USPS Regional Rate Box A Calculator
Estimated Shipping Cost
Based on current Priority Mail 2lb Zone Rates (Box A equivalent)
Understanding Regional Rate Box A
The Regional Rate Box A was a specialized shipping option provided by the USPS, primarily designed for commercial shippers. Although the specific "Regional Rate" branding was officially merged into standard Priority Mail and Ground Advantage in 2023, the dimensions and pricing logic for these boxes remain a critical reference for e-commerce logistics.
Box Specifications and Variants
Regional Rate Box A comes in two distinct physical configurations. Both have a maximum weight limit of 15 pounds:
- Box A1 (Side Loading): 10″ x 7″ x 4.75″ – Ideal for books, small electronics, or dense items.
- Box A2 (Top Loading): 10.9375″ x 2.375″ x 12.875″ – Perfect for documents, clothing, or flatter items.
How Pricing is Calculated
The unique advantage of Box A was its "Zone-based" pricing. Instead of paying by the exact weight of the package, you were charged the 2-pound Priority Mail rate regardless of whether the box weighed 3 lbs or 14 lbs. The cost only changed based on how many "Zones" the package traveled from your location.
Example Calculation
| Scenario | Weight | Zone | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Distance | 10 lbs | Zone 1 | $9.25 |
| Cross-Country | 5 lbs | Zone 8 | $20.65 |
When to Use This Calculator
Use this tool if you are using leftover Regional Rate boxes or if you are comparing your current Priority Mail rates against the legacy Regional Rate benchmarks. Note that if your package exceeds 15 lbs, you must use standard Priority Mail weight-based or Flat Rate pricing, as Box A rates will no longer apply.