The U.S. Postal Service has introduced new Regional Flat Rate Priority Mail Boxes for shippers who print their postage and shipping labels online, either from the USPS.com click n ship program or from a PC postage vendor such as stamps.com, endicia.com, etc. Priority Mail Regional Flat Rate Boxes are a low-cost shipping alternative for either Priority Mail or Merchandise Return Service. This service combines the speed and convenience with pricing depending on the delivery destination zip code. Regional Flat Rate Boxes are best utilized for small, dense packages being shipped short distances that need to arrive in 2-3 days, postal officials say.

Box “A” boxes-either side loading or top loading-can weigh up to 15 pounds.

Box “B” boxes-either side loading or top loading-can weigh up to 20 pounds.

Specific size information for these boxes is available on usps.com or by calling 800-610-8734.

The USPS-produced Priority Mail Regional Flat Rate Box must be used to qualify for Regional Rate Box prices. Priority Mail Regional Flat Rate Boxes must not exceed the maximum weight requirements and cannot be taken to a USPS Post Office for acceptance. These boxes are for online postage payment only. The boxes can be ordered from the usps.com website or by calling 1-800-610-8734.

For example, a package to Ohio from Florida weighing 15 pounds or less in a regional rate A box would cost $7.83 for postage as compared to $10.50 for a medium flat rate Priority box. Both boxes offer free delivery confirmation and are approximately the same size. It is always a good idea to compare your shipping options on usps.com by selecting the calculate postage option in the red bar at the top of the home page.

To schedule a presentation for your community, club or group on how the Postal Service brings the Post Office to your home or office computer, call 239-573-9638.