Flat-Rate Envelope Mail Problem
01-05-2011, 11:18 AM
#21
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 110
Hi Donna Jean,
This information is not posted clearly on the USPS website. The issue concerns the supposed "abuse" of the Flat-rate envelope. They no longer will accept (without further charging) these envelopes with any kind of bulge to them. They want people to send only documents in them.
I have a fabric website, so I'm used to stuffing up to 8 yds. of fabric in them and have been joyful of being able to send fabric across the country or around the world for such a bargain. That is no longer the case now. There are times when people only want a yard or two, so the packages must now be weighed. I'm waiting for the release of all the new flat-rate envelopes the USPS website talks about - legal size and padded, etc., none of which have been furnished to the post offices yet. It was just handled so poorly - the USPS workers should all be trained first, with the mailing products in hand, AND we, the customers, should have been told before it was thrusted on us as we go to the post office with...ok...a slightly bulging envelope! A little creativity is involved so we can still mail our goodies around! I have two trash bags full of scraps I want to dispose of, so when all the dust is settled with the PO, I can clear them out!
This information is not posted clearly on the USPS website. The issue concerns the supposed "abuse" of the Flat-rate envelope. They no longer will accept (without further charging) these envelopes with any kind of bulge to them. They want people to send only documents in them.
I have a fabric website, so I'm used to stuffing up to 8 yds. of fabric in them and have been joyful of being able to send fabric across the country or around the world for such a bargain. That is no longer the case now. There are times when people only want a yard or two, so the packages must now be weighed. I'm waiting for the release of all the new flat-rate envelopes the USPS website talks about - legal size and padded, etc., none of which have been furnished to the post offices yet. It was just handled so poorly - the USPS workers should all be trained first, with the mailing products in hand, AND we, the customers, should have been told before it was thrusted on us as we go to the post office with...ok...a slightly bulging envelope! A little creativity is involved so we can still mail our goodies around! I have two trash bags full of scraps I want to dispose of, so when all the dust is settled with the PO, I can clear them out!
01-05-2011, 11:41 AM
#23
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
that is the way the flat rate packaging works, but there is different packaging for documents or books separate from (generic-packaging) the p.o. has choices. i use flat rate boxes all the time...and regular tyvek envelopes you can stuff...but document envelopes are for documents.
Originally Posted by pab58
I thought the deal is: "If it fits, you can use it." It doesn't matter how much it weighs. Has there been a change? :?
01-05-2011, 01:23 PM
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Holland, PA
Posts: 4,157
There has always been a rule that the Flat Rate Envelope had to be flat & not heavily tapped to close. I just got verification that a Flat Rate Envelope containing fabric was delivered today. I just make sure I fold the fabric so that container is not bulging anywhere.
The new Priority Flat Rate Legal size container is available on the USPS.com website. I always, just order my Priority Mail containers via the USPS.com website & they send them to my house for free.
The new Priority Flat Rate Legal size container is available on the USPS.com website. I always, just order my Priority Mail containers via the USPS.com website & they send them to my house for free.
Originally Posted by apronlady
Hi Donna Jean,
This information is not posted clearly on the USPS website. The issue concerns the supposed "abuse" of the Flat-rate envelope. They no longer will accept (without further charging) these envelopes with any kind of bulge to them. They want people to send only documents in them.
I have a fabric website, so I'm used to stuffing up to 8 yds. of fabric in them and have been joyful of being able to send fabric across the country or around the world for such a bargain. That is no longer the case now. There are times when people only want a yard or two, so the packages must now be weighed. I'm waiting for the release of all the new flat-rate envelopes the USPS website talks about - legal size and padded, etc., none of which have been furnished to the post offices yet. It was just handled so poorly - the USPS workers should all be trained first, with the mailing products in hand, AND we, the customers, should have been told before it was thrusted on us as we go to the post office with...ok...a slightly bulging envelope! A little creativity is involved so we can still mail our goodies around! I have two trash bags full of scraps I want to dispose of, so when all the dust is settled with the PO, I can clear them out!
This information is not posted clearly on the USPS website. The issue concerns the supposed "abuse" of the Flat-rate envelope. They no longer will accept (without further charging) these envelopes with any kind of bulge to them. They want people to send only documents in them.
I have a fabric website, so I'm used to stuffing up to 8 yds. of fabric in them and have been joyful of being able to send fabric across the country or around the world for such a bargain. That is no longer the case now. There are times when people only want a yard or two, so the packages must now be weighed. I'm waiting for the release of all the new flat-rate envelopes the USPS website talks about - legal size and padded, etc., none of which have been furnished to the post offices yet. It was just handled so poorly - the USPS workers should all be trained first, with the mailing products in hand, AND we, the customers, should have been told before it was thrusted on us as we go to the post office with...ok...a slightly bulging envelope! A little creativity is involved so we can still mail our goodies around! I have two trash bags full of scraps I want to dispose of, so when all the dust is settled with the PO, I can clear them out!
01-05-2011, 02:19 PM
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Vermont
Posts: 7,017
Here is the relevant section of the DMM (domestic mail manual) - the BIBLE of the USPS. Print it out and bring it to your local PO if they give you a problem.
And, I repeat, get the new FR padded envelopes.
1.5 Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes
Any amount of material (up to 70 pounds) may be mailed in a USPS-produced Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope or Flat Rate Box. When sealing a Flat Rate Envelope or Flat Rate Box, the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. Tape may be applied to the flaps and seams to reinforce the container, provided the design of the container is not enlarged by opening the sides and the container is not reconstructed in any way.
And, I repeat, get the new FR padded envelopes.
1.5 Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes
Any amount of material (up to 70 pounds) may be mailed in a USPS-produced Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope or Flat Rate Box. When sealing a Flat Rate Envelope or Flat Rate Box, the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. Tape may be applied to the flaps and seams to reinforce the container, provided the design of the container is not enlarged by opening the sides and the container is not reconstructed in any way.
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