Postal first for the armed forces.

The USPS Board of Governors has approved a new, larger Priority Mail Flat Rate Box which will be offered at a discount to overseas military addresses — a postal first for the armed forces.

In addition it enables customers to ship 50 percent more than with the current box according to a USPS announcement.

The current flat-rate box — introduced in November 2004 — gives customers a single, predetermined rate regardless of the weight or delivery zone.

The larger flat-rate box will sell for $12.95 domestic and $10.95 to APO/FPO addresses. Internationally, it’s $29.95 to Canada or Mexico and $49.95 to all other countries.

Customers can begin using the new boxes March 3.