TSI is happy to provide you with information related to shipping and moving. If and when you’d like more details for shipping your boxes, you can request a quote or call us at 1-800-626-1257. We’ve been leading the way in small moves and specialty shipments nationally for more than 30 years and are A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau.
Calculating flat-rate shipping costs and choosing the most economical shipping method can be confusing. Our Cheapest Way to Ship Anything guides make it easy to compare shipping costs and choose the right method for your cargo, whether you're shipping common items like boxes or difficult-to-transport goods like antiques or artwork.
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1. How Much Does it Cost to Ship Flat Rate Boxes?
We've calculated shipping costs for three common shipping methods: USPS, parcel shipping, and consolidated freight.
i. USPS shipping costs
ii. Parcel shipping costs (eg. UPS or FedEx)
iii. Consolidated freight
2. Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about shipping flat rate boxes.
Flat rate box shipping means that you’ll pay a single, fixed price to ship your boxed goods. Although there will typically be size or weight limits to consider, the cost of your shipment is not dependent on the weight or shape of your box, making flat rate box shipping one of the simplest shipping methods available.
Instead, the price of a flat rate box shipment is based on package size and occasionally speed and distance of travel, depending on your shipping provider, making shipping costs easier to predict than variable pricing that is based on the size and weight of your cargo as well as the speed and distance of travel. This predictability and the ease of arranging a shipment make flat rate shipping ideal for:
- Businesses, particularly small businesses, ship packages to customers. Flat rate shipping may be more economical because shipping costs are not based on weight or dimensional weight, especially for smaller but heavier items.
- Homeowners sare hipping household goods long distances. Because the price of the shipment is not dependent on its weight, flat rate shipping is especially ideal for large or heavier household items that can be safely boxed.
While flat rate shipping is one of the simplest and most straightforward methods of transporting boxed cargo, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind when preparing your shipment:
- Box size: Flat rate pricing only applies to certain box sizes, and packaging often needs to be purchased directly from your shipping provider to ensure it meets these size requirements. In general, the larger the box, the more your shipment will cost.
- Weight: The weight of your shipment typically doesn’t matter as long as your cargo is under the weight limit specified by your shipping provider. If you have exceptionally heavy cargo (over 70 lbs), you’ll want to consider consolidated freight.
- Packaging: You’ll need to use the correctly sized box to qualify for flat rate shipping, which typically means you’ll have to purchase your packaging directly from your shipping provider. To make sure your cargo stays safe in transit, use a box that is large enough to contain your cargo with adequate padding on all sides. If you need more space than the largest flat rate box will allow, flat rate shipping may not work for you.
- Items to ship: As long as it’s not on your shipping provider’s list of prohibited items, anything you can fit into a properly sized box with adequate padding can be shipped using flat rate shipping. This includes sending goods to customers, as well as common household goods like linens, books, and decorative objects.
How much does it cost to ship flat rate boxes?
The cheapest way to ship flat rate boxes depends on the exact size of the box, and for some providers, the speed and distance it will travel. For single boxes, USPS is often the cheapest option. For larger boxes or shipments of multiple boxes, consolidated freight is one of the most cost-effective shipping methods.
Compare rates for shipping flat rate boxes using the most common shipping methods:
- USPS
- Parcel shipping (such as FedEx or UPS)
- Consolidated freight
Packages can weigh up to 50 lbs regardless of box size.
If you have more than 15 boxes to ship, we can help with that, too. Learn more about our custom box shipping services.
NOTE: Shipping cost estimates are calculated using individual providers’ online cost estimator tools. Details, exact prices, and shipping times are not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is flat rate shipping?
Flat rate shipping simply means that certain variables, such as the size or weight of your box or the distance it will travel, will not impact your shipping costs. Each shipping provider considers different factors:
- USPS flat rate shipping is based on the size of your box and does not factor weight (as long as it’s under 70 lbs) or distance of travel into your shipping costs.
- UPS flat rate shipping is based on package volume (not dimensions) and speed of travel. Package weight (as long as it’s under 50 lbs) and distance of travel will not affect the flat rate price.
- FedEx flat rate shipping is based on box size, as well as speed and distance of travel. Weight (as long as it’s under 50 lbs) will not impact your shipping costs.
- TSI flat rate shipping costs do not depend on box size or the distance of travel. One standard large box size is available for all flat rate shipments and must not exceed 40 lbs.
| USPS | UPS | FedEx | TSI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size |  |
(based on volume) |
|
 |
| Weight | (max. 70 lbs) |
(max. 50 lbs) |
(max. 50 lbs) |
(max. 40 lbs) |
| Speed of travel | |
|
|
|
| Distance of travel | |
|
|
|
As long as your cargo fits the requirements of your shipping provider, you’ll pay a single flat price.
How much does it cost to ship a flat rate box?
The cost of shipping a flat rate box depends on your shipping provider. Some providers, such as USPS, price your package only on size, while others, including parcel and freight shippers, will also consider speed and distance of travel.
Where can I get flat rate boxes?
You can often get flat rate boxes directly from your shipping provider. USPS, FedEx, and some consolidated freight providers supply their own flat rate boxes, and you must use this packaging to qualify for flat rate pricing. Other providers, such as UPS, allow you to use your own boxes as long as they are the correct volume. TSI includes the empty boxes as part of our flat rate shipping service and will deliver them to your door.
How do flat rate boxes work?
Flat rate box shipping works by charging a single price regardless of how much your box weighs (as long as your box is under the weight limit of your preferred shipping provider). Some flat rate pricing is based solely on the size of the box, while other flat rate pricing is based on size as well as speed and distance of travel. Either way, you’ll simply pack the box and pay the flat rate price.
Is it cheaper to use a flat rate box or your own box?
It can be cheaper to use a flat rate box instead of your own box, but it depends on what you are shipping. For most shipping providers, you must use their packaging to qualify for flat rate shipping. If you use your own box, your shipment will be priced using variable pricing, which may be more costly depending on what you’re shipping.
For small, heavy items, flat rate shipping can be more economical because the weight of your cargo doesn’t impact the shipping cost (as long as it’s under your provider’s weight limit), but there are also times when variable pricing may be cheaper than flat rate—very light shipments, for example.
Convenience is another factor to consider when evaluating price. For example, while it is our most expensive DIY box-and-ship program, our Platinum service is our most convenient. You can do it all without ever leaving your home—not only are the empty boxes delivered to your door, but once they are packed and ready, they will be picked up from your home without requiring you to carry them to the curb or to your doorstep.
For businesses, one of the primary advantages of flat rate shipping is the predictability of pricing. The convenience offered by a simple flat rate price is often more beneficial than calculating variable rate shipping costs, even if they’re cheaper.
What sizes do flat rate boxes come in?
Flat rate boxes come in a range of standard sizes:
| Shipping provider | Box sizes |
|---|---|
| USPS |
You must use USPS boxes. Small (8 ⅝” x 5 ⅜” x 1 ⅝”)Medium (13 ⅝” x 11 ⅞” x 11” OR 11” x 8 ½” x 5 ½”) Large (23 11/16” x 11 ¾” x 12” OR 12” 12” 5 ½”) |
| UPS |
Supply your own boxes. Size is based on volume rather than dimensions. Extra small (1-100”3) < br/> Small (101-250”3)Medium (251-650”3) Large (651-1,050”3) Extra large (1,051-1,728”3) |
| FedEx |
You must use FedEx boxes. Small (10 ⅞” x 1 ½” x 12 ⅜” OR 8 ¾” x 2 ⅝” x 11 ¼”)Medium (11 ½” x 2 ⅜” x 13 ¼” OR 8 ¾” x 4 ⅜” x 11 ¼”) Large (12 ⅜” x 3” x 17 ½” OR 8 ¾” x 7 ¾” x 11 ¼”) Extra large (11 ⅞” x 10 ¾” x 11” OR 15 ¾” x 14 ⅛” x 6”) |
| Consolidated freight (eg, TSI) | One size (18” x 14” x 12”) |
Does UPS have flat rate boxes?
UPS offers flat rate pricing, but they do not provide the packaging. Instead, you provide your own packaging, and your cost will depend on the volume of the box.
How do I order flat rate boxes?
How to order flat rate boxes depends on your shipping provider. Often, packaging can be ordered online and delivered to your door, or picked up at the nearest location if you’re using USPS or parcel shipping.
