USPS Flat Rate going away

[ldick]

I got notice from USPS that if I understand correctly said effective Jan 16, 2016 they will no longer be offering flat rate shipping. Has anyone else heard this? If true that will be a big pain-in-the-neck for my shipping of maple syrup. If shipping cost based on size, weight and destination of package, it makes it difficult to accurately quote shipping cost when talking to customer.

[DaveB]

Looking at this pre-release document, that doesn't appear to be the case, if I'm reading this correctly:

https://ribbs.usps.gov/importantupdates/ProposedStructureChangesFY2016.pdf

[maple flats]

I have not gotten that notice, YET. Typically a gov't run system makes it hard to interpret exactly what they will have after the changes. If it is too bad, I may switch back to all FedEx. Right now I use FedEx for 4 gal cases but was thinking of shipping orders that size in half gal jugs and use med. USPS flat rate but this could likely change that.
I like the simplicity of the flat rate boxes, must be they decided shippers were packing heavier parcels that still fit in the box and weight max.

[bees1st]

Flat rate lives on . There are certain boxes they plan to eliminate. Regional C is one of them . I believe small medium and large flat rate remain

[Urban Sugarmaker]

What is the flat rate right now for shipping say...a quart? I'd like to branch out and sell beyond locally, but I don't really have the logistics figured out. Do your customers pay full price plus shipping? Or, do you charge full price and offer free shipping with a smaller profit margin per unit?

[bees1st]

I use the Regional A and B boxes more than the regular flat rate . These boxes can only be ordered online at the USPS site . They are free, set yourself up an account, pay and print your labels online and save some more . If you're shipping to the west coast then the flat rate boxes sometimes make more sense . The regional boxes are less expensive to ship closer to home the farther the distance the more it costs.