RWA3006
Cave Dweller 
Member since March 2009
Posts: 4,625 
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Post by RWA3006 on Jul 5, 2024 20:24:53 GMT -5
One of the many ways to ship rocks involves USPS flat rate boxes. Three sizes seem to dominate in this hobby and they are known as small, medium, and large flat rate boxes. We often refer to them as SFRB, MFRB, and LFRB. Each box size has its own price regardless of how much weight is put into it.
I've found that when shipping rough rocks that weigh similar to agate and jasper I can often get two or three pounds into a SFRB, 25 pounds into a MFRB, and 35 pounds into a LFRB. Factors that affect how much will go into a box are rock density, and air spaces between rocks. The most I've gotten into a MFRB is 31 pounds, and a LFRB is 46 pounds, but these are exceptions where little air space was allowed.
I do not put padding layers into the boxes unless something is delicate because it just takes more space and less rock can be sent. It's a whole different game if delicate slabs are being sent and should be padded much more.
I make a lot of use of strong, transparent filament tape to keep the boxes from bursting open when postal workers drop them. Don't skimp on the tape. I even try to mitigate damage by keeping a friendly relationship with the postal workers. I often bribe them with a tumbled rock.
Also remember to not tape over the bar codes so they can be scanned easier. It's also a good idea to cover the sending and receiving addresses with clear tape to keep them from smearing and becoming illegible during transit.
When I send rocks I always share the expected delivery date and the tracking number with the recipient as soon as I can.
I'm sure some more comments from RTHlings will be useful. Photos below might be helpful too.
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RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 4,625
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Post by RWA3006 on Jul 5, 2024 20:25:41 GMT -5
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RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 4,625
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Post by RWA3006 on Jul 5, 2024 20:26:26 GMT -5
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RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 4,625
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Post by RWA3006 on Jul 5, 2024 20:26:57 GMT -5
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RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 4,625
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Post by RWA3006 on Jul 5, 2024 20:27:27 GMT -5
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Post by amygdule on Jul 5, 2024 20:57:31 GMT -5
Thank you for posting this
After I wash and dry the Rocks
I'll seal them in plastic bags
To prevent any leakage during transport.
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gemfreak95
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2020
Posts: 127
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Post by gemfreak95 on Jul 5, 2024 20:58:22 GMT -5
Great information, especially for those of us who just started mailing boxes of rocks. Definitely not the only way to do it though. I've gotten at least one box from someone on the forum who took an MFRB, cut the top flaps off, completely wrapped it in duct tape, and carefully fitted it inside another MFRB.
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Post by Pat on Jul 5, 2024 20:59:56 GMT -5
Excellent! Thanks!
When I first joined, I had to ask what SFRB was.
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Post by pebblesky on Jul 5, 2024 21:13:56 GMT -5
Sometimes I also use USPS Ground Advantage Cubic (with my own box) if I couldn't fill up a MFRB. It is not as fast as priority mail, but the shipping cost is lower than a SFRB (depending on the box dimensions and the zone).
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RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 4,625
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Post by RWA3006 on Jul 5, 2024 21:17:23 GMT -5
Something I do which is a bit peculiar, but kind of fun, is everyone on RTH that I send rocks to I "follow" them. Don't know why I do it but it's become a tradition for me.
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Post by Son Of Beach on Jul 5, 2024 21:25:24 GMT -5
gemfreak95 that might have been me lol. I think the first box I ever sent was to you. Not ashamed and if you get another from me, I'll do the same 
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gemfreak95
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2020
Posts: 127
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Post by gemfreak95 on Jul 6, 2024 14:36:11 GMT -5
gemfreak95 that might have been me lol. I think the first box I ever sent was to you. Not ashamed and if you get another from me, I'll do the same Hey, I don't see a problem with that method. As a matter of fact, I just copycatted it to send my first box to jeg . |
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,167
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Post by rockbrain on Jul 13, 2024 13:52:47 GMT -5
I usually put a paper with the address inside too. I'm always afraid something is going to happen to the label, although I don't believe it's ever been an issue. I also have a Click and Ship USPS account. It saves a few bucks. Right now a SFRB is $9.05 MFRB $16 LFRB $21.85 Last time I looked everyone was talking about Pirate Ship, but this was a little less. I like that I can pack the box up, create and pay for the label on line, then when I take it to the PO they scan a barcode on my phone that they send by email and they print and attach the label and hand me the receipt.
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Post by cabby on Jul 13, 2024 21:02:22 GMT -5
I usually put a paper with the address inside too. I'm always afraid something is going to happen to the label, although I don't believe it's ever been an issue. I also have a Click and Ship USPS account. It saves a few bucks. Right now a SFRB is $9.05 MFRB $16 LFRB $21.85 Last time I looked everyone was talking about Pirate Ship, but this was a little less. I like that I can pack the box up, create and pay for the label on line, then when I take it to the PO they scan a barcode on my phone that they send by email and they print and attach the label and hand me the receipt. I need to remember that option when I am ready to sell! The post office is 1.5mi away, up and down hills, and I don’t drive lol. Maybe I dont want to join a traveling box afterall… |
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RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 4,625
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Post by RWA3006 on Jul 13, 2024 23:31:00 GMT -5
I usually put a paper with the address inside too. I'm always afraid something is going to happen to the label, although I don't believe it's ever been an issue. I also have a Click and Ship USPS account. It saves a few bucks. Right now a SFRB is $9.05 MFRB $16 LFRB $21.85 Last time I looked everyone was talking about Pirate Ship, but this was a little less. I like that I can pack the box up, create and pay for the label on line, then when I take it to the PO they scan a barcode on my phone that they send by email and they print and attach the label and hand me the receipt. I need to remember that option when I am ready to sell! The post office is 1.5mi away, up and down hills, and I don’t drive lol. Maybe I dont want to join a traveling box afterall… The weight of those boxes can add up. I can carry two into the post office, but more than that needs a hand truck. A MFRB can easily go 25 pounds and 40 for a LFRB is common. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Jul 14, 2024 7:56:59 GMT -5
Excellent! Thanks! When I first joined, I had to ask what SFRB was. You've come a long way, baby!!  |
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Post by Rockoonz on Jul 14, 2024 8:33:45 GMT -5
I recycle cardboard by cutting into inserts to line the box, strengthens the corners. If shipping slabs or cabs they are taped to cardboard sheets, which are stacked in the box.
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Post by aDave on Jul 14, 2024 10:24:52 GMT -5
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RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 4,625
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Post by RWA3006 on Jul 26, 2024 9:30:49 GMT -5
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Post by drocknut on Aug 8, 2024 16:35:55 GMT -5
I use Pirateship and it is less than buying postage at the Post Office for sure. I have a Rollo label printer I use to print out the label including the postage. Works well for me. I also use cardboard in between and around slabs or cabs when I'm shipping them because it seems to keep breakage down to a minimum even considering how rough the boxes get handled. Extra cardboard to strengthen the box especially if it's a Postal Service free box (flat rate box) because I swear they are making them thinner and thinner as the years go by.
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