What are the Cheapest Shipping Rates? USPS offers the cheapest shipping rates. Prices start at $ 7.50 per package depending on its size and weight and can be as high as $ 140.15 for 70 lbs or $ 202.35 for oversized packages that travel a considerable distance. FedEx or UPS prices range from $ 9.25 to $ 61.50 per package, depending on the size and speed of travel.
What’s the Cheapest Way to Ship Packages in 2021?
By 2020, eCommerce expectations are changing, and many online consumers are expecting faster, less expensive shipping options. That means higher shipping costs can be a huge turn-off to potential buyers and can create more business down the line.
Therefore, you must be able to determine the cheapest way to ship a package to your customers from various shipping locations within the U.S. or overseas. This will help you convert potential buyers into shipping costs and stay ahead of the competition and improve your bottom line and help you stay profitable.
While there is no one-size-fits-all response, boxes of all sizes will help you find features that affect shipping rates and other ways to negotiate shipping discounts from significant shipments.
Crucial Shipping Rate Factors to Consider
There is no one-size-fits-all, no-shipping approach that is considered the gold standard for cheap shipping. Remember that depending on what you are shipping, you should also include the weight and size of the package, how quickly you need your package to get to your destination, and your country.
Here, we discuss important factors to consider when deciding on a cheaper way to send boxes. Includes:
Speed
As instant gratification becomes the norm, high-speed shipping will play a role. But remember, when the delivery speed is faster, you will have to pay more.
Do you want your package to be delivered overnight, the next day, two days, within three days, or are you willing to wait seven days? Various post companies offer a variety of time delivery options that take into account your preferred delivery time. But you have to pay to play. Overnight delivery can cost five times as much as ground delivery.
For 2-3 days shipping, USPS Priority Mail offers very competitive prices for packages weighing 10lb and less. But UPS and FedEx services offer very enticing prices when shipping more than 10lbs packages within the same delivery window.
For packages with a critical two-day delivery period, UPS 2nd Day and FedEx 2Day are the best options because USPS does not offer guaranteed services at this set time. For overnight delivery, UPS Next Day Air Saver and FedEx Standard Overnight offer competitive prices compared to USPS.
Distance
First of all, think about what your package is being shipped to. Shipping carriers separate U.S. into eight shipping zones based on the distance your package should travel from a postal address or zip code. The higher the shipping zone from your destination, the higher the shipping rate.
Domestic shipping by export also plays a role when packages are sent to your customers in various locations. As you might expect, international shipping comes with higher shipping rates than domestic shipping.
Having distribution centers in various parts of the U.S. can help your business reduce shipping costs and reduce the delivery time of your customers by ensuring that your sales are kept close to your final destination. With that in mind, Easyship partners and 3PL providers and warehouses in different cities worldwide to help you reduce your distances and shipping times.
Weight
The weight of your package is an essential factor to consider when finding a cheaper way to ship boxes. The heavy or lightweight package will affect the shipping rate.
USPS offers very competitive prices when sending light packages under one pound or 16 oz, using USPS First Class Mail or USPS Media Mail when sending physical media.
The USPS Priority Mail offers a less expensive option when shipping items between 1-10 lbs, while the delivery of FedEx and UPS Ground / Home delivery offers the lowest prices for U.S. heavy packages.
Size
Package size has everything to do with how much space it occupies behind the track based on its size. The larger the package, the higher the shipping cost. Various couriers offer many options to help you increase the size of your shipping package.
| Weight (per box) | Philadelphia Miami | Philadelphia Los Angeles | Chicago Dallas | Cleveland San Diego |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small box weighing 5 lbs (Same size as USPS) | $16.42-$123.57 | $20.07-$137.25 | $14.42-$119.83 | $20.07-$137.25 |
| Large light box weighing 10 lbs | $32.76-$222.37 | $55.12-$250.54 | $30.76-$218.63 | $55.12-$250.54 |
| Large box weighing 70 lbs per box (Same size as USPS) | $101.55- $525.15 | $147.27-$620.36 | $99.55-$551.41 | $147.27-$620.36 |
One such option is to use Flat Rate and USPS packages. While this is not always guaranteed to be a cheap shipping method, it will help you keep shipping costs stable. First Class Mail envelopes, low-level envelopes, and USPS Priority Mail offer low prices for small packages.
Another option is to use cubic values. Cubic Price is an exceptional USPS service that offers low shipping costs when delivering small, heavy items of less than 20lbs via USPS Priority Mail.
When Shipping Discounts Apply
Getting shipping discounts from postal companies can change the game for your eCommerce business, as they can help you reduce your shipping costs per package. Shipping carriers will lower your prices depending on the volume of packages you send. The more you post, the better your prices become.
Another great way to get discounted shipping is to reach significant carriers through a 3PL company like Easyship. You will always get better prices when using third-party services than trying to negotiate directly with postal companies.
3PL companies often get huge shipping discounts due to the many packages they send to these couriers. After that, they pass on the benefits to their partners by giving them discounted rates.
Cheapest Shipping Based on Delivery Speed
Various services ensure delivery on time. We have compiled a list of popular regular delivery services. Keep in mind that these services are limited to packages around 10 lbs. For anything higher, it is recommended that you look at carriers individually or with the Ship Station rate calculator.
Best options for 2–3-day shipping
2-3 days shipping usually works best with USPS Priority Mail. While FedEx and UPS Ground services offer the exact delivery times, USPS usually offers very low prices. If the package weighs more than 7 lbs, UPS and FedEx are starting to offer very competitive prices.
Residential Surcharge
Residential surcharges can apply to residential addresses when shipping via FedEx and UPS. This would add about $ 3-4 to each post. In some cases, these addresses are not verified as a stay on the network platform, and you will not know that you are paying this extra amount until you receive your invoice.
USPS does not cover the delivery cost as the postal Service expects it to be delivered to each home address. This commitment, however, is why heavy packages are starting to cost more than UPS or FedEx.
Best International Shipping Options
Standard Delivery
For packages weighing 4 lbs or less, First Class Mail International will be the most cost-effective way to ship worldwide. However, there is no estimated delivery time requirements, so it may take weeks to arrive at the final destination. For packages weighing 4 lbs or more, USPS Priority Mail International usually offers the best prices.
Fast Delivery
With fast delivery, USPS Priority Mail Express International will offer the best prices. Alternatively, FedEx may provide the same rates and delivery time for their Economy International service.
Expedited Delivery
With shipping services, FedEx International Priority offers a smaller edge over the UPS Worldwide Express.
Package Size
Package size will significantly determine your shipping rate. When the package takes up too much space in the back of the truck, a few cargo parcels can be transported at the same time. Another way to keep track of shipping costs is to choose Flat Rate packages. But since this does not always offer you a very low price, let’s look at some packaging options.
Best for Envelopes or Flats
If First Class Mail is the option, First Class Mail envelopes and low-quality envelopes will offer a much lower standard. Otherwise, the USPS Priority Mail will be the way to go. Keep in mind that First Class Envelopes do not provide tracking.
Best for small packages
Generally, USPS will offer the best prices for small packages whether you send First Class Mail, Media Mail, Priority Mail Package, or Flat Rate.
Best Cubic Pricing
USPS Priority Mail offers the best prices at cubic pricing. This unique service allows you to send small, heavy items at a low cost via USPS.
Best Dimensional Pricing
Dimensional pricing increases the shipping rate if the package is too large about its weight as packages take up space in cargo cars and airplanes, etc., their shipping rate increases with their size. How it works is by multiplying the size of a package (LxWxH) with a divisor.
Cheapest Way to Ship a Package Via USPS
If you decide to use USPS as your primary shipping carrier, the cheapest way to ship is to use shipping software.
ShippingEasy.com allows you to print “USPS First Class Mail” postage from your printer (USPS website does not allow this) and offers excellent shipping discounts on almost all services offered by the US Postal Service offers.
Using shipping software is the only way to get USPS shipping discounts online. All in all, you will get the most savings if you place multiple USPS Priority Mail orders or USPS Express Mail orders. The best part is that ShippingEasy is entirely free for up to 50 shipments per month.
In addition, shipping via FedEx, UPS, and DHL is well integrated into ShippingEasy.com, so you only need one shipping service on all vehicles. Check them out as we use them as our primary shipping software. Also, don’t forget to request free shipping labels and boxes from USPS through the US Postal Service website.
Cheapest Way to Ship a Package Via FedEx or UPS
The only way to get shipping discounts via FedEx or UPS is to negotiate. Of course, you will need to show that you can and will send in volume, but that should not be too difficult when you open an online store.
Ideally, you should choose one carrier and focus on them. In my experience, UPS seems a little hungry than FedEx for your business to be ready to negotiate. But your mileage may vary. Don’t be ashamed to pick up the phone and talk to the seller.
If you are shipping enough volume to negotiate your shipping costs via FedEx and UPS, it is highly recommended you refer to FedEx One Rate. As long as you use a special FedEx shipping box, you can pack as many items as you can in the box with one low-cost delivery method that is not too expensive.
The eCommerce business probably only uses FedEx One Rate to ship more than one pound instead of the USPS Priority Mail because FedEx has negotiated such a low shipping rate. Your order will vary in volume, but FedEx One Rate is the cheapest way to ship packages over 16oz with a delivery speed of 2-3 days for domestic delivery.
UPS also has a similar system called UPS Simple Rate, which is precisely the same as FedEx. At least once a year, you should reach out to both FedEx and UPS representatives and request a lower shipping rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Following are mentioned some frequently asked questions related to the cheapest shipping rates.
1. What is the cheapest shipping method?
The cheapest way to send packages depends on the package you are sending: Small, simple items included in padded mail are cheaper when USPS ships. Small, heavy items are cheaper when shipped using lower USPS prices. Larger, simpler items are cheaper when shipped via USPS Priority Mail.
2. Which company offers the cheapest shipping?
USPS cheap shipping for small U.S. businesses.: Especially with Shippo. With shipments from the United States, the United States Postal Service (USPS) may be your best bet on cheap shipping.
3. Which is cheaper, USPS or FedEx?
For shipping less than two lbs., USPS is usually cheaper than FedEx. When it comes to shipping packages larger than two lbs., FedEx can be more expensive than USPS, offering lower prices. However, USPS is cheaper than FedEx if you can pack your item in a small, medium, or large shipping box.
4. How Much Does It Cost to Ship a 5lb Package?
Depending on your destination and your preferred carrier, a five-pound package costs $ 7.81 to $ 14.32 to ship. Depending on the nature of your business, if you can keep track of the mass of five pounds or less, it can save you a lot of money over time.
5. Is it cheaper to use a flat rate box or your box?
While Medium and Large Flat Rate boxes can be free, using your packing is usually cheaper than Shipping Priority Mail Flat rates, thanks to a USPS private post-class called Priority Mail Cubic.
6. How do I calculate shipping costs?
DIM weight is calculated by multiplying the package’s length, width, and height or box size and then dividing it by a standard DIM divider. Carriers like USPS, FedEx, and UPS calculate shipping costs according to the largest: actual package weight or its DIM weight.
7. Does FedEx charge by weight?
For each shipment, you are charged based on the size of the package or the actual weight of the package, which is the more remarkable.
8. Is FedEx or USPS faster?
The USPS Priority Mail is twice as fast as the FedEx Ground, delivering in two days rather than four. Postal Service also has the opportunity to be able to deliver to P.O. box addresses. FedEx Ground is cheaper than USPS Priority Mail: $ 34.96 vs. $ 44.55 for a packet of 10 pounds that we have compared.
9. What do you look for in a carrier?
When choosing a carrier, look for one that sits with your baby high enough so that you can kiss the top of their head. This is the safest position. Also, make sure that the holder has a wide or adjustable seat. It helps to distribute the baby’s weight and keeps their hips healthy as they grow.
10. How can I ship heavy items cheap?
For heavier items, try the UPS Ground. The Service accepts packages weighing up to 150 pounds. With larger and heavier items such as furniture, FedEx Freight can save you money on shipping. Heavy products need to be shipped in sturdy cardboard boxes to stay safe in transit.
Conclusion
The cheapest way to ship large packages depends on how large your package is. With USPS, UPS, and FedEx, larger packages can be targeted at larger or oversized pricing surcharges. This can make large packages more expensive to ship, especially if you are shipping multiple boxes.