Mailing A Standard Plastic Box: What's The Cost?

The cost of mailing a standard plastic box will depend on the weight and size of the box, as well as the delivery service used. USPS offers a range of services, including First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and ground shipping, each with different rates and delivery times. Insurance coverage is also available for an additional cost.

First-class mail prices

First-class mail is an affordable service for standard-sized, single-piece envelopes weighing up to 3.5 oz and large envelopes weighing up to 13 oz. Prices start at $0.73 at a Post Office.

Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes or Boxes are available in standard sizes, so you don't need to worry about measuring them. When sealing a Flat Rate Envelope or Box, the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. You pay for your package based on how much it weighs and how far it’s going (the zone). The maximum weight is 70 lbs.

You can also save money by shipping packages by ground, with expected delivery in 2-5 business days. This is also the primary option for HAZMAT items that can't travel by air.

Insurance coverage is provided against loss, damage, or missing contents and is limited to a maximum liability of $100 when the pieces bear an Intelligent Mail barcode (IMpb) or USPS retail tracking barcode and the mailer pays retail or commercial prices.

Priority mail flat rate

The cost of mailing a standard plastic box will depend on its weight and the distance it needs to travel (the zone). USPS offers Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes or Boxes that come in standard sizes, so you don't need to worry about measuring them. The maximum weight is 70 lbs, and the maximum combined length and girth (girth is the distance around the thickest part) is 108 inches.

When sealing a Flat Rate Envelope or Box, ensure that the container flaps can close within the normal folds. You will need to pay for your package based on its weight and how far it is going (the zone).

Priority Mail is a cost-effective option for sending packages that need to arrive quickly. USPS also offers First-Class Mail, which is an affordable option for standard-sized, single-piece envelopes weighing up to 3.5 oz and large envelopes weighing up to 13 oz. Prices for First-Class Mail start at $0.73 at a Post Office.

Insurance coverage is provided against loss, damage, or missing contents and is limited to a maximum liability of $100 when the pieces bear an Intelligent Mail barcode (IMpb) or USPS retail tracking barcode, and the mailer pays retail or commercial prices. You can also buy additional insurance coverage of up to $5,000.

Insurance coverage

When sending a standard plastic box, it is important to consider insurance coverage in case of loss, damage, or missing contents. USPS offers insurance coverage of up to $100 for packages with expected delivery in 2-5 business days, provided the package bears an Intelligent Mail barcode (IMpb) or USPS retail tracking barcode, and the mailer pays retail or commercial prices. If you require additional insurance coverage, you can purchase it up to $5,000.

To ensure your package is covered, it is important to follow the guidelines set by the shipping carrier. For USPS, this includes using Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes or Boxes that come in standard sizes, ensuring the container flaps can close within the normal folds, and measuring your package to meet the size standards. The maximum combined length and girth (girth being the distance around the thickest part) is 108 inches, and the maximum weight is 70 lbs.

Additionally, it is worth noting that certain items, such as HAZMAT items, may have specific requirements or restrictions. For example, HAZMAT items cannot travel by air and must be shipped by ground.

By understanding the insurance coverage options, following the shipping guidelines, and being aware of any restrictions, you can ensure your standard plastic box is adequately covered during transit.

Delivery times

When it comes to delivery times, USPS provides expected delivery dates that are typically 1, 2, or 3 business days. These estimates are based on the origin and destination of the package, as well as the drop-off time. If you need your package to arrive sooner, you can opt for Priority Mail, which offers faster delivery at a higher cost.

Additionally, USPS offers ground shipping as a cost-effective option for packages that are not time-sensitive. Ground shipping typically takes 2-5 business days for delivery. This option is also suitable for HAZMAT items that cannot travel by air.

It's important to note that delivery times can be affected by various factors, such as weather conditions, traffic, and the volume of packages being delivered. Delays can also occur during peak seasons, such as the holidays, so it's always a good idea to allow for some flexibility in your expected delivery time.

To ensure timely delivery, it's recommended to use a tracking service, such as Certified Mail, which provides delivery confirmation. This way, you can monitor the progress of your package and have peace of mind knowing its expected arrival time.

Package weight

The cost of mailing a standard plastic box will depend on its weight, size, and how far it's travelling. For example, USPS's Priority Mail Express service determines the price based on the weight and distance the piece travels, except for items mailed in USPS-provided Priority Mail Express Flat Rate packaging.

USPS's Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes or Boxes come in standard sizes, so you don't have to worry about measuring them. The maximum weight for these is 70 lbs. and the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. You'll need to measure your package to make sure it meets the size standards. The maximum combined length and girth (girth is the distance around the thickest part) is 108 inches.

For First-Class Mail, the shape and weight will determine the price. For Priority Mail, the price is a combination of weight, size, and how far the mailpiece is travelling.

For Library Mail and Media Mail, the price is determined only by weight, regardless of how far the mailpiece travels.

For Nonmachinable letters and flats that weigh more than 4 ounces, the price is determined by adding the per-piece charge and the corresponding per-pound charge.

You can use the USPS Shipping Calculator to input shipping cost factors such as destination, zip codes, dates, service level, and weight to compare prices and delivery times.

Frequently asked questions