What if the FRE is stuffed so full that it’s shaped like a cylinder?Ī. “Flat” refers to the price, not to the shape. There is currently no maximum thickness for a FRE. “Flat” refers to the price, not to the shape.Ī. As long as the FRE or FRB can close “within the normal folds,” bulges are not a problem. Note that if a customer is using a printed Click-N-Ship ® label or PC Postage Vendor label, extra tape is allowed to properly attach it to the envelope or box.Ī. However, tape should not “encase” the FRE or FRB. Tape is permissible as reinforcement on the seams and flaps of a FRE or FRB to make sure the container does not break open during processing and transit. Tape is allowed to reinforce the flaps of an FRE within its normal folds and of course to properly close a FRB.Ī. Yes, tape is allowed on the seams and flaps of an FRE or FRB.

A customer is not required to repackage an item unless the contents are fragile and would be at risk of damage during processing and transit.īelow are a few typical questions and answers:Ī.

If an FRE or FRB is presented at the office of mailing and the customer has manipulated or reconstructed it, the container is accepted using weight and zone - not the Flat Rate price. The weight restriction for domestic Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes is 70 lbs. 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. DMM Notice: Proper Use of Flat Rate ContainersĮmployees are reminded of the proper use of Priority Mail Express ® and Priority Mail ® Flat Rate envelopes and boxes (containers).Īccording to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM ®), when sealing a Flat Rate Envelope (FRE) or Flat Rate Box (FRB), the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds.

Small flat rate envelope