GemWeek USPS Flat Rate Box Sizes and Prices for Shipping Rocks From Tucson
Current USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate box sizes, Post Office prices and the 70 lb limit, and which box works for gem show purchases.
Flat Rate is the go-to for heavy minerals: one price to any U.S. state, up to 70 lbs, no weighing. Boxes are free at the Post Office when you ship Flat Rate.
Prices and sizes (USPS, checked 2026-10-15)
| Box | Price at Post Office | Online (Click-N-Ship) | Inside dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Flat Rate Box | $14.65 | $12.95 | 8 5/8″ x 5 3/8″ x 1 5/8″ |
| Medium Flat Rate Box 1 (top-loading) | $25.80 | $22.02 | 11″ x 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ |
| Medium Flat Rate Box 2 (side-loading) | $25.80 | $22.02 | 13 5/8″ x 11 7/8″ x 3 3/8″ |
| Large Flat Rate Box | $36.10 | $32.75 | 12″ x 11 3/4″ x 5 1/2″ |
USPS changes prices from time to time, often in January, so check the USPS Priority Mail page before the show.
Which box for what
- Small: cut stones, beads, small jewelry.
- Medium (top-loading): a few hand-sized specimens; this is the classic rock box.
- Large: bigger pieces or mixed lots. Watch the 70 lb cap with dense material.
Rules to know
- USPS says the only way to get Flat Rate pricing is to use Flat Rate packaging, and the flaps have to close normally.
- Flat Rate boxes can only be used for Flat Rate shipping.
- You can pay online with Click-N-Ship for the lower prices above and drop the box at a Post Office.
Where to drop off near the shows
See where to get boxes and the nearest post offices, shipping by show week, and our Ship & Store listings. For carriers at the venues, see the shipping guide.