On 4/3/2014 8:15 AM, Poquito Loco wrote:
On Thu, 03 Apr 2014 03:52:56 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 4/2/2014 9:45 PM, Wayne.B wrote:
On Wed, 02 Apr 2014 21:37:01 -0400, Poquito Loco
wrote:

Insurance is available at USPS. Today I dropped off a package and asked the lady at the counter if
she knew why the US Mint was using UPS instead of USPS. She didn't know either.

===

Yes, you can insure and request a tracking number. Rates seem to be
cheaper than UPS in my experience although I think UPS might be a tad
faster.


The USPS has a "if it fits" flat rate shipping program. They have
priority mail shipping boxes in several sizes. If your item fits in one
of the boxes it ships for a flat rate regardless of weight or
destination. (I think there's an upper limit on the weight though).

The shipping boxes are free at the post office or you can order some
on-line and they will deliver them to your house or place of business.

The flat-rate shipping includes free tracking and $50 free insurance.
You can up that if desired. Delivery is priority mail, so it usually
takes only three days. Not a bad deal. I just shipped a digital
recorder with a bunch of accessories to a guy in Texas. I shipped it on
Saturday, he received it on Wednesday. Cost to ship: $15.00.



Those flat rate boxes are convenient, but unless they're filled to the brim they're expensive. But,
I'm a cheapskate at heart anyway.



They are not expensive. They are *free*. You pay for parcel post
boxes and ship via weight and size but the priority mail boxes are free
and shipping is a flat rate.