The biggest Scam by the Government (Sort of)

[Scanker19]

Any one ship Flat rate? So I don't use flat rate anymore. I have found that unless you have a 15lb box it's not good to use.

I shipped a box today that had I used Flat rate it would have been 10.95. Since I used a Regular Priority mail box it came to 5.80. That's almost half for those of you keeping score.

Another Trick it take a flat rate box and cover it in Brown paper bag and send it regular Priority or FedEx (recommended).

Anyways I wanted ya'll to know that most of you/us are being ripped off again my the Gov. So have fun and use "free" supplies.

[sniper7]

I like to support the private groups anyways. I'll ship UPS and fedex almost every time over USPS.

[banks74]

I was sure this thread was gonna be about taxes after reading the title...

[Hoser]

You do realize that the US Postal Service does not operate off your tax dollars?

It might be a govt agency, but it is an independent agency.

[Ranger353]

I think the key take aways are:

1. FREE shipping boxes, and they are nice sturdy boxes too.

2. Flat rate shipping from the USPS is NOT cost effective unless you are maximizing the weight (15lbs).

Cheers

[Hoosier]

You do realize that the US Postal Service does not operate off your tax dollars?

It might be a govt agency, but it is an independent agency.

This is true. Also, it's established in the Constitution, so it's not a 10th Amendment problem. I do not like their monopoly on delivery of mail, however, even if it isn't honored.

H.

[CrufflerSteve]

I have gotten lead, zinc and other metals shipped flat rate. It was a good deal for that but is a rip for most stuff. It's hard to believe that early in our history the post office was the largest parts of the federal government and was even open 7 days a week.

Steve

[newracer]

The reason why it cost so much is people keep taking the "free" boxes.

[espAmerica]

Those "Free" boxes are only to be used for USPS business. From the USPS:

The terms of Agreement for the use of United States Postal Service shipping supplies is as follows: I understand that Express Mail service, Priority Mail service, Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail International and Priority Mail International packaging is the property of the United States Postal Service and is provided solely for sending Express Mail, Priority Mail, Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail International and Priority Mail International. Misuse may be a violation of federal law.

[Bailey Guns]

Nice. Advocating theft...or at a minimum, misuse...of USPS property.

I use Flat Rate boxes a lot to ship handguns. Granted, always out of state and at $10.95 it's a bargain. And it doesn't have to weigh anywhere near 15 pounds. The break-even point is usually right around 4 or 5 pounds...which you'll almost always reach with a full-sized, new handgun in the case with accessories.

For what I do Flat Rate is a terrific bargain. Not to mention, who else is gonna send a letter for you, all the way across the country, for .44 cents?

I think the USPS is grossly mismanaged and bloated with unnecessary bureaucracy but I like the services they provide.