USPS Flat Rate Priority Mail is a postal service that allows packaging up to 70 lbs to any destination within the United States at a single fixed cost, regardless of weight or distance. If the product fits USPS Flat Rate packaging, the price remains the same, whether you ship locally or nationally. In this guide, we describe how Priority Mail Flat Rate shipping works, flat-rate prices, box sizes, delivery times, and how Flat Rate Priority Mail is beneficial.
What is the USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Shipping?
It is considered a part of the Priority Mail. It allows you to ship the goods with a Flat Rate package provided by USPS at a fixed price, which does not depend on:
- Package weight (up to 70 lbs)
- Shipping zone or distance
- Drop off or pickup delivery services
This service makes shipping convenient and predictable. The price is only determined by the size of the box or the envelope.
How is Priority Mail Flat Rate Shipping Useful?
Below are the key benefits of this USPS shipping service:
- Equal freight charges across the country
- Quick Delivery within 2-3 business days
- USPS Tracking
- Up to $100 insurance (the majority of shipments)
- Free USPS Flat Rate boxes and envelopes
- Free Pickup of packages from home and offices
- No residential, rural delivery, fuel, or Saturday delivery charge.
How long does USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Shipping Take?
On average, the Priority Mail Flat Rate of the USPS takes 2-3 business days to reach the destination in the United States. Regardless of the distance of the destination, the speed of delivery is the same as that of regular Priority Mail. Flat Rate package shipped nationwide travels as quickly as a package shipped in the same state. Although all Flat Rate shipments are subject to USPS Tracking, the delivery date is not guaranteed.
The real arrival time may depend on the point of shipment, destination, and the time of delivery. Only with USPS Priority Mail Express is guaranteed delivery possible. Flat Rate shipping is also convenient, and the USPS provides a free Package Pickup at homes and businesses, eliminating the need to visit the Post Office.
Priority Mail Flat Rate Shipping Prices
Prices vary depending on the location of purchase of postage. Purchasing labels online with the help of USPS Click-N-Ship or shipping services platforms is usually cheaper than the Post Office.
Flat Rate Envelopes Prices
Flat Rate Boxes Prices
These rates may be discounted by 10- 26% when they are applied under commercial pricing.
Note: The prices of shipping from Virginia to New York are as high as those of shipping from Virginia to California. To qualify, you have to use USPS-branded Flat Rate packaging.
USPS Flat Rate Boxes: Weight, Size Limits, and Packaging Rules
Weight Limits
- Maximum weight: 70 pounds
- Covers all Flat Rate packaging
- Same limit irrespective of destination
When it fits and weighs less than 70 lbs, it is shipped at the Flat Rate price.
Packaging Requirement and Size Rules
If you use USPS-branded flat-rate boxes or envelopes, then:
- Package flaps must close normally.
- No alterations to the box.
- Nonstandard size charges are not applied to flat rate packages.
Using Your Own Box (Not Flat Rate)
If you do not use Flat Rate packaging:
- Price is based on weight + zone
- DIM weight may apply
- Size limits must be measured
Dimensional (DIM) Weight Rules
DIM pricing applies when:
- The package is over 1 cubic foot
- Formula: Length × Width × Height ÷ 166
In case the DIM weight exceeds the actual weight, then USPS charges the DIM rate.
Nonstandard and Extra Fees
Flat Rate package does not have such fees, whereas regular Priority Mail can have:
- $4.50 for long or unusual shapes
- $21.00 for packages over 30 inches
- $35.00 for packages over 2 cubic feet
- $15.00 for Live animals or perishables
These additional charges are not applied to flat-rate boxes.
Other USPS Shipping Services
- USPS International Priority Mail: This service is used for sending your shipments to other countries at an affordable price.
- USPS 2-Day Priority Mail: If an urgent delivery is required, use USPS 2-Day Priority Mail to deliver the package internationally.
Conclusion
USPS Flat Rate Priority Mail offers delivery in a short time, charges a fixed fee, free packaging, tracking, and insurance, without any concern for the distance or weight up to 70 pounds. It is most effective for USPS shipping for heavy and compact goods and long-distance transportation.
However, it is not necessarily the cheapest choice, particularly in the case of light or heavyweight deliveries. Under the USPS Flat Rate, you can track your packages and even have them refunded in case they do not arrive on time. In addition, you can use the shipping calculator to get cheap delivery rates.
