Why does everyone like FRBs? They are 8.95. The 8x8x8 boxes I send cost 1.79 to buy and 4.60 to send. The most expensive sre 2ftx1ftx6in and there only 3.95!!!(!!)

Depends on where you live and what you're sending Acoustic! The shipping price is based on the package traveling to I believe either San Francisco (AP) or New York (AE) to it's correct military mail center. I'm in the midwest, so not near either, for me it's cheaper to go flat rate once I'm over 3 pounds no matter what size the box or envelope. Alas, not all fits in a flat rate, hence the excitement over a bigger one!

Shelly

Same thing here Shelly.  Once I get to 3 - 4 lbs the price is the same for flat rate or priority.  (Sometimes I'm jealous of those that get better shipping.)

I purchased sweatshirts on sale and it was frustrating trying to ship them because they're so bulky and ended up weighing more than I thought.  The fact that I got them half price kind of made up for it though.  I'm looking forward to a bigger box.

Anna 

I asked one of my clerks if the new box would be in addition to the old sizes or if it would replace them.  He said the word he's gotten is that it will not replace the others.  I like having all the options available.

Acoustic:

Why does everyone like FRBs? They are 8.95. The 8x8x8 boxes I send cost 1.79 to buy and 4.60 to send. The most expensive sre 2ftx1ftx6in and there only 3.95!!!(!!)

What is the weight of the 8x8x8 box that you send, and does it go Parcel Post, First Class, or Priority Mail?

I live in the Midwest too, and very often I check to see what my FRBs would cost if I re-packed in my own box and mailed Parcel or First Class, and EVERY TIME it's been cheaper to stick with the Flat Rate Priority Mail Box (FRB).

So, I LOVE the FRBs because for me,  1) they are most economical; 2) they get there super-fast (usually); and 3) the USPS ships my supplies right to my door, free of charge!

And again, I must say: I cannot wait for this new larger box to get here! I'm glad to hear they are in addition to the other FRBs - gotta have options!!!

 

Acoustic,

You definitely can't send a box with shampoo and body wash or with canned food in it for those prices!  Some of us send in excess of 10 lbs. in a box which can't be sent for the prices you mention, especially from the midsection of the country.  Check it out!

Gran

Here is a link to the news release from USPS......

http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2008/pr08_002.htm 

Thanks for the link, tammypanter!

 

If anyone figures out what it means by "also a 5 percent online discount", will you please tell me.

Gran

Okay, beginning the countdown until the day we can order the new FRB .  3....

Gran

Oh good.  Nice to know I'm not the only one doing a countdown.

Here's another bit of info......I know it is true cause I used to be a letter carrier and this will help save some money when buying packing tape.   If you go to your Post Office often and the clerk knows you, ask for a roll of priority mail tape.   I secure my boxes that way (it's a good strong tape) and I don't have to buy the clear packing tape.   Of course it can only be used if your sending a priority package.   But every little bit we save......is more we can spend on contents of the package.   You can not order it on the usps website (like you can other supplies....boxes etc).    Packing tape can be costly and this will be a way of not having to buy it.

Anne Marie

There is a kit you can order for mailing to the soldiers and it will be delivered to your home.  It includes several different size boxes including both FRB, custom forms and sleeves and a roll of the priority tape.  You're right you can't order the tape by itself.

Do you have a link or web addy where I could order the kit?  All I can find is the MILI-PAC envelope.

I just call the number Jennifer posted earlier (1 - 800- 610 - 8734)  I already ordered another one of them this morning along with the new FRB.  Today is the first day they will let you order and they said it will arrive in 7 - 10 days but mine always arrive sooner than that. Hope this helps.