Everything about the Priority Mail Shoe Box
This article will describe the story behind the new USPS Priority Mail Shoe Box. The article will also shows the measurements need to ship properly: first, the shoe box dimensions, and, second, the shoe box sizes.
The new USPS Priority Mail Shoe Box lets shippers simply slide in a boxed pair of shoes. It was rolled out to facilitate increased eCommerce.
The U.S. Postal Service introduced a Priority Mail Shoe Box this month. As a result, they hope to make it easier for retailers and customers to ship any brand or size of footwear.
More than 250,000 of these boxes have shipped since the product’s May 4 launch, a postal official said.
USPS designed the new box for footwear and clothing retailers, along with direct-to-customer businesses. The new Priority Mail Shoe Box lets shippers simply slide in a boxed pair of shoes. Subsequently, fulfillment takes place at sites in Hayward, Calif., and Plainfield, Ind.
Shoe Box Dimensions and Size for Priority Mail
The decoratively illustrated Priority Mail Shoe Box measures 7 1/2 by 5 1/8 by 14 3/8 inches. USPS designed it so that almost any brand and size shoebox will slide right in. Additionally, the box is durable and self-sealing. Finally, as with all Priority Mail packaging, it’s available at no extra cost to Priority Mail shippers.
New Service Driven by Increased eCommerce
The USPS said it is responding to the increased need for a convenient box to ship or return shoes.
With consumers buying more clothing and accessories through the mail, shoes are one of the hottest growing items in this category,” said Jim Cochrane, USPS manager for package services. “We worked with shoe manufacturers to design what we think is the perfect-sized box for any pair of shoes to slide right in and seal easily.”
USPS designed the box to meet the unique needs of eCommerce shoe shippers. Most fashion shoes will fit into this new packaging, including larger sizes. Additionally, the box can fit everything from a size five women’s shoe to a size 13 men’s shoe.
This product lets shippers provide more value to their customers given its low cost and the competitive direct-to-consumer market, the USPS said. It’s estimated that on average the box will ship for $4.05 to $6.05 coast to coast.
Volume Discounts and Custom Designs Available
Volume eCommerce shoe shippers — those generating $500,000 or more in revenue yearly — qualify for customized packaging solutions. These include co-branding and/or customized packaging in various sizes and shapes.
There is no extra fee for these services. Though a fee applies for logo colors if they are not postal red or postal blue, however.
One company using the boxes is New Balance North Jersey. Its website, aperfectdealer.com, ships 200 to 300 boxes daily of New Balance shoes — athletic and dress shoes — from its store in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.
Company owner Larry Gershberg currently is using the eCommerce boxes that are generally available. However, he said he has worked with the USPS to create a custom, co-branded box. It fits both large-sized athletic shoes (such as high tops for males size 17) and smaller ladies’ dress shoes. He ordered 10,000 of these boxes this month, he said.
“We think that having one large box that can accommodate all different sizes of shoes will make shipping easier for those of us who sell shoes by mail,” he said. “We love the look of the box and the convenience. Our plan is to move more of our business to the postal service because of its availability.”
The new box is available at www.usps.com/shippingsupplies in packs of 10 or 25. For larger orders, call 800-610-8734.
History of USPS Priority Mail
USPS Priority Mail was introduced in 1985 as part of USPS’s efforts to enhance its shipping services and provide customers with a competitive alternative to other parcel delivery services. The service was created to offer faster delivery times compared to standard mail while maintaining affordability. Over the years, it has undergone several enhancements and improvements to meet the evolving needs of customers and businesses.
Key Features of USPS Priority Mail
- Fast Delivery: USPS Priority Mail offers delivery within 1-3 business days, making it an attractive option for sending time-sensitive packages and mail. This speedy delivery timeframe ensures that items arrive promptly at their destination.
- Free Package Pickup: Priority Mail customers can schedule free package pickups from their homes or businesses, saving them time and effort in dropping off packages at a local post office.
- Tracking and Insurance: Priority Mail includes tracking and insurance coverage at no additional charge. Customers can monitor the status of their shipments and have peace of mind knowing that their packages are protected against loss or damage up to a certain value.
- Flat-Rate Options: USPS offers Priority Mail Flat Rate options, which allow customers to ship items in specially designed boxes or envelopes at a flat rate, regardless of weight or destination. This simplifies shipping costs and provides cost predictability.
- Delivery to PO Boxes: Priority Mail deliver to both residential addresses and PO Boxes, providing flexibility for recipients.
- Sunday and Holiday Delivery: In many areas, USPS offers Sunday and holiday delivery for Priority Mail packages, further improving delivery speed and convenience.
Benefits of USPS Priority Mail
USPS Priority Mail offers numerous benefits that make it a preferred choice for individuals and businesses alike:
- Affordability: Priority Mail is competitively priced, making it an economical option for shipping parcels, packages, and documents quickly.
- Versatility: Priority Mail can be used for various types of mail and packages, including letters, documents, merchandise, and gifts, making it a versatile shipping solution.
- Reliability: USPS has a strong track record of reliable delivery. Priority Mail’s 1-3 business day delivery window ensures packages reach their destinations promptly.
- Free Tracking: The inclusion of free tracking allows senders and recipients to monitor the progress of their shipments, reducing uncertainty and providing transparency.
- Insurance Coverage: Priority Mail includes insurance coverage up to a specified value, offering protection in case of loss, damage, or theft during transit.
- Convenient Pickup and Drop-off Options: Customers can schedule free package pickups or drop off Priority Mail shipments at local post offices, making the shipping process convenient and accessible.
- Flat Rate Options: Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes and envelopes offer simplicity and cost savings, particularly for heavier items.
Pricing
USPS Priority Mail pricing is based on several factors. These include the package’s weight, dimensions, destination, and the selected service level (e.g., Priority Mail Express). Pricing can vary depending on these factors, and USPS provides several pricing options to accommodate different shipping needs:
- Priority Mail Retail Pricing: This pricing is available at post office locations and online through USPS’s official website. Rates are based on the package’s weight and destination.
- Priority Mail Commercial Base Pricing: Businesses that use USPS-approved online shipping software or platforms may qualify for discounted Commercial Base Pricing. This pricing option can result in significant cost savings for frequent shippers.
- Priority Mail Commercial Plus Pricing: High-volume shippers who meet specific criteria can access Commercial Plus Pricing, offering even more significant discounts on Priority Mail shipments.
- Priority Mail Flat Rate Pricing: Flat Rate boxes and envelopes allow customers to ship items at a predetermined flat rate, regardless of weight or destination. This option provides cost predictability and convenience.
- Priority Mail Regional Rate Pricing: Regional Rate boxes are available for select regions and offer discounted rates based on the distance between the sender and recipient.
- Priority Mail Express Pricing: For customers requiring even faster delivery, Priority Mail Express is available at higher rates, offering overnight or 1-2 day delivery options.
It’s important to note that USPS periodically reviews and updates its pricing structure. Customers are encouraged to check the USPS website or consult with a postal representative for the most up-to-date pricing information.
USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Options
One of the distinctive features of USPS Priority Mail is the Flat Rate pricing option. This simplifies shipping costs and provides cost predictability for customers. Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes and envelopes are available in various sizes and can be used to ship items that fit within the selected container, regardless of weight, up to 70 pounds.
Some common Priority Mail Flat Rate options include:
- Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope: A standard-sized envelope designed for documents and small items.
- Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope: A larger envelope with padding for added protection.
- Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box: A small, rectangular box suitable for jewelry, electronics, and other small items.
- Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Boxes (Two Types): Two medium-sized boxes, one with a top-loading design and another with a side-loading design. These boxes are versatile and can accommodate a wide range of items.
- Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box: A large rectangular box ideal for shipping larger items and bulkier merchandise.
- Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate Box: Specifically designed for sending items to military addresses, these boxes are available in various sizes to accommodate different contents.
Priority Mail Flat Rate pricing is a convenient option for customers who want to simplify the shipping process and have a clear understanding of their shipping costs, regardless of the package’s weight or destination.
How to Use USPS Priority Mail
Sending packages and mail via USPS Priority Mail is straightforward and user-friendly:
- Prepare Your Package. Securely package your items in an appropriate container, such as a Priority Mail Flat Rate box or your chosen packaging.
- Address Your Package. Clearly label your package with the recipient’s name, address, and any necessary shipping labels or customs forms for international shipments.
- Calculate Postage. Determine the postage cost based on the weight, dimensions, and destination of your package. You can use the USPS website, a postal scale, or consult with a postal representative to calculate the postage.
- Choose a Priority Mail Option. Select the appropriate Priority Mail option based on your desired delivery timeframe and any specific service requirements (e.g., Priority Mail Express for overnight delivery).
- Add Insurance (if needed). Consider adding extra insurance coverage to protect valuable or fragile items during transit.
- Schedule Pickup or Drop-off. You can either schedule a free package pickup from your location or drop off your package at a local post office. Many post offices have self-service kiosks for drop-offs.
- Track Your Shipment. Take advantage of the free tracking included with Priority Mail. You can monitor your package’s progress online and receive updates on its status.
- Delivery Confirmation. Priority Mail shipments come with delivery confirmation, providing proof that the package was successfully delivered.
