Key Points:
- Regional Rate Boxes provide shippers with a low-cost mail class for packages traveling short distances offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS)
- The prices of regional rate shipping are determined by the zone and distance between location and destination
- The weight limit for Box A is 15 pounds, while for Box B, it is 20 pounds and can be purchased at your local post office
If you sell online, you should look at cheaper options to send packages to your customers. By spending less on deliveries, you can save money for your business.
While there are many options that you can consider, the USPS Priority Mail Regional rates boxes are another option that you can look into for your eCommerce business. They are a low-cost shipping alternative for clients merchants who buy and print shipping labels online. They are also ideal for merchants or other people who ship items with a maximum weight of 20 pounds.
If this fits you or your business, or you are curious to learn about USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate A Box, you should read on. We will cover everything that you need to know about the USPS Priority Mail boxes, so you can make informed decisions about it for your business.
Table of Contents
What Are Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes?
USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes are a cost-friendly option for mails traveling between short distances. They are also alternative shipping options for customers who intend to spend less when purchasing and printing shipping labels online.
The prices of these boxes are specific to each zone, meaning the prices vary from zone to zone. For example, there are nine zones in the US, and the rate is charged based on the distance between the package's original location and its destination.
The table below contains the dimension and weight limits of both types of boxes available:
| Regional Rate Box A1 | Regional Rate Box A2 | Regional Rate Box B1 | Regional Rate Box B2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 15 pounds | 15 pounds | 20 pounds | 20 pounds |
| Outside Dimensions | 10-1/8" (L) x 7-1/8" (W) x 5" (H) | 13-1/16"(L) x 11-1/16"(W) x2-1/2"(H) | 12-1/4"(L) x 10-1/2"(W) x 5-1/2"(H) | 5"(L) x 12"(W) x 3"(H) |
| Inside Dimensions | 10" (L) x 7" (W) x 4-3/4" (H) | 12-13/16"(L) x 10-15/16"(W) x 2-3/8"(H) | 12-1/8"(L) x 10-3/8"(W) x 5-1/4"(H) | 14 3/4"(L) x 11 7/8"(W) x 2 7/8"(H) |
International shipping has a 10-pound maximum for regional rate boxes like USPS regional rate boxes a.
What is Regional Rate Box A?
From the table above, you will see that the Regional Rate Box A comes in two different sizes:
- USPS Regional Rate Box A1
- USPS Regional Rate Box A2
The USPS Regional boxes are not designed for packages going far distances. However, they can be used to send lightweight items both domestically and internationally. If you're shipping items under 15 pounds, then Regional Rate Box A is a good option.
Customers who use the Regional Rate Boxes A get to enjoy certain benefits. One of them is to cut the cost of shipping items that are not traveling far distances. Another advantage is that customers want priority shipping while paying less for it.
What is Regional Rate Box B?
The Regional Rate Box B is similar to Box A; it is ideal for sending lightweight items domestically and internationally. It is also available in two boxes:
- USPS Regional Rate Box B1
- USPS Regional Rate Box B2
However, unlike the Regional Rate Box A, you can ship up to 20 pounds weight with box B. It comes with top loading boxes and side loading boxes and is large enough to accommodate the extra weight.
How Much Do Regional Rate Boxes Cost?
The zone determines the cost of shipping Regional Rate Boxes you're shipping from for your business. For instance, say you're shipping from New York to Los Angeles. This instance would mean you're sending a package from zone 1 to 8.
| Zone | Distance in miles |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1-50 |
| 2 | 51-150 |
| 3 | 151-300 |
| 4 | 301-601 |
| 5 | 601-1000 |
| 6 | 1001-1400 |
| 7 | 1401-1800 |
| 8 | 1801 or greater |
| 9 | US territories |
Note also that Zone 9 refers to US territories like Puerto Rico. So if you're shipping from New York to Puerto Rico, you're shipping from zone 1 to 9.
Related post: Guide to USPS Flat Rate Shipping, Boxes & Envelopes
USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate Box A Cost
USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate Box A costs vary depending on the zone; below are the costs depending on the zone.
| Zone 1 & 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Zone 5 | Zone 6 | Zone 7 | Zone 8 | Zone 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8.38 | $8.58 | $8.88 | $9.55 | $11.55 | $12.32 | $13.34 | $26.37 |
USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate Box B Cost
The costs of the Priority Mail Regional Rate Box B also vary depending on the zone; below are the costs depending on the zone:
| Zone 1 & 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Zone 5 | Zone 6 | Zone 7 | Zone 8 | Zone 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8.38 | $9.37 | $10.12 | $12.47 | $16.61 | $19.59 | $22.51 | $44.02 |
When to Use Regional Rate Boxes
Though there are other available options, you should consider using the Regional Rate Boxes in the following cases:
Shipping to closer zones
The Regional Rate Boxes are ideal for sending packages to shorter distances, guaranteeing speed. In addition, the USPS has a logistics framework, which makes the delivery faster. So within 1-3 business days, you can complete delivery.
Use for packages under 20 pounds
While the Regional Box A provides room for a 15-pound shipment, you can send up to 20 with Box B. As an eCommerce merchant, if the packages you send are always between 5-20 pounds and you're covering a short distance, you should consider shipping via USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate.
Affordable for shipping lightweight items
Several factors that impact shipping costs such as weight, distance, and dimensions all determine how much you would be spending by shipment. However, with USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate, distance traveled determines shipping rates. The benefit of this is that shipping costs are kept at a minimum while you get to enjoy speedy delivery.
Ship USPS Mail Regional Rate A with Easyship
eCommerce merchants are always looking for better shipping options, and you can do this too for your business! You can deliver goods faster to your customers with an effective shipping strategy. The USPS Regional Rate boxes benefit if you mainly ship lightweight items within short distances.
With Easyship free USPS shipping rates calculator, you can calculate your shipping prices and compare them with available options. Easyship also offers other premium features that allow you to optimize your delivery process and satisfy your customers better. Get access to the features by clicking on them below:
- Free USPS Shipping Rates Calculator: Access high-volume discounts from major couriers. Plus, get instant access to delivery lead times from premium shipping couriers.
- High-Value Shipping Insurance: Easyship offers up to $10,000 shipping insurance for all shipments. This way, customers can have peace of mind regarding high-value items.
- Shipping Policy Generator: Our shipping policy generator helps merchants and crowdfunding campaigns generate their shipping policy by providing tracking and insurance options, plus other vital information for your shipping process
Ready to ship? Sign up for a FREE Easyship account and create your optimized shipping strategy for USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate Box A and B
USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate Box A FAQ
Is the regional rate box a flat rate?
These boxes can be regarded as a 'flat' rate because they are the exact costs. Typically, various factors determine the cost of shipping. But in the case of the regional boxes, the only factor considered is the distance.
Can anyone use a regional rate box?
Anyone can use the regional rate box, but you have to consider the zones to know if they are within your jurisdiction.
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