USPS Introduces Express Flat Rate Service

Last week the US Postal Service introduced a new packaging option for its Express Mail overnight delivery service. Under the new parcel service a customer can pack up to 70 pounds of goods and ship the parcel anywhere in the continental United States for just $39.95.

USPS’s new shipping product builds on its previous launch several years ago of ‘flat rate boxes’ for its two to three day Priority Mail delivery service. The Priority Mail program, well known for its slogan "If it fits, it ships," has by all accounts been a major success.

The USPS said that its new Express Mail product is tailored to consumers and small sized merchants who sell goods online. They already offer flat rate pricing for Express Mail envelope shipments.

Any customer or businesses shipping internationally can use the boxes for goods weighing up to 20 pounds, which are priced at $59.95 to Canada and $74.95 to all other countries Worldwide that handle Express Mail International products.

The Express Mail product is delivered every day of the year and features a money-back guarantee.

Low cost parcel consultants hailed the new products launch, Rob Martinez, president and CEO of parcel consultancy Shipware LLC said USPS carried out a pilot of the product in six cities before rolling it out nationwide. "Intuition tells me they would not have gone national if the test markets flopped," he commented.

The USPS product dramatically undercuts the non-discounted list prices offered by its main private sector rivals, FedEx and UPS. By way of comparison FedEx charges a list price of $171 for a 15 lb package shipped by next day delivery coast to coast. The $171 price includes fuel surcharges but does exclude accessorial charges, and add-ons imposed by FedEx for extra services that go beyond basic deliveries.

Image Courtesy of Andre Pierre

Author: Richard Allen