[s-cars] Flat Rate Shipping Info

[Richard Hoffman]

Hello All!

Since the topic of Flat Rate Shipping came up and I consider myself an expert on it...(not that there's much to know) here's a guide to flat rate shipping.

The US Postal Service now offers a flat-rate service with priority mail, for 2-3 day delivery anywhere in the USA.  Granted some places in the tundra of Alaska might take a bit longer.

Here's what you need to know

The boxes available include a long, flat box measuring 11-7/8" x 3-3/8" x 13-5/8" (inside dimensions) and a stout rectangular box measuring 11" x 8-1/2" x 5-1/2". These boxes are free at the post office and can also be ordered online (www.usps.com).  The wide flat box is ideal for rotors, the squarish box is great for calipers and tons of other smallish car parts.  I just shipped out a reman power steering pump in one, perfect size.  Address labels are also free at the post office.

The flat rate box always costs $7.70 to deliver, regardless of destination or weight.  The boxes themselves are only rated at 70 lbs, so they've placed this cap on the service.  You can add tracking for $.45 and insurance (depends on value).

So far I've had great results shipping rotors in the flat box (although slightly bulging).  A squarish box can hold 2 Girling 60s (29 lbs) or one Porsche Big Red (8 lbs) and put it on anyone's doorstep in the country for $7.70.

So far the heaviest package I've sent flat-rate was 47lbs 1 oz.

Pay attention when you're shipping these out at the Post Office.  I've had a couple inattentive postal clerks charge it standard rate, then I've had to correct them which does not make them happy nor does it make your time at the post office any quicker.  I usually just say "one flat-rate box" when I hand them the package so they remember.  Works wonders!

Anyway, thats probably WAY too much on a simple subject, but I hope it helps people out with parts and/or ebay or whatever.  

TTYL
Richard