Having assembled the large box, I started packing it, only to realize it was too large. I went over to the stand in the small USPS grocery store outlet and grabbed a medium box.
This was my first time using a priority mail box. I’ve always saved boxes, packed them and wrapped them in brown paper. But the cost of shipping this way has gone up and, over Christmas, I realized that using a standard-sized, priority mail box would be cheaper that a random box, beautifully wrapped in brown paper.
Setting aside the large box, I taped the bottom of the medium box and filled it. My contents fit perfectly – snug, but not squished. I wrote the address on top and began taping the top shut. Dang! I cursed silently when I realized I’d left something out.
Using my keys, I cut the tape, added the missing item then retaped the box. The upside of this setback was that the line, which was five people long when I started, was now only one!
I lifted the box and it felt pretty light. I bet this is under 4 pounds, I mused and I grabbed the smaller of the two customs forms used for shipping to Canada, the parcel’s final destination. I carefully filled out the form and walked between the stanchions whose belts led to the counter. Surprise – I was the head of the line!
As soon as a customer left, I was called up and I placed my package on the counter.
“Canada,” said the clerk. “Did you fill out the form?”
“Yes,” I replied, smiling and waving the small form. The clerk furrowed her brow.
“It feels pretty light,” I said, hopefully.
“Hmmm, let’s see,” she replied, setting the package on the scale. “Four pounds, five ounces. You’ll need the other form.” I groaned inwardly.
She pointed to my left. “Just fill it out over there, then step back here when you are ready, as long as no other customer is here.”
Grumbling a little, I wrote the exact same information from the small form onto the large form. Maybe I grumbled a bit. Once done, and back at the counter, the rest of the process went smoothly. Despite the small obstacles I had encountered in mailing it, I drove home happy in the knowledge that the package was finally on its way.
booksandbassets 
Shipping has gone up so much, I have stopped sending too many packages. What an aggravation on all the forms to fill out. However, once it’s paid and on the way, there is much satisfaction.
I have never shipped a package anywhere so I have not had this experience. I do know that I am not a good judge of weights so I would guess on the light side as well. As elsie said, once it is in the hands of the professionals you can relax.
So many forms. At least it all ended well.