Usps International Flat Rate Calculator

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USPS International Flat Rate Calculator

Estimate shipping costs for Priority Mail International® Flat Rate

Select Destination… Canada (Price Group 1) Mexico (Price Group 2) China (Price Group 3) Japan (Price Group 3) Australia (Price Group 3-5 range) United Kingdom (Europe Group) Germany/France (Europe Group) All Other Countries (Rest of World Avg)
Rates vary by country group. Select the closest region.
Flat Rate Envelope (12-1/2″ x 9-1/2″) Legal Flat Rate Envelope (15″ x 9-1/2″) Padded Flat Rate Envelope (12-1/2″ x 9-1/2″) Small Flat Rate Box Medium Flat Rate Box (Top or Side Loading) Large Flat Rate Box
Limits: 4 lbs for Envelopes/Small Box, 20 lbs for Medium/Large Box.
Destination: –
Packaging: –
Max Weight Limit: –
function calculateShipping() { // Inputs var destSelect = document.getElementById("destination"); var boxSelect = document.getElementById("boxType"); var weightInput = document.getElementById("packageWeight"); var destination = destSelect.value; var boxType = boxSelect.value; var weight = parseFloat(weightInput.value); var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result"); var alertDiv = document.getElementById("weight-alert"); var priceDisplay = document.getElementById("res-price"); // Reset display resultDiv.style.display = "none"; alertDiv.style.display = "none"; alertDiv.innerHTML = ""; // Validation if (destination === "") { alert("Please select a destination region."); return; } if (isNaN(weight) || weight weightLimit) { weightIssue = true; alertDiv.innerHTML = "⚠️ Warning: The entered weight (" + weight + " lbs) exceeds the " + weightLimit + " lb limit for this package type. You cannot ship this item using Flat Rate."; alertDiv.style.display = "block"; priceDisplay.style.color = "#d9534f"; // Red text for invalid } else { priceDisplay.style.color = "#28a745"; // Green for valid } // Calculate Price var selectedRate = rates[destination][boxType]; // Format Text Labels var boxLabels = { "envelope": "Flat Rate Envelope", "legal_envelope": "Legal Flat Rate Envelope", "padded_envelope": "Padded Flat Rate Envelope", "small_box": "Small Flat Rate Box", "medium_box": "Medium Flat Rate Box", "large_box": "Large Flat Rate Box" }; var destName = destSelect.options[destSelect.selectedIndex].text; // Output Result document.getElementById("res-destination").innerText = destName; document.getElementById("res-packaging").innerText = boxLabels[boxType]; document.getElementById("res-limit").innerText = weightLimit + " lbs"; if (weightIssue) { priceDisplay.innerText = "Weight Exceeded"; } else { priceDisplay.innerText = "$" + selectedRate.toFixed(2); } resultDiv.style.display = "block"; }

Guide to USPS International Flat Rate Shipping

Shipping internationally can often involve complex calculations involving dimensional weight and exact zoning. However, the United States Postal Service (USPS) offers Priority Mail International® Flat Rate options that simplify this process significantly. If your item fits in the specific Flat Rate box or envelope, and is under the weight limit, you pay one predetermined price based on the destination country group.

How to Use This Calculator

To get an estimated shipping cost, simply follow these steps:

  1. Select Destination: Choose the country or region where you are shipping. USPS divides the world into several Price Groups. Rates for Canada and Mexico are typically lower than Europe, Asia, or Australia.
  2. Choose Packaging: Select the specific Flat Rate packaging you intend to use. The price depends entirely on the box size, not the weight of the contents (as long as it is under the limit).
  3. Check Weight: Enter the weight of your package to ensure it complies with International Flat Rate regulations.

Weight Limits and Dimensions

Unlike domestic Flat Rate shipping which allows up to 70 lbs for all package types, International Flat Rate has stricter weight limits. It is crucial to adhere to these to avoid your package being returned.

Package Type Dimensions (Inside) International Weight Limit
Flat Rate Envelope 12-1/2″ x 9-1/2″ 4 lbs
Legal Flat Rate Envelope 15″ x 9-1/2″ 4 lbs
Padded Flat Rate Envelope 12-1/2″ x 9-1/2″ 4 lbs
Small Flat Rate Box 8-5/8″ x 5-3/8″ x 1-5/8″ 4 lbs
Medium Flat Rate Box 11″ x 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ 20 lbs
Large Flat Rate Box 12″ x 12″ x 5-1/2″ 20 lbs

Important Restrictions

When shipping internationally via USPS Flat Rate, keep the following in mind:

  • Customs Forms: All international packages require a customs declaration form (usually CN 22 or CP 72). You must list the contents and their value.
  • Prohibited Items: Do not ship aerosols, perfumes, hazardous materials, or lithium batteries (in some configurations). Each country has its own list of prohibited imports.
  • Delivery Time: Priority Mail International generally takes 6–10 business days to major markets, though customs delays can extend this timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tracking included?
Yes, Priority Mail International Flat Rate includes tracking to major destinations and limited insurance coverage.

Can I use my own box for Flat Rate?
No. To qualify for Flat Rate pricing, you must use the official USPS branded Flat Rate boxes or envelopes. If you use your own brown box, you will be charged based on weight and distance (zoned rates), which is often more expensive.

Does the "If it fits, it ships" slogan apply internationally?
Yes, but with the added restriction of the 4 lb limit for envelopes/small boxes and the 20 lb limit for medium/large boxes. Domestic shipments allow up to 70 lbs, but international shipments do not.

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