Sorry, I know I saw this on a board but can't find it. What is the best way to send packages? Best can mean most inexpensive or fastest depending on what is being sent. I know that the Post Office has a box that you can fill to the brim and send out for $10. Any other suggestions? Thanks USMMA family.
Packages
- Thread starter Mindy G
- Start date
After all is said and done, our USPS flat-rate boxes work great from NC (2 days-time... I mail on Wed, he gets it out of his box on Fri). You're closer -- might even trim off a whole day if you're lucky.
Remember , USMMA boxes are NOT USPS boxes...
They get a big bulk delivery or pickup, and then TheMailroomGuys get it to your mid... looking up stuff when they have to. (I think they are great... I need to send THEM a care package)
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UPS and FedEx are the only others I know anything about. A LITTLE cheaper, but we opt for time.
Remember , USMMA boxes are NOT USPS boxes...
They get a big bulk delivery or pickup, and then TheMailroomGuys get it to your mid... looking up stuff when they have to. (I think they are great... I need to send THEM a care package)
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UPS and FedEx are the only others I know anything about. A LITTLE cheaper, but we opt for time.
As others have said, USPS is excellent. It's amazing what you can get into the flat rate boxes. Weight doesn't matter.
Because we live overseas, shopping can be difficult and mailing takes extra time. We got used to purchasing things online and having them mailed directly to our daughter. For USPS, just use the USMMA and box number. (As pointed out, these are not P.O. Boxes, but internal box numbers.) However, for places that ship via UPS or FedEx, use the 300 Steamboat Road address. The box will be delivered to the mail room and then directed to the correct person.
I will second the praise for the Mailroom staff. I've been known to include a box of chocolate for them when I send Belgian chocolate back for our regional mids at exam time.
Because we live overseas, shopping can be difficult and mailing takes extra time. We got used to purchasing things online and having them mailed directly to our daughter. For USPS, just use the USMMA and box number. (As pointed out, these are not P.O. Boxes, but internal box numbers.) However, for places that ship via UPS or FedEx, use the 300 Steamboat Road address. The box will be delivered to the mail room and then directed to the correct person.
I will second the praise for the Mailroom staff. I've been known to include a box of chocolate for them when I send Belgian chocolate back for our regional mids at exam time.
USPS website
The USPS webiste will send you free boxes, and you can print postage at home. That postage (not stamps) can be left for your carrier to pickup or dropped at Post Office without standing in line. You can even tell the carrier where to find your box so it is safe till they arrive.You don't get to know the staff personally this way but it sure saves time. You must tape your label on or order the sticky labels you print on from another source but the USPS website has a link. I set up an account when my first one went away to school and was the first to use the self printed postage in my zipcode. I had to teach the guys at the window stuff about Priority Mail--but they are all experts now. My kids (with my password) can print and mail stuff to me at my expense now, that can be a + or a - depends. Last one to leave this nest is the KPer.
Finally something on this blog I know something about
Thank you to all the parents and Mids who are keeping us semi-sane.
The USPS webiste will send you free boxes, and you can print postage at home. That postage (not stamps) can be left for your carrier to pickup or dropped at Post Office without standing in line. You can even tell the carrier where to find your box so it is safe till they arrive.You don't get to know the staff personally this way but it sure saves time. You must tape your label on or order the sticky labels you print on from another source but the USPS website has a link. I set up an account when my first one went away to school and was the first to use the self printed postage in my zipcode. I had to teach the guys at the window stuff about Priority Mail--but they are all experts now. My kids (with my password) can print and mail stuff to me at my expense now, that can be a + or a - depends. Last one to leave this nest is the KPer.
Finally something on this blog I know something about
Thank you to all the parents and Mids who are keeping us semi-sane.Be careful with the Flat Rate Priority mailing boxes. When I went to the PO with 2 flat rate packages for my PC, I discovered that it would have been about $8 cheaper all together to have sent them regular Priority Mail. I was mailing from Va. to KP.
The post master explained to me that, at least when sending on the east coast, the packages have to be fairly heavy to make the flat rate more economical. I think the large flat rate box would have to be 8lbs for the flat rate to be a better deal. He said "for the smaller flat rate boxes, unless you are sending bricks or tiles, I'd go with the regular Priority mailers". The further you are shipping, say from the west to east coast, then the flat rate mailers become a better deal.
The post master explained to me that, at least when sending on the east coast, the packages have to be fairly heavy to make the flat rate more economical. I think the large flat rate box would have to be 8lbs for the flat rate to be a better deal. He said "for the smaller flat rate boxes, unless you are sending bricks or tiles, I'd go with the regular Priority mailers". The further you are shipping, say from the west to east coast, then the flat rate mailers become a better deal.
Good point, POK.
I've become quite adept at shoving books/mags/dense materials into a flat rate box... and then sending lighter/fluffier stuff in a separate regular mailer..
For plebe parents, powerbars/hand sanitizer/shower gel(in ziploc) and stuff in flatrate box; cleaning swiffers and other cleaning fabrics/etc(light stuff) in regular mailer.
I've become quite adept at shoving books/mags/dense materials into a flat rate box... and then sending lighter/fluffier stuff in a separate regular mailer..
For plebe parents, powerbars/hand sanitizer/shower gel(in ziploc) and stuff in flatrate box; cleaning swiffers and other cleaning fabrics/etc(light stuff) in regular mailer.
Flat Rate
Poksman you are correct that unless it is quite heavy (10 lbs of cookies for example) non-flat rate boxes are often cheaper. The destination/origin within the continental US and AK (probably HI too) doesn't matter. You should keep an eye on the weight cut offs for pricing on the different flat rate boxes. Sometimes first class is just as fast as Priority which is the difference you see with where you are mailing to/from.
Poksman you are correct that unless it is quite heavy (10 lbs of cookies for example) non-flat rate boxes are often cheaper. The destination/origin within the continental US and AK (probably HI too) doesn't matter. You should keep an eye on the weight cut offs for pricing on the different flat rate boxes. Sometimes first class is just as fast as Priority which is the difference you see with where you are mailing to/from.
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