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USPS free flat rate shipping?

USPS is currently shipping flat rate packaging free. https://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10052&parent_category_rn=10000002&categoryId=10000033&top_category=10000002&langId=-1&catalogId=10001 Does this mean that I can get a flat rate box, package whatever, and just put it in my mailbox? Do I need to go to the post office to pay shipping, since I haven't actually bought the box?

Public Comments

1. No, what they are doing (and always HAVE done) is give you the BOXES for free. You still have to pay the flat rate postage. You can do this on-line or at the post office.
2. Postage is never free. You are in the supply section. I order my boxes from here. Only the boxes and envelopes for priority and express mail is free and nothing else. You can get some priority labels too. mx
3. You have to pay to ship the box, only the box is free, not the actual postage to send the item. You have to print the shipping label online ( can do that at usps.com if you set up an account with a credit card etc.) or take the box to the post office and pay for the shipping there. The flat rate boxes have a rate charged for each size box, so at least you know how much you will be paying. That, and the fact that the boxes are free, is what you have to consider. If you don't use the free boxes, you have to obtain boxes from another source and pay for them. I use Uline for my boxes and also grab free boxes from any stores when I am in them. You still have to buy packing materials as well, such as bubble wrap etc.