epoweryourlife
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posted on November 16, 2004 11:48:04 AM new
Flat rate Priority boxes come out Nov. 20. $7.70 a box. YEAH!!! I was told you could order online, but will check that out.
Teri
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replaymedia
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posted on November 16, 2004 12:27:35 PM new
What size are they?
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We do not stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing -- Anonymous
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niel35
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posted on November 16, 2004 02:38:25 PM new
better order now while they are free. I did.
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tomwiii
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posted on November 16, 2004 02:40:44 PM new
???
How can ya beat a FREE price of $7.70???
 
FDR gave America THE NEW DEAL...
JFK gave America THE NEW FRONTIER...
DUBYA gives America...THE FINGER!
http://tinyurl.com/6jdv5
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epoweryourlife
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posted on November 16, 2004 03:25:37 PM new
Tom, you CRACK ME UP! She said a square box and a long box. I know that's really helpful. LOL I can't see a place to order them yet.
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Kevinatgrannys
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posted on November 16, 2004 03:52:16 PM new
They will be 11 7/8 x 3 3/8 x 13 5/8 and 11 x 8 1/2 x 5 1/2. "Customers must pay a flat rate of $7.70 for items mailed in either box, regardless of weight. It's important to note that the boxes are NOT prepaid, so postage must be applied" Quoted from my postmaster.
Kevin
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tomford
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posted on November 16, 2004 04:14:56 PM new
The Postal Rate Commission approved the U.S. Postal Service's proposal for a two-year experiment to test two flat-rate Priority Mail boxes.
Approval came in a recommended decision issued Oct. 6.
The rate for the boxes is $7.70, regardless of package weight and destination. The USPS chose the rate for customer convenience: Two Priority Mail $3.85 stamps will cover the postage exactly, with no need to look up zone charts or weigh the parcel. Consumers or businesses, however, can put any type of stamps or meter strips on the boxes.
One box will be similar to a clothing gift box (14 x 12 x 3.5 inches) while the other will resemble a shoebox (11.2 x 8.75 x 6 inches). The dimensions give customers the same packing space with different shapes to choose from.
The flat-rate boxes would be available at post offices and on USPS.com.
In its proposal filed in June with the PRC, the USPS said that "by avoiding the need for mailers themselves to weigh and rate Priority Mail parcels, or to visit a post office to get such parcels weighed and rated, postal service customers can simply put an item or items in a box previously obtained from the postal service, apply the known postage amount and address appropriately [and] enter the piece into the mail."
The PRC decision requires approval by the USPS Board of Governors, which would choose an implementation date.
Though the USPS has not announced a launch date, it has said that it aims to get the boxes to consumers by the holiday season. The USPS also may launch an advertising campaign supporting the boxes during the holiday season.
The PRC decision said that "by providing a convenient additional option for using Priority Mail service, [the experiment] would introduce a desirable new feature that could enhance Priority Mail's value to users."
The filing also said the USPS "hopes to realize additional institutional cost contribution from new volume attracted by the convenience of the flat rate box, a desirable outcome from its perspective."
The PRC recommends additional language specifying that the proposed rate of $7.70 apply to flat-rate boxes with an internal capacity of 0.34 cubic feet.
"This change would incorporate the crucial physical dimension of the proposed classification, without restricting the [USPS'] ability to develop alternative designs with the same characteristic," the PRC said. "Additionally, this approach could accommodate flat rate boxes of other volumes that could be charged different rates, should the [USPS] choose to propose such additional products in the future."
If the USPS files a request to establish a permanent flat-rate box classification before the end of the two-year test, the experiment may be extended.
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niel35
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posted on November 16, 2004 04:22:57 PM new
I ordered the 0-Box 7 - 12 by 12 and also the o-Box4 - the smaller one.
no charge whatsoever
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niel35
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posted on November 16, 2004 04:24:21 PM new
here it is
http://shop.usps.com/cgi-bin/vsbv/postal_store_non_ssl/display_products/productCategory.jsp?cat=Business+Use&prodCat=/Shipping+Supplies/Business+Use/2.+Priority+Mail
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OhMsLucy
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posted on November 16, 2004 04:42:34 PM new
Hi all,
I just ordered a pack of each size.
For me, it will be a big help for packages over 2 pounds.
Because I'm in California, when I use Priority Mail I quote the Zone 8 rate of $8.55. For a 3 pound package, the $7.70 is a savings of only $0.85.
But I won't have to worry about that extra 1/2 an ounce pushing me up to the next rate, which is $10.35.
I like not having to buy a box too! 
Lucy
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ltray
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posted on November 16, 2004 04:50:48 PM new
Lucy, Neil,...Unless I missed something, you all just ordered regular Priority mail boxes. The new Flat rate boxes are not listed yet or at least I haven't seen them yet.
the O-box 4 and box 7 have been around for a long time. I use the 4 all the time. But it is not a flat rate box. You still have to weight the #4 and the #7.
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TnErnie
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posted on November 16, 2004 04:56:28 PM new
Is it just me....but I'm not seeing the new Flat Rate boxes at the link niel35 provided. All I see are the same boxes they've had for ages. The #07 and #04 are the same ones I'm currently using and they ARE NOT Flat Rate.
Am I missing something? ???
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TnErnie
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posted on November 16, 2004 04:58:03 PM new
Whew ltray .... Glad it isn't just me!
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OhMsLucy
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posted on November 16, 2004 05:04:02 PM new
Hi all,
I ordered by phone because I didn't see the new ones on the website either. The rep confirmed these are the new flat rate boxes.
He did say the order wouldn't go in until Saturday because they're not official until then.
Yes, the number 4 and 7 boxes are the normal ones I've been using for years.
Lucy
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buyhigh
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posted on November 16, 2004 09:02:49 PM new
Yes and the O-Box #4 7x7x6 accomodates a lot of item that weigh under a pound and if the box does weigh over 1 lb., the zone8 charge would only be $5.85. Cannot see that this one will be a flat rate box.
buyhigh
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ladyjewels2000
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posted on November 17, 2004 01:10:30 AM new
So if it weights 10 lbs it's still $7.70???
That's not bad on heavy items it will be great
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neglus
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posted on November 17, 2004 05:31:38 AM new
Does this mean USPS is letting up on Homeland Seurity. I have used the Flat Rate Envelope for years and got my package returned to me when I applied the $3.85 and placed in a mialbox. USPS said it had to be presented at the window because of security issues.
**********************************
"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "...holy sh@#...what a ride!"
http://stores.ebay.com/Moody-Mommys-Marvelous-Postcards
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OhMsLucy
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posted on November 17, 2004 06:55:02 AM new
Hi all,
I didn't order 4's and 7's, I asked for the new flat rate boxes, which is what the rep said he would send.
It will be a while before they get here but I'll post when they arrive.
Lucy
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leads
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posted on November 17, 2004 10:18:58 AM new
they are going to be a little larger than the current 12x15x4 it will be $7.70 for as much weight as you can cram in it shipped anywhere in the US GO POSTAL
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minniestuff
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posted on November 20, 2004 07:39:25 AM new
Just wanted to let everyone know that the Flat Rate Priority boxes can now be ordered on the USPS website. There is a minimum order of 10. Flat Rate Priority boxes have their own section now even though there are only two box sizes.
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tomwiii
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posted on November 20, 2004 08:41:55 AM new
Through dogged determination, Mr Boston Red Sox Ralph has sniffed it out fur ya here????
http://tinyurl.com/5vc2k
FDR gave America THE NEW DEAL...
JFK gave America THE NEW FRONTIER...
DUBYA gives America...THE FINGER!
http://tinyurl.com/6jdv5
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replaymedia
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posted on November 20, 2004 08:54:53 AM new
My local PO now has them out on the shelf to take.
Unfortunately, they're still pretty small. I can buy a brown box for $1.00 and ship almost anywhere by UPS for less than $7.70. From Ohio, UPS takes from 1-4 days tops to deliver from where I am.
Maybe if you sell bricks or lead weights this would be a good deal, but it's not the end-all-be-all solution for many of us.
--------------------------------------
We do not stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing -- Anonymous
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Kevinatgrannys
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posted on November 20, 2004 09:19:26 AM new
replay, You forgot those of use who sell rocks. You can get quite a bit in the shoe box sized one! Could save my customers quite a bit, make more sales....
Kevin
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ewora
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posted on November 20, 2004 10:28:28 AM new
order supplies by phone
1-800-527-1950 Menu 1 & 3
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minniestuff
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posted on November 21, 2004 07:46:33 AM new
Electronic and/or board games can sometimes be pretty heavy. I just received one with $10.00 postage from Nevada (I am in California) and it fit into the flatter rectangle box so these flat rate boxes would have helped me pay less postage. This time of year I always like to use Priority Mail for sending and receiving as the standard mail takes WEEKS.
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