In the course of this article, we would be looking at how the “if it fits it ships boxes” works, their sizes, and their pricing options.
If you are a USPS customer, you can go to the post office and pick up three “if it fits it ships” boxes for free. Also, there are paid options for these USPS priority mail boxes. These are boxes that give the USPS customer a lot of options for mailing a package, and then give some chance for those who usually ship higher density objects.
How USPS if it Fits its Ships boxes work
First off, it is important to note that these boxes are also known as USPS flat rate shipping boxes. They are the best cost effective option for your packages with the USPS. With the “if it fits, it ships” box, a customer can ship packages anywhere within 1 to 3 business days for a flat fee. Here are three practical steps to use the if it fits it ships box:
- Order for the flat rate boxes from the USPS. In order to get the flat rate shipping price, you would need to use the branded flat rate boxes. It is important to note that you can also order them online or grab them at your nearest local post office.
- Go to the USPS website to see the best rates on USPS flat rate shipping and then print your labels.
- Then find out the USPS flat rate box that is the cheapest option for you.
Breakdown of the price of USPS If it Fits it ships box prices and sizes
With this box type, you would get a free package pickup, USPS tracking, and up to $50 of insurance for most of your shipments. It is required that if you want to use an “if it fits it ships” box, the maximum weight should be 70 lbs. Also worth noting is that the maximum girth and length should be 108”.
Now let us delve into the prices and sizes of the “if it fits, it ships” boxes:
| Box type | Price of the Shipping box | Dimensions of the Box | The best use of the box type |
| Flat Rate envelope | $8.15 for its commercial price and $8.70 as the price in the post office. | 12 ½” x 9 ½ “ | It is best used for passports, manuscripts, and documents. |
| Small flat rate envelope | $8.15 for its commercial price and $8.70 as the price in the post office. | 10” x 6” | Best for gift cards, big greeting cards, and small documents. |
| Small flat rate box | $8.65 for its commercial price and $9.20 as the price in the post office. | Outside- 8 11/16″ x 5 7/16″ x 1 3/4″ Inside dimension– 8 5/8″ x 5 3/8″ x 1 5/8″ |
Best used for brochures and small electronics. |
| Medium flat rate box- 1(top loading) | $14.50 as the Commercial price and $16.25 as the price at the Post Office & Online | Outside dimension: 11 1/4″ x 8 3/4″ x 6″ Inside dimension: 11″ x 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ |
Best used for office supplies and shoes |
| Medium flat rate box- 2 (Sideloading) | The commercial price of this box is $14.50 while the price online or in the post office is $16.25. | Outside dimension: 14″ x 12″ x 3 1/2″ Inside dimension: 13 5/8″ x 11 7/8″ x 3 3/8″ |
Also best used for office supplies and shoes. |
| Large flat rate box | The commercial price is $20.05 and the price online or in the post office is $22.65. | Outside dimension: 12 1/4″ x 12 1/4″ x 6″ Inside dimension: 12″ x 12″ x 5 1/2″ |
Best used for laptops, gifts, and computers. |
| Large flat rate board game box | $20.05 and the price online or in the post office $22.65. | Outside dimension: 24 1/16″ x 11 7/8″ x 3 1/8″
Inside dimension: 23 11/16″ x 11 3/4″ x 3″ |
Best for shipping board games. |
| Prepaid Forever Priority Mail Flat rate packaging | Just costs $8.70 at the post office or on the USPS website. | Available in different sizes | Good for a wide variety of packaging options. |
| APO/FPO/DPO Flat rate box | Available at a commercial price of $18.55 and at the post office costs $21.15. | Outside dimension: 12 1/4″ x 12 1/4″ x 6″
Inside dimension: 12″ x 12″ x 5 1/2″ |
Best suited for sending gifts to American troops. |
Important things to know if you want to use “the If it fits it ships” boxes
It is important to bear in mind that the shipping of hazardous or prohibited materials is not allowed. If you want to send a gift or make any kind of shipment to the military post office, customs forms would be required. These boxes that are made available by the USPS help businesses to have speedy, secure, and affordable shipping.
Finally, flat rate boxes are at a flat rate if they are only used for flat rate shipping.
It is important to note that it is called “if it fits, it ships” because anything that you can fit into a priority mail box or envelope will be shipped by the USPS at a flat rate. As long as your package weighs under 70 pounds.
The only downside of this box is that you have to pay a set price, no matter how small your package is.