USPS Shipping Container values

[aamanager]

I can understand most of the values in the USPS Shipping Container field but can't figure out the use of VARIABLE, RECTANGULAR* or NON-RECTANGULAR** ............... nor can I find an explanation of all of the fields.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Jim

[Jim]

Those are terms used by USPS in the documentation they provide for developers who want to use their rating apis.

I looked on the USPS site and couldn't find exact definitions for the terms with the exception of Rectangular which they define as: "Rectangular, with four square corners and parallel opposite sides (see Exhibit 1.1), unless prepared as Customized MarketMail under E660." see http://pe.usps.com/archive/html/dmmarchive1209/c010.htm
So I would guess that nonrectangular would be anything other than a rectangular shape such as a tube, triangle shape box etc.
I think the Variable means that you would ship it in different size containers at different times, I.E. you put it in what ever box you have on hand at the time the product is shipped.