USPS size of boxes?

I tried to research this topic here, but couldn't find an answer. I know the 12x12x12 guideline. But can I send a box that has the same TOTAL dimensions.....maybe 24x6x6? I calculated the price on USPS and it's the same, however it says it's a large package since it's longer than 12 inches. Just wondering if a shop would be rejected for 24x6x6 or a little less?

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I saw a post on here in the past that said a scheduler had informed the poster that it is total dimensions. I have had a box longer than 12" but stayed within the total dimensions and there were no problems.

@JL-Baltimore wrote:

I tried to research this topic here, but couldn't find an answer. I know the 12x12x12 guideline. But can I send a box that has the same TOTAL dimensions.....maybe 24x6x6? I calculated the price on USPS and it's the same, however it says it's a large package since it's longer than 12 inches. Just wondering if a shop would be rejected for 24x6x6 or a little less?

36” total. You’re cutting it close. If any dimension is measured and rounded up, it’s too big.

Just use a cake mix. That works really well and weighs over a pound

I have had dimensions mismeasured by clerks. I just checked, and 12x12x12 costs $14.20 from NJ to CA. Bump that up to 13x12x12 and the cost goes up to $42.45 since it becomes a dimensional shipping charge (imputed weight rather than actual weight).

Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008

The OP wasn't asking about weight.

@Insight wrote:

Just use a cake mix. That works really well and weighs over a pound

I use boxes that are varying sizes but always a total of 36" or less. I thought it was in the guidelines.

I understand but by using a cake mix you don't need to worry about the size of the bix.

Yes, you do. The box you put the cake mix box inside has to be a total dimension of 36" or less.

@Insight wrote:

I understand but by using a cake mix you don't need to worry about the size of the bix.

I do t put in another box. I just wrap it up. I find a cake mix that weighs almost 1 pound. But you can use a small free USPS box as well and wrap them in brown wrapping paper

You have lenient post offices in your area. Some post offices do not accept packages wrapped in brown paper because they sometimes tear and get caught in the machines. I remember some threads from last year about shoppers having their packages declined because of that.

@JASFLALMT wrote:

I use boxes that are varying sizes but always a total of 36" or less. I thought it was in the guidelines.

I remember seeing the explanation in the guidelines too. Not sure which though. Prob the regular shop guidelines. And I agree to not test that 36 inches to the max. If even one side is sealed up sloppily or is bulging it will stick out further and a zealous clerk may measure it as more that the exact inches of the flap.

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