At Hatchaholics, we use a real-time USPS shipping plugin to calculate accurate shipping rates, and provide shipping labels for vendors and customers. To ensure smooth transactions and prevent unexpected costs, it is critical that vendors correctly enter the weight and dimensions of their products based on the actual boxes they plan to use.
Key Shipping Requirements
1. Selecting the Right Box Dimensions
USPS shipping rates are determined by the dimensions of the package, not just the product size. Vendors must enter the exact dimensions of the box they will use for shipping—not just the product itself. This helps the system generate the correct shipping cost for the customer.
USPS Priority Mail vs. Priority Mail Express
It’s important for vendors to choose the right shipping method based on delivery speed and cost.
| Service | Delivery Time | Guaranteed? | Fee for Live Animals & Perishables | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail | 1-3 business days | No | $15 per shipment | Faster general shipping (non-urgent) |
| Priority Mail Express | Overnight to 2 days | Yes | $7.50 per shipment | Urgent or time-sensitive shipments |
- Priority Mail is great for faster shipping, but it does not guarantee a delivery date.
- Priority Mail Express is guaranteed to arrive in 1-2 days, making it the fastest USPS domestic service.
USPS Priority Mail Boxes
| Product Name | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Small Flat Rate Box | 8 11/16″ x 5 7/16″ x 1 3/4″ | 70 lbs |
| Medium Flat Rate Box (Top Loading) | 11 1/4″ x 8 3/4″ x 6″ | 70 lbs |
| Medium Flat Rate Box (Side Loading) | 14″ x 12″ x 3 1/2″ | 70 lbs |
| Large Flat Rate Box | 12 1/4″ x 12 1/4″ x 6″ | 70 lbs |
USPS Priority Mail Express Boxes
| Product Name | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Small Flat Rate Box | 8 11/16″ x 5 7/16″ x 1 3/4″ | 70 lbs |
| Medium Flat Rate Box | 11 1/4″ x 8 3/4″ x 6″ | 70 lbs |
| Large Flat Rate Box | 12 1/4″ x 12 1/4″ x 6″ | 70 lbs |
Horizon Boxes
| Product Name | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Weight Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ‘Vented’ Large Shipper | 32″ x 14″ x 16″ | Up to 35 lbs | Made with durable double-wall corrugated material. |
| ‘Vented’ Single Shipper | 18″ x 8″ x 12″ | Up to 6 lbs | Designed to maximize airflow with patent-pending ventilation. |
| ‘Vented’ Economy NEST | 13″ x 13″ x 10″ | Up to 6 lbs | Features a 3-stall divider for easy separation. |
| ‘Lite’ Single Shipper | 20″ x 8″ x 16″ | Up to 8 lbs | Lightweight design for smaller shipments. |
| ‘Original’ Single Shipper | 18″ x 8″ x 20″ | Up to 12 lbs | Traditional design for single-stall shipping. |
| Quail NEST | 15″ x 10″ x 7″ | Up to 6 lbs | Ideal for quail and similarly sized birds. |
| Baby Chick Box | 15″ x 10″ x 7″ | Up to 6 lbs | Perfect for small birds under 72 hours old. |
| ‘Original’ Economy | 16″ x 16″ x 16″ | Up to 10 lbs | Spacious design for economical shipping. |
2. Custom Box Dimensions
If you are using a box size that is not listed above, you can manually adjust the shipping dimensions in your vendor dashboard. You must ensure that the box dimensions match exactly to avoid miscalculations.
3. Correctly Entering Product Weight
USPS shipping rates are also based on weight, so vendors must provide the accurate weight of their packaged product. This includes:
- The item itself
- Any necessary packing materials (padding, dividers, etc.)
- The weight of the shipping box
Failure to input the correct weight could result in inaccurate shipping costs, leading to undercharging or overcharging customers.
4. USPS Live Animal & Perishable Shipping Fees
As of January 19, 2025, USPS has introduced additional fees for shipping live animals and perishable items. These fees apply on top of standard USPS postage rates:
- Priority Mail Express & USPS Ground Advantage – $7.50 per shipment
- Priority Mail – $15.00 per shipment
Our system has been adjusted to automatically apply these fees, but vendors must ensure they are using the correct shipping method and package type when setting up their products. If you set your own rates in the dashboard please be mindful of this new fee so there is no un-expected surpises when you head out to ship your first package!
Want To Use Your Own Shipping Methods?
Vendors on Hatchaholics have the option to configure their own shipping settings if they do not wish to use the live rates provided. Follow this link to learn how: Vendor Dashboard Shipping Setup
Why This Matters
If dimensions and weights are not entered correctly:
- Customers may see incorrect shipping costs.
- Vendors may be charged unexpected fees when purchasing shipping labels.
- Orders could be delayed due to pricing mismatches at the time of shipment.
By carefully inputting the correct box dimensions and weight, vendors help create a seamless and transparent experience for both themselves and their customers.
If you have any questions about setting up your shipping, or want to use our shipping labels, feel free to contact our support team.