USPS is Discontinuing Some Priority Mail Packaging Options

USPS announced this week that it is discontinuing four packaging options: the Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes Variety Pack, Priority Mail Medium Box Option 2, Priority Mail DVD Box, and Priority Mail Express Medium Box Option 1. Along with being part of the agency’s Delivering for America plan, USPS cited “simplifying [its] packaging offerings” as the reason behind the discontinuation of these items. Per USPS, these products are discontinued effective immediately.

Which Four Priority Mail Packaging Options is USPS Discontinuing?

As we said above, the four Priority Mail packaging options that USPS will no longer offer are as follows:

• Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes Variety Pack*
• Priority Mail Medium Box Option 2
• Priority Mail DVD Box
• Priority Mail Express Medium Box Option 1

All Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes Will Still Be Available to Order Separately

*The Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes Variety Pack includes one of the four Flat Rate boxes (one Small Flat Rate Box, one side-loading Medium Flat Rate Box, one top-loading Medium Flat Rate Box, and one Large Flat Rate Box). Even though USPS will no longer offer the Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes Variety Pack, USPS will still produce all Priority Mail Flat Rate packaging, and customers can order the individual Priority Mail Flat Rate Box options separately.

In other words, shippers can still order and use the Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box, Medium Flat Rate Box (both options), and Large Flat Rate Box going forward.

What Alternatives Does USPS Recommend for These Discontinued Items?

To aid shippers during this transition, USPS has recommended some packaging alternatives for shippers. We’ve listed those below:

• For the discontinued Priority Mail DVD Box, USPS recommends either the Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box or the Priority Mail Small Box
• For the discontinued Priority Mail Medium Box Option 2, USPS recommends either the Priority Mail Box Medium Box Option 1 or the Priority Mail Large Box
• For the Priority Mail Express Medium Box Option 1, USPS recommends the Priority Mail Express Medium Box Option 2

Shippers should note that even though USPS will no longer produce these packaging options going forward, they will be in circulation for a limited time. So, customers can order the discontinued boxes and the Flat Rate variety pack on the USPS website while supplies last. These supplies may also be found at local Post Offices until USPS runs out of them.

What if I Have These Boxes on Hand?

If you have any of these Priority Mail packaging options and would like to use them, USPS will still accept and deliver them as long as you purchase the correct postage label that corresponds with your box.