frequently asked questions
large mailbox flat rate priority mail
q. why do we need a larger priority mail flat rate mailbox?
a. the new box will allow shippers of smaller items to consolidate shipments across multiple orders to save money and build customer loyalty.
q. what are the dimensions of the new large flat rate priority mail box?
a. The new box has internal dimensions of 12 inches x 12 inches x 5-1/2 inches and has 50 percent more capacity than the current flat rate box offering.
q. Can the new Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box be used for shipping to international destinations?
a. Yes. the new box can also be used for International Priority Mail™ shipments. There is a flat price for Canada and Mexico ($29.95) and a flat price for all other countries ($49.95). there is also a weight limit of 20 pounds for international shipments.
q. Does the new box still qualify for the 5 percent international priority mail discount when postage is paid online using the click-n-ship service or through an authorized pc postage provider?
a. Yes. If postage is paid via click-n-ship service or through an authorized computer postage provider, the Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box will receive the 5 percent discount for international destinations, just like all other international priority mail shipments where postage is paid online.
q. How will the store clerk know what price to charge when a customer presents a large priority mail flat rate box at the store counter?
a. the price will be selected from the terminal of the point of service (pos) according to the box and the destination postal code.
q. Since the Priority Mail Flat Rate Big Box is larger than any other express package offered, does this mean it may be subject to dimensional or lump-sum pricing?
a. No. Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box will not be subject to dimensional weight or lump sum charges.
q. is there a weight limit on the priority mail flat rate large box?
a. there is a weight limit of 70 pounds for domestic destinations. there is a weight limit of 20 pounds for the box destined for international destinations. Other restrictions may apply for apo/fpo addresses; see the article titled “Foreign Military Mail” published in each issue of the postal bulletin.
q. Can a customer use the free package pickup option on usps.com for Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box?
a. Yes. customers can schedule a free package pickup for this product.
q. Are customers required to use the priority mail apo/fpo flat rate mailbox to get the reduced military price?
a. No. The Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box, Priority Mail APO/FPO Large Flat Rate Box, or a custom version of the Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box will qualify for the reduced military price when shipped to an apo/fpo address. fpo .
q. Will customers get the lowest price for apo/fpo addresses if they use click-through or other online mailing methods?
a. Yes. special apo/fpo pricing will be available through all pc postage channels including click and ship.
q. for the new priority mail large flat rate mailbox, how will employees know if the correct rate is being paid when a customer uses “non-denominational” or concealed postage?
a. the printed label will include the text “lg flat rate box”.
q. where can customers order the new box?
a. customers can order the new box at www.usps.com; under “shipping tools,” click supplies. You can also order boxes by calling 800-610-8734 and asking for an operator. Boxes are free, available in packs of 10 or 25, and will be delivered directly to the customer’s home or business. Boxes will be available for order starting February 20, 2008. However, box prices will not be available until March 3, 2008.
q. Since the boxes will be available to order on February 20, 2008, can customers use the box before March 3, 2008?
a. Yes. however, they will be charged the zoned/weighted priority mail rate. Pricing for the new Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Mailbox and Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate Mailbox will be effective March 3, 2008.
q. why is there a separate price for apo/fpo addresses when considering national addresses?
a. The lower price, a discount for shipping to apo/fpo addresses, shows support for our troops, making it more cost effective to ship needed items.
q. Delivery confirmation service is free when Priority Mail is paid for online and when the label is printed online and paid for at the full service counter. is that changing?
a. In the very near future, the postal service will no longer offer the option to generate labels online that are also paid for online.
q. Does the postal service charge $2.00 postage when a recipient at an apo/fpo address has moved to a non-apo/fpo address when using the Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Drop Box?
a. yes.
express mail delivery on sundays/holidays
q. Will delivery of express mail items on Sundays/holidays be delivered to all zip codes?
a. No. Sunday/holiday delivery is available only for destination postcodes on the Sunday/holiday delivery list. zip codes are programmed into retail and online systems.
q. How will tag 25 apply for the Sunday/holiday delivery premium at automated postal centers (apcs)?
a. Labels produced online or at APC will contain text that reads “Guaranteed Sunday/Holiday Delivery” on the single ply label. Retail Associates will also tag 25 these items during the acceptance process, if possible.
q. What policies exist for small offices that do not deliver on Sundays/holidays?
a. only designated offices with Sunday/holiday delivery postcodes will have delivery on Sunday and holidays, as it is today. therefore, retail offices, as well as online and apcs, will not sell the Sunday/holiday delivery premium on parts destined for offices that are not listed.
q. Will the contracting stations be part of the automatic distribution of the express mail Sunday/holiday label (label 25) or will the contracting officer representatives (cors) need to order the labels for them?
a. Most Contract Postal Units (CPUs) will receive the Priority Mail Sunday/Holiday sticker in the initial distribution scheduled to begin on February 20, 2008.
q. Will there be any changes to the handling of second delivery attempts in express mail when the second delivery attempt is on a Sunday or a holiday?
a. items with a first try on a normal business day, such as a Saturday, will not be checked out for a second try on a Sunday or holiday.
q. Are international express mail items received for delivery from other countries eligible for Sunday/holiday delivery?
a. No. incoming international express mail items are not to be delivered on Sundays or public holidays. all incoming international express mail items must be delivered on normal delivery days only. reporting systems will be adjusted to reflect the normal delivery day as the scheduled delivery date.
q. Will an express mail item that is scheduled for delivery on Monday or the next normal business day but is available for delivery on a Sunday or holiday be taken out for delivery?
a. No. only express mail items that have premium rate postage and express mail manifest items need to be picked up for Sunday or holiday delivery. Without exceptions. failure to comply will greatly reduce the value of the Sunday/holiday delivery premium offer.
q. if an express mail item is scheduled for delivery on a day before a Sunday or public holiday, but is inadvertently delayed and does not arrive at the delivery unit until a Sunday or public holiday, if the item is delivered on a Sunday or a holiday, or will it be held for the next normal delivery day?
a. If the item received on a Sunday or holiday is late and is available for delivery, the postal service will attempt delivery on a Sunday or holiday to the zip codes on the Sunday/Holiday delivery zip code list at no additional cost to the sender.