground, you have to use your own box so “go to the store problem arises.”
USPS uses FedEx for their Express Mail International. It just makes sense to use the existing high tech/highly efficient logistics network of FedEx. I still get a kick out of ‘watching’ the packages hop from one location to another through the tracking service.
$8.95 may sound alot to some people but if you consider your time going to the store, buying a box and then going back to the post office to have it weighed and getting a postage for it. By the time your are done, you must have spent $25+ worth of your time. You should just see the lines at the post office during the last days before Christmas.
I believe with advanced planning you can save a bundle in shipping and save yourself from the stress.
