the only envelope i was shown was a large (? i didn't think so much) padded envelope that only allows 4 lbs. i didn't try it, but i could see at a glance that no way could i fit 4 bs into that. i did send 4 lbs overseas and the package, which was a squishy, was way larger that theirs.
as for companies setting their own shipping prices, one of the most popular fabric places we all deal with has a reminder that 1 yard = 1 pound. so go figure. that's their disclaimer for overcharging for s+h. i wish i could remember which one it was.
this subject will definitely be continued on monday when i go back to the post office, where they now know me by my first name. i want to find out if there really is such a thing as a bulk rate box although i think he would have told me, since i threatened him with a painful death unless he told me the cheapest way.
i think the only bulk rates refer to national shipping, not international.