what is a flat rate in shipping refers to a pricing model where the cost to ship a package is the same, regardless of the weight or distance. Flat-rate shipping options are often offered by USPS, UPS, and other carriers, especially for certain types of packages or services. For example, USPS provides flat-rate boxes for Priority Mail, where you pay a set price based on the box size, regardless of the weight (up to a certain limit). Flat-rate shipping is beneficial for customers who are sending heavier packages over long distances, as it allows for predictable shipping costs and savings.