USPS Flat Rate Military Discount

The U.S. Postal Service is rolling out a new, larger flat-rate box that will feature for the first time in Postal Service history, a military discount for those mailing to APO and FPO addresses. Regardless of how much they weigh, the boxes will cost $12.95 to mail for the general public, and $10.95 if mailed to an APO or FPO address, postal officials said. The boxes themselves are free. The larger new box will provide about 50% more space to stuff items than the old version, officials said, with a volume of about half a cubic foot, compared to about one-third cubic foot for the two existing flat-rate boxes. The new box measures 12 inches by 12 inches by 5½ inches. The two current flat-rate boxes cost $8.95 to mail to domestic and APO or FPO addresses, and will still be available. They come in two different shapes. Customers can begin using the new flat-rate box at the new mailing rates March 3. The boxes will be available online by Feb. 20 at http://www.usps.com/supplies or by calling (800) 610-8734, but will be weighed and charged at the usual postal rates if they are mailed before March 3. Postal officials will provide a special version of the box for the military, featuring the logo of "America Supports You," a Defense Department-sponsored program designed to bring together more than 300 charitable and support groups and connect them with service members and their families. The new package also will feature an address box for APO and FPO addresses. The military boxes will be distributed on a more limited basis, primarily in areas closer to installations. But the discount depends on the address, not the box. All of the larger flat-rate boxes will receive the $2 military discount if they are mailed to an APO or FPO address. The Postal Service's Board of Governors approved the box Jan. 17, and stated in their decision that the discounted mailing fee "provides an opportunity for the Postal Service to assist American troops stationed abroad and their families."