Priority Mail® Flat Rate Boxes are the best value in the shipping market. With four different sizes, competitive pricing, online discounts, next-day carrier pickup, and free, eco-friendly Priority Mail packaging, the time has never been better for customers to ship flat rate boxes with the Postal Service™. For families with students arriving on college campuses, shipping a package from home under the “Priority Mail Flat Rate Box — Back to School in a Box” promotion provides a great way to show their support.
It’s all in the box — value, convenience, 2- to 3-day delivery, and no surcharges for fuel or residential delivery. It’s Back to School in a Box literally, too. Customers can easily pack lots of items that college students need into one of four conveniently sized Priority Mail Flate Rate Boxes.
This publicity kit provides Back to School in a Box ideas and materials to help promote Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes throughout the fall. Promotional activities also support the Postal Service’s ongoing national Priority Mail advertising campaign scheduled to continue through the holidays.
Customer Outreach
Customer outreach and promotional activities for Back to School in a Box can include:
n Post Office™ lobby activities such as:
n Demonstrating how many items fit in each of the four flat-rate boxes. Use items such as school supplies, calculators, CDs, and snack items.
n Challenging customers to pack a Priority Mail Flat Rate Box within a specific time period. Provide packing tips and demonstration.
n Set up a Back to School in a Box lobby display. Display Priority Mail Flate Rate Boxes with a variety of school supplies (such as notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, calculators, digital devices, cell phones, thumb drives, snacks, nonperishable food items, postage stamps, popular store gift cards and items showing well-known campus or local school mascot logos) that can easily be placed into the Flat Rate Boxes. Keep the display through mid-October.
Media Outreach
News media outreach activities for Priority Mail Flat Rate Box — Back to School in a Box promotions include:
n Holding a news conference or media interview.
n Sending story ideas and a pitch letter to college, university, and community newspaper editors.
n Setting up photo opportunities with Back to School in a Box demonstrations or lobby displays.
n Having lobby events to showcase free Priority Mail Flat Rate Box packaging.
n Sending local journalists a Back to School in a Box media kit with items such as pens and notebooks, Priority Mail Flat Rate Box fact sheets, and local Post Office information.
n Pitching the flat rate box to education reporters as part of a back to school special.
n Pitching consumer reporters: “helpful tips to help mom and dad save some money.”
n Partnering with local radio stations for a contest/quiz on campus: What would you like to see in a flat rate box?
n Drafting a column on the benefits of the Back to School in a Box idea, focusing on convenience and cost savings to parents who are sending their child off to college (see Media Kit samples).
How to Plan an Event
Postmasters, customer relations coordinators, and field communications programs specialists know how to conduct outreach in their local communities. From open houses and eBay and usps.com® days, to special programs for stamp issuances, Postal Service employees are experts at getting the word out and delivering results.
Back to School in a Box promotional activities can deliver in terms of growing our business, building our brand, serving our customers, and supporting our communities.
Event Planning Checklist/Resources
When planning a Back to School in a Box event, keep the following suggestions in mind:
n Begin planning early.
n Contact your local postal team communications representative(s) — communications programs specialist, postmaster, customer relations coordinator, district marketing manager, retail specialist, consumer affairs manager, and government relations representatives — to determine how they can support your event.
n Set a date.
n Secure participants. Call or meet with well-known local news media representatives.
n Secure staging, sound equipment, and a lectern, if applicable.
n Launch a local publicity campaign. Post all news releases to usps.com.
n Collaborate with local news media contacts to ensure they are aware of the event. Issue media advisory if appropriate (see sample on page 7).
n Draft a sequence-of-events agenda and prepare speaker remarks, if applicable.
n Prepare media kits, if appropriate.
n Distribute media advisory 2 days before the event.
n Distribute press release 30 minutes after the event.
News Media Kit Contents
n Pitch letter to college, university or community newspaper editors, and campus radio station managers.
n Sample articles for placement in student and community newspapers.
n Announcement for campus radio stations.
n Fact sheet.
n FAQs.
n News release.
n Media advisory.
Pitch Letter to the College/University Newspaper Editor or Radio Station Manager
[Insert Date]
[Insert Publication Name]
[Insert Street Address]
[Insert City, State ZIP+4]
Dear Editor:
Please consider [placing/announcing] the message below in your [student/ community newspaper/campus radio station]. As you know, this can be a difficult time for many students making the switch from home to campus life, and receiving packages from parents and family members can make a big difference in a successful transition.
The message below will help your [readers/listeners] understand the importance of keeping the connection with home by shipping packages filled with personal and convenience items to students on campus.
If you have additional questions or are interested in getting more details about our products and services, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.
Thank you for considering the messages below for your publication.
[Postmaster, City, State]
# # #
Article 1 for Placement in the College/University Newspaper
How to Keep Those Student Packages Arriving
After just a few weeks on campus, you may have noticed how that original batch of back-to-school supplies and other necessities you brought from home are dwindling quickly. While the family was a great help in getting you packed and prepped for the first few weeks on campus, it may be time to let the folks back home know about the basic items you need now, and drop a hint that they can get those items shipped directly to their favorite student via the ease and convenience of Priority Mail® Flat Rate Boxes from the Postal Service™.
Let your family members know they can go online at www.usps.com and order free, eco-friendly flat rate boxes and have get them delivered right to their address. Available in four sizes, your folks can toss some of those essential campus-life items you need into a flat rate box and ship it anywhere in the country for…one flat rate! You can also explain how easy it is to print postage with Click-N-Ship® service. They receive an electronic discount for printing postage online, along with free Delivery Confirmation™ service. Plus they can schedule free package pickup — right from their computer.
Don’t forget to e-mail your wish list of must-haves to your folks (or better yet, send them a personal letter), and remind them of just how easy it is to keep those staple items and fashion basics from the home-front coming your way. While you’re at it, let them know how much those packages, and the good people that sent them, really mean to you!
[Postmaster, City, State]
# # #
Article 2 for Placement in College/University Newspaper
Your Life-Line From Home Just Got Easier to Access
Flat Rate is your ticket to food, fun and fashion
It’s been just a few short weeks since you arrived on campus, with all the usual fanfare and excitement that goes with developing new friendships or restoring old ones, setting up the dorm room and settling into classes. But while you’ve been directing your attention to tasks like getting your living arrangements squared away, have you noticed how that starter-pack of essential supplies gifted to you by your parents, friends and relatives has dwindled down to near-crisis proportions?
Seemingly overnight, that huge stockpile of supplies, bath items, snacks and dorm room décor has evaporated to the point where swift action is necessary if you expect to maintain any sense of decorum until the holiday break.
Now is the time to establish a regular supply chain of student packages from the folks back home, without breaking their spirits or bank account in the process.
Establishing your own personal logistics network isn’t difficult; it just takes a little effort, a primer in the gentle art of persuasion and leveraging the shipping expertise of your friends at the U.S. Postal Service®.
Have you heard about Priority Mail® Flat Rate Boxes? These beauties hold the key to an uninterrupted flow of gifts, goodies and gotta-have-it basics from home. Here’s the plan:
n Start with an e-mail, text or phone call to the folks back home that spells out the convenience and value of using Flat Rate Boxes to resupply their outstanding student. Let them know that Flat Rate Boxes provide the means to ship all that stuff you absolutely need, want or desire for one low, flat rate without fretting over weighing packages or dealing with pesky surcharges.
n Direct the attention of your loved ones to the primary link in your personal logistics network — the U.S. Postal Service, at www.usps.com. From here, your folks can order free, eco-friendly Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes and have them delivered right to their home or office.
n Once your folks have placed those must-have bath, food and fashion items into a flat rate box, they can go to www.usps.com to print postage and order free, next-day package pickup from the Postal Service™.
It’s quick, it’s easy, and in just a few days you’ll be able to enjoy your fresh swag while your folks can rest assured their campus cadet is resupplied and focused on academic success.
Depending on your persuasive skills and the extent of your extended family, you could soon have a conga line of flat rate boxes making their way to you via the campus Post Office™ or dorm mailroom.
Campus life is sweet, and with a personal logistics network leveraged through the Postal Service, it gets even sweeter.
[Postmaster, City, State]
# # #
Article for Placement in Community Newspapers
Flat Rate Boxes Make the Grade for Student Packages
If you count yourself among the family members that recently sent a young person off to college in pursuit of educational enlightenment, you probably went all-out helping to assemble an armada of essential supplies and personal items every student needs to make the transition to dorm life a little easier.
Just a few short weeks later, you’ve likely noticed that in addition to your refrigerator remaining mysteriously well-stocked, the e-mails and text messages from your campus cadet have started to taper off. Don’t let this slowdown in digital communications lull you into believing your prize student no longer requires your guidance, love and generous support.
In fact, that initial wave of assorted foodstuffs and various sundry products may have already been whittled down to the bare minimum, and without an urgent intervention, your pride and joy could be poised for an out-of-inventory experience.
If your campus cutie or academic angel is running low on the basics, you can ease his/her fears and lift his/her spirits by harvesting a bevy of essentials at local retailers, then use free, eco-friendly Priority Mail® Flat Rate Boxes from the Postal Service™ to get those items on their way to the dorm room. The Postal Service charges the same rate to any state for flat rate boxes, and they’re available in four different sizes.
Instead of going to your local Post Office™ to mail those student packages, save time and money by pointing your browser in the direction of usps.com®. You can skip-the-trip to the local Post Office and print postage or schedule free package pickup by letting your mouse do the walking for you. In no time all those must-have essentials will arrive at your significant student’s doorstep.
# # #
Campus Radio Station Announcement
Flat Rate Packages From the Home-Front
It took a few days, but you’ve finally settled into campus life and committed your course schedule to memory — and then panic sets in. You realize you’ve left your favorite noise-canceling headphones back home.
But hold up; wait a minute. The Postal Service, that tried and true deliverer of all things shipping, is there to come to your rescue. Text the folks back home about your plight and tell them about the Postal Service’s Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes, a college student’s new best friend.
For a simple flat rate, Mom and Dad can ship your headphones and any other essentials directly to your dorm or campus Post Office. It’s simple, easy and convenient. In just a few days, your headphones and must-have items arrive in style.
So, no need to panic. The Postal Service has just the right solution. Tell your parents to ship early and often using Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes.
Optional
Let your parents know they can ship online at usps.com. They can order flat rate boxes, print postage, request package pickup, and get free Delivery Confirmation right from their home computer.
# # #
Fact Sheet
Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes
n Ship anywhere in the U.S. for a flat price.
n If it Fits, it Ships® — no worries about weight or destination.
n Four convenient box sizes.
n 2- to 3-day delivery.
n No surcharges for fuel or Saturday and residential delivery.
n Online discounts and military discount available.
n Same packaging ships domestically and internationally.
n Boxes are eco-friendly and 100 percent recyclable.
n Flat-rate boxes can be ordered and delivered to your door — free of charge.
n Customers also can have Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes picked up at no charge with free package pickup service on usps.com.
Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes have grown in popularity since first introduced in 2004. Sales have increased each year; particularly as new size options have been added to give customers additional choices in shipping.
The Postal Service Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box is 50 percent larger than the next largest size. A $2 military discount applies when sending the large boxes to APO/FPO addresses. The Postal Service also has a special edition of the large flat rate box cobranded with the America Supports You logo available for online ordering.
It’s all in the box — value, convenience, 2- to 3-day delivery, and no surcharges for fuel or residential delivery. Customers can easily pack up dozens of items for Back to School in a Priority Mail Flat Rate Box:
n Pencils, pens, notebooks, binders, and backpacks.
n Electronic calculators, label makers, MP3 players, or even a notebook computer.
n Music CDs, movie DVDs, blank CDs, books, and personal planners.
n The list goes on: hand sanitizers, snacks, bath items, and thumb drives all make great choices for Back to School in a Box.
Frequently Asked Questions — Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes
Q. How much material can customers ship in Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes?
A. Customers may ship any amount of mailable material in the medium and large Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes, up to 70 pounds weight for domestic addresses and 20 pounds for international addresses. For the Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box, the domestic weight limit also is 70 pounds, while the international address weight limit is 4 pounds.
Q. Can customers alter flat rate boxes to accommodate larger items?
A. No. The box flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. Customers may apply tape to the flap or seams to reinforce the box, but they cannot enlarge the box design by opening the sides and taping or reconstructing the box in any way.
Q. What special services are available with Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes?
A. Delivery Confirmation and all other special services available for Priority Mail are available for Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes. Fees for any special services, if purchased, are in addition to the flat-rate postage price. Delivery Confirmation is provided at no extra charge when Priority Mail Flat Rate Box postage is purchased online. Insurance may be purchased online for coverage up to $500.
Q. Are flat rate boxes subject to the 13-ounce mail rule for security purposes?
A. Yes. If a customer uses only postage stamps on a Priority Mail Flat Rate Box, the package must be presented for shipping at a Post Office retail counter.
Q. Since the Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box is larger than other expedited packaging offered, is it subject to dimensional or balloon-rate pricing?
A. No. The Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box is not subject to dimensional-weight or balloon-rate charges.
Q. Can a customer request free package pickup (Carrier Pickup™ service) using usps.com for Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes?
A. Yes. Customers may request free, next delivery day package pickup for all Priority Mail flat-rate shipments.
Q. Where can customers order Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes?
A. Boxes may be picked up at local Post Offices. Customers also may order the boxes through usps.com under “Order Supplies”, or by calling 800-610-8734. The boxes are free, available in a variety of quantities, and will be delivered right to the customer’s home or business address.
Q. How long does it take for free packaging to be sent to the customer?
A. Orders are fulfilled within 7 to 10 business days.
Q. How long does it take a Priority Mail item to get where it is going?
A. It takes an average of 2 to 3 days for a Priority Mail item to reach any destination in the United States. For Priority Mail items addressed to APO/FPO locations, delivery times vary by destination and current conditions in the local area.
Q. Is Priority Mail flat-rate packaging environmentally safe?
A. Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes are 100 percent recyclable and exceed all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) environmental standards. In fact, Priority Mail packaging has been awarded Cradle to Cradle Certification for its environmental attributes. The Postal Service is committed to finding new ways to protect the environment and is the first in the shipping industry to receive this certification.
— Community Relations,
Corporate Communications, 8-12-10
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Name
DATE (O) (XXX-XXX-XXXX)
(C) (XXX-XXX-XXXX)
xxxxx@usps.gov
usps.com
Release No. 10-xxx
Sample News Release
Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes: Back to School in a Box
[City, State] — Parents needing to send packages of essential items to the young adults they recently shipped off to college campuses after paying cold, hard cash for that first semester’s tuition bill can save some extra money by looking no further than their local Post Office™. For Back to School, it’s all in the box: the Priority Mail® Flat Rate Box from the U.S. Postal Service®.
That’s the simplicity of shipping with a Priority Mail Flat Rate Box. Everything you need for a student package will fit into one of four different sized boxes available — and will ship for one flat price no matter the weight or destination.
Home-baked goods and other snack foods, school supplies, gift cards, music CDs and even travel tickets to visit home make the perfect Back to School in a Box package for students arriving at college campuses across the country.
“When shipping packages to college students on campus, Flat Rate Boxes from the Postal Service offer great value and convenience,” said [insert name and title of local postal official]. “With a range of boxes to choose from, customers can find the right sized package to meet their needs. And with one flat rate, the price of Priority Mail Flat Rate shipping is always right too.”
[Insert last name of local postal official] added that Priority Mail flat-rate packages arrive in an average of 2–3 days. Saturday and residential deliveries are included at no extra cost.
The four box size configurations are the Priority Mail Flat Rate Small Box, about the size of three stacked DVDs; two sizes of Priority Mail Flat Rate Medium Boxes, one similar in size and shape to a shoe box and the other similar to a flat clothing box; and the Priority Mail Flat Rate Large Box, with 50 percent more space inside than the medium boxes.
Prices and measurements are listed in the chart on the next page. As shown, customers who order Priority Mail flat-rate shipping online at www.usps.com will receive a discount. There is also a special $2 discount for the Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box when shipped to military APO/FPO addresses.
-more-
For more information about shipping with the Postal Service, customers can visit their local Post Office or go online at www.usps.com.
Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS® Newsroom at www.usps.com/news.
# # #
A self-supporting government enterprise, the U.S. Postal Service® is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 150 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes. The Postal Service™ receives no direct support from taxpayers. With 36,000 retail locations and the most frequently visited website in the federal government, the Postal Service relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses. Named the Most Trusted Government Agency five consecutive years and the sixth Most Trusted Business in the nation by the Ponemon Institute, the Postal Service has annual revenue of more than $68 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail. If it were a private sector company, the U.S. Postal Service would rank 28th in the 2009 Fortune 500.
DATE Contact: Name
(O) (XXX-XXX-XXXX)
(C) (XXX-XXX-XXXX)
xxxxx@usps.gov
usps.com
Release No. 10-xxx
Sample Media Advisory
Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes for Back to School in a Box
USPS Demonstrates the Easy Way to Ship to College Students
WHAT: [Describe the event, e.g.:] The [insert name] Post Office™ demonstrates time and money-saving shipping tips for family and friends sending packages to students living in on-campus and off-campus housing.
WHO: [List local public officials, key Postal Service participants, partners, other participants and special guests participating and/or attending event.]
WHEN: [Hour, Day, Date].
WHERE: [Address of Event Location].
BACKGROUND: It’s all in the box — Priority Mail® Flat Rate Boxes offer value, convenience, 2- to 3-day delivery and no surcharges for fuel, or residential delivery. It’s “all in the box” literally too — come see how customers can easily pack lots of items that college students need for Back to School into one of four conveniently sized, free and eco-friendly Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes.
Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS® Newsroom at www.usps.com/news.
# # #
A self-supporting government enterprise, the U.S. Postal Service® is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 150 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes. The Postal Service™ receives no direct support from taxpayers. With 36,000 retail locations and the most frequently visited website in the federal government, the Postal Service relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses. Named the Most Trusted Government Agency five consecutive years and the sixth Most Trusted Business in the nation by the Ponemon Institute, the Postal Service has annual revenue of more than $68 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail. If it were a private sector company, the U.S. Postal Service would rank 28th in the 2009 Fortune 500.
