How to pick your USPS box type

When creating a USPS shipping label, you’ll select the box type to ensure we list an accurate shipping rate. With so many options, it can be overwhelming! Here are the most commonly used package types in Ordoro.

Note: Ordoro offers USPS shipping rate discounts – up to 40% off. See details about our steeply discounted rates.

Package types

  1. Parcel
  2. Flat Rate Envelope
  3. Small Flat Rate Box
  4. Medium Flat Rate Box
  5. Large Flat Rate Box
  6. Regional Rate Box A
  7. Regional Rate Box B

Parcel

  • This is the most popular box type and is used for non-USPS branded boxes.
  • Any box/bag/padded envelope you source yourself can be considered a parcel.
  • Length plus girth (i.e. circumference) cannot exceed 108 inches.
  • See this help article on how to calculate girth and length of a package using parcel dimensions
single-wall-boxes

Flat Rate Envelope

  • For Priority Mail only.
  • Size: 12.5″ x 9.5″
  • When sealing a Flat Rate Envelope, the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds.
  • 70 lb weight limit for domestic shipments, 4 lb weight limit for international
  • Domestic Priority delivery within 1-3 business days

Small Flat Rate Box

  • For Priority Mail
  • Size: 5-7/16″ x 8-11/16″ x 1-3/4″
  • This is about the same size and shape as three stacked DVD cases
  • It is perfect for jewelry, electronics, event tickets, or other small items that need expedited shipping
  • 70 lb weight limit for domestic shipments, 4 lb weight limit for international
  • Domestic Priority delivery within 1-3 business days

Medium Flat Rate Box

  • For Priority Mail
  • There are two sizes
    • Top loading box: 11.25″ x 8.75″ x 6″
    • Side loading box: 12″ x 3.5″ x 14-1/8″
  • 70 lb weight limit for domestic shipments, 20 lb weight limit for international
  • Domestic Priority delivery within 1-3 business days

Large Flat Rate Box

  • For Priority Mail
  • Size: 12.25″ x 12.25″ x 6″
  • 70 lb weight limit for domestic shipments, 20 lb weight limit for international
  • Domestic Priority delivery within 1-3 business days

Regional Rate Box A

  • For Priority Mail
  • Pricing for Regional Rate Boxes is zone-based. There are 9 zones in the US and the rates are based on the distance from the original package location to the delivery destination.
  • Regional Rate boxes are best used for small, dense packages being shipped short distances.
  • There are two sizes
    • Top loading box A1: 10-1/8″ x 7-1/8″ x 5″
    • Side loading box A2: 11-1/16″ x 2.5″ x 13-1/16″
  • 15 lb weight limit for domestic shipments
  • Domestic Priority delivery within 1-3 business days

Regional Rate Box B

  • For Priority Mail
  • Pricing for Regional Rate Boxes is zone-based. There are 9 zones in the US and the rates are based on the distance from the original package location to the delivery destination.
  • Regional Rate boxes are best used for small, dense packages being shipped short distances.
  • There are two sizes
    • Top loading box B1: 12.25″ x 10.5″ x 5.5″
    • Side loading box B2: 14.5″ x 3″ 16.25″
  • 20 lb weight limit for domestic shipments
  • Domestic Priority delivery within 1-3 business days

For more information on USPS box types and ship methods, please visit USPS.com.