The U.S Postal Service started promoting new flat-rate shipping earlier this year.  But a consumer check found if you do your research, you may find a lower prices elsewhere, according to KOMO News.  

How the Postal Service's flat rate works is that for a flat rate of $10.35 in their medium sized box you can ship whatever you need to anywhere in the U.S.    

A test shipment using a medium sized box filled with an oblong wooden puzzle, a G.I. Joe action figure set, a bracelet and a bottle of perfume, which I padded for protection was a tight fit, but it worked.  Another box, also the same size but with deeper measurements had two quilted, down vests.   But the largest box which had an already wrapped football was not big enough to fit the box.  

All three boxes were sent to the mail room where the boxes were calculated based on weight and destination.  The first box cost $9.05 to send to San Francisco but priority shipping was more expensive for other destinations.  

The flat-rate from the Postal Service is convenient but it's not always the best price.

Read the full article at KOMO News by clicking here.