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Priority Mail Flat Rate is a popular service offered by USPS. The idea behind this service is that if you can fit something into a Flat Rate envelope or box, the price you pay is fixed (or “flat”). The rates of this service don’t fluctuate based on how much your parcel weighs or where it’s going, which makes Flat Rate a popular USPS service amongst shippers throughout the country. Here’s everything you need to know about USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate.
USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate: The Breakdown
- Delivery occurs between 1-3 business days anywhere in the United States
- Free door-to-door tracking included
- Maximum weight allowed is 70 pounds
- $100 of built-in USPS insurance included (with Commercial Pricing rates)
- $50 of insurance included when you buy postage the Post Office
- USPS offers free boxes and envelopes for Priority Mail Flat Rate that you need to use
- You CANNOT use generic boxes or your own custom-branded packaging
The Different Kinds of Flat Rate Packaging
The main thing you need to know about Priority Mail Flat Rate is that it comes with several different types of packaging that you can use. Each type of packaging is priced differently, and you can ship up to 70 pounds in each of them. We’ve listed out the different types of Flat Rate boxes and envelopes below:
- Flat Rate Envelope
- Legal Flat Rate Envelope
- Padded Flat Rate Envelope
- Small Flat Rate Box
- Medium Flat Rate Box
- Large Flat Rate Box
- APO/FPO/DPO Large Flat Rate Box
Pro Tip: Always make sure you pay for the specific service marked on your USPS branded box. If you don’t, USPS will charge you later for the proper service at the Retail rate. This is a common mistake that beginning shippers make, and it can hit your wallet pretty hard if you’re not careful!
Priority Mail Flat Rate Pricing Table (Commercial Pricing)
The following table is a complete pricing chart for Priority Mail Flat Rate as of 2020. The table reflects USPS Commercial Pricing rates, the deepest level of discounts that you can only get with online shipping software solutions. The Retail Rate for Priority Mail Flat Rate—what you’ll pay at the Post Office—can be up to 12% more expensive.
| Flat Rate Package Type | Commercial Pricing Rate (What you'll pay with shipping software) |
|---|---|
| Flat Rate Envelope | $7.15 |
| Legal Flat Rate Envelope | $7.45 |
| Padded Flat Rate Envelope | $7.75 |
| Small Flat Rate Box | $7.65 |
| Medium Flat Rate Box | $13.20 |
| Large Flat Rate Box | $18.30 |
| APO/FPO/DPO Large Flat Rate Box | $16.80 |
If you’d like to see the full pricing chart for all Priority Mail Flat Rate services up to 70 pounds, visit USPS’ website.
Last Updated:
Charlie
The last two times I uses a priority mail flat rate envelope the USPS charged me an extra 2 bucks after the delivery was made and said they changed the weight (which went lower) and the service to regular priority mail. But they don’t explain why. Does anybody know why?
Judy Harnack
Also it asked for my credit card and I gave it what is going on please don’t like my information out there if not protected
Judy Harnack
I tried to get on pricing and postage for a flat rate priority mail box when thru the whole thing to sign up so I could it in the future all request for information were filled and no stoppages But I did not get to use it What Help please
David Vallaire
Hi, Can you use forever stamps to mail a Priority Mail Flat Rate® Envelope – EP14F.
And, if so, where do you place the stamps?
Terry
Can I request USPS flat rate envelopes delivered to your home?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Terry, you absolutely can! Just order them on the USPS website – they’re totally free, and USPS will deliver them right to your home. You can pick them up one by one, or order them in packs of 10. Here’s a link for you to get them: https://store.usps.com/store/product/shipping-supplies/priority-mail-flat-rate-envelope-ep14f-P_EP_14_F