Shipping Made Affordable With UPS Flat Rate Boxes

Saving on shipping is one of the important aspects for every business from small to large or individual. You spend a lot of cash on shipping determining the package size, weight, and how big it is.

Especially the e-commerce sellers sending one product to customers require one perfectly fit sized box which takes their oversized packaging worry away as they don’t need to stock boxes of different sizes.

Taking this hassle UPS introduced a flat rate service known as “UPS Simple Rate” to bring convenience with a set price for every shipment across the USA meets reliability and simplicity.

Be smart and transform your shipping experience with UPS flat rate boxes - match your needs and allow you to send packages at a fixed cost.

Stay here with this guide to learn about the sizes, uses, and benefits of flat rate boxes offered by UPS to simplify your shipping costs.

What Are UPS Flat Rate Boxes

UPS flat rate boxes are shipping boxes that allow you to ship your package anywhere in the USA at a fixed price regardless of the weight or destination.

You will find these boxes in various sizes, from extra small to extra large. They aim to simplify shipping by offering straightforward and predictable costs.

With this flat rate service offered by UPS, you are sure what single price you’re paying for seamless delivery regardless of the weight not exceeding 50 pounds.

For individuals or businesses who tend to ship packages of varying weights and sizes without fluctuating shipping costs, these boxes are ideal.

UPS Flat Rate Box Sizes, Prices, and Uses

UPS flat rate boxes come in five different sizes from extra small to extra large. The box size is based on the volume. You have the liberty to choose your own box if you wish.

Every flat rate box in extra small to extra large size is perfect to hold and ship items. UPS does not offer UPS flat rate envelopes. But how long does flat rate shipping take? Available four shipping speed options by UPS are:

1. Delivery within five days
2. Delivery within three working days 
3. Second-day delivery
4. Very next-day delivery

Extra Small (1-100 cubic inches): Found in sizes 4 x 4 x 4, 6 x 4 x 4, and 8 x 6 x 2 costs $10.85. It is a good choice for shipping small items or gifts like a pair of glasses, t-shirts, ceramic mugs, or cellphones.

Small (101-250 cubic inches): Available in sizes 6 x 6 x 6, 8 x 6 x 5, and  12 x 9 x 2 costs $14.15. For electronics, hardcover books, jewelry, cosmetics, and tissue box shipping, this box is good to go.

Medium (251-650 cubic inches): Discovered in sizes 8 x 8 x 8, 12 x 9 x 6, and 13 x 11 x 2 costs $16.90. To ship clothing, underweight household items, shoes, and subscription box kits, this medium flat rate box size is an excellent choice.

Large (651-1,050 cubic inches): Available in sizes 10 x 10 x 10, 12 x 12 x 7, and 15 x 11 x 6 costs $22.30. If you have large electronic items, a 14-inch laptop, and large sports equipment, then going with a large flat rate box dimensions is sufficient.

Extra Large (1,051-1,728 cubic inches): Usable in sizes 12 x 12 x 12, 16 x 12 x 9, and 18 x 12 x 6 costs $27.60. Choosing an extra large box is ideal for bulky items, tennis rackets, and kitchen appliances.

Can I Use A USPS Box For UPS shipping?

 Can I ship a USPS Priority box with a UPS label? Is it possible to use USPS shipping bags for shipping through UPS? Can I use USPS moving boxes from UPS shipping? Several questions come to mind when you see the flexibility of using custom packaging offered by UPS.

It is not recommended. Because it is against UPS guidelines which can lead to delay, additional cost, or other complications if the USPS box size and weight do not match the UPS standards.

Also Read: Will UPS Take USPS Packages? The Insider's Guide

Perks of UPS Flat Rate Boxes

UPS flat rate boxes are particularly beneficial for e-commerce businesses or individuals who frequently ship single items. It allows them to pay a straightforward price, convenience, and flexibility to use custom packaging if they prefer. Here is how this smooth shipping process goes.

Predictability of Shipping Cost:

You are paying one price when you are shipping items within the package weight limit. No matter if the package weight is 3 ounces or 30 pounds, the price remains the same. This predictability allows shippers to calculate shipping costs upfront and avoid unexpected additional fees.

Simplified and Smooth Shipping Process:

The flat price structure simplifies your shipping process by taking this headache of complex calculations based on package weight, distance, and speed. It helps shippers to determine the shipping cost based on the box size which makes their order fulfillment process smooth.

Flexible Branded Packaging:

Unlike other carriers like USPS or FedEx, UPS offers custom packaging for brands at a simple rate. This flexibility wins the confidence of e-commerce sellers to use their own custom packaging and build their brand identity.

Volume Efficacy:

Choose UPS flat rate boxes most frequently lower flat rates. This benefits many businesses or individuals who ship similar-dimension items. They use standard packaging which reduces their worry about managing different-sized boxes.

Insurance Coverage:

All UPS flat rate boxes come under insurance coverage of up to $100 which gives shippers peace of mind that their package is 100% safe against any loss or damage during shipment.

UPS vs USPS vs FedEx: Which One Is Better

Three carriers UPS, USPS, and FedEx are offering flat rate options. However, there are significant differences between them. It all depends upon your shipping needs like what and where you want to ship. This decides which carrier is the most suitable to meet your needs.

UPS (United Parcel Service) is known for its reliable and ground-based delivery services. It is efficient logistics for domestic and international shipments. For delivering heavy packages and high-value items, it is ideal.

USPS (United States Postal Service) offers the most economical options. A good option particularly for domestic shipping smaller packages and mail with benefits like weekend deliveries and PO Box services.

FedEx is expensive and excels in express shipping with fast, guaranteed delivery times. Its strong tracking options make it ideal for urgent or perishable goods, and liquor.

Each courier service provider has its strengths. The best choice depends on factors such as delivery speed, cost, and the nature of the shipment.

Conclusion

Today, flat rate shipping is not a riddle as its secrets are unlocked. With this guide, we have tried our best to cover many things to help you understand the basics and benefits of this flat rate service by comparing it with other shipping service providers to minimize your shipping-related hassle and help your business smoothly manage its shipping.

If you need shipping boxes in small to large sizes to pack your fragile to heavy-duty items, connect with Custom Product Packaging to streamline your business and make your shipping box ready. We are just one message away from you. Email us at order@customproductpackaging.com. We are here to assist you and provide exceptional service.

FAQs:

Q1: What does flat rate shipping mean?
Ans: Flat rate shipping refers to paying a fixed amount of shipping cost regardless of the weight, shape, and size of the package. The shipping providers have their own concept of offering flat-rate shipping. Here’s a quick rundown.

Q2: Can you ship priority mail in any box?
Ans: Yes, you can ship Priority Mail in any box when it meets USPS size, weight, and packaging requirements.

Q3: Is it cheaper to use a flat rate box or your own box?
Ans: It depends based on the weight and size of your box. Flat rate boxes are cheaper for heavy or bulky items. If you use your own box, it may be cheaper for lighter, smaller shipments not for heavier products.

Q4: How does click and ship work?
Ans: USPS offers this Click-N-Ship service. It allows you to create and print USPS shipping labels online. You just enter shipment details, pay for postage, and print the label. Once the label is printed, paste it on the package.

Q5: Does UPS have flat rate boxes?
Ans: Yes, UPS offers flat rate boxes (known as simple rate) in which you pay a fixed shipping cost regardless of weight of 50 lbs.