USPS Large Envelopes - Flats | Overview

ShippingEasy wants to help you learn about the e-commerce industry. This article describes a service provided by the United States Postal Service (USPS).

The USPS is a separate organization from ShippingEasy. For more information about USPS services, visit your local Post Office or go to USPS.com.

The words "envelopes" and "flats" are used interchangeably at USPS when discussing mail that is slightly larger than regular, letter-sized mail. All large envelope/flats must be rectangular or square-shaped and somewhat flexible. You can find out how USPS determines flexibility by referring to the USPS' guide.

View ShippingEasy's Postage Rates for USPS Shipments.

Size Limits of Large Envelopes / Flats

For your mail to be considered a large envelope/flat and not a letter, it must exceed one or more of the letter-size minimum dimensions listed in the table below.

Dimension

Minimum

Height

6-1/8"

Length

11-1/2"

Thickness

1/4"

For your mail to be considered a large envelope/flat and not a package (parcel) it must not exceed the following criteria:

Dimension

Minimum

Height

12"

Length

15"

Thickness

3/4"

Learn more about shipment dimensions.

Weight Limits of Large Envelopes / Flats

The maximum weight for large envelopes is 13 ounces. Large envelope/Flats can be shipped via First Class or Priority Mail, however, a large envelope/flat exceeding 13 ounces is classified as a Priority Mail item.

Large Envelopes/Flats shipped via First Class are not eligible for tracking.

Tracking is included when you ship via Priority Mail. Learn more about why you can't track these USPS packages.

Learn more about shipment weight.

More questions about USPS letters and flats? Check out USPS' Domestic Mail Manual.

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