key points:
- usps first class package is usps most economical shipping option for shipping light shipments weighing less than 1 lb within the us. uu.
- usps media usps is the most economical shipping option for shipping media and educational materials such as books, printed music, sound and video recordings.
- usps package select ground is the slowest and cheapest usps shipping service for shipping large and heavy items that exceed package weight and dimension limits.
The United States Postal Services (USPS) is one of the nation’s best-known carriers, offering e-commerce merchants reliable and affordable shipping options.
the carrier offers several services for domestic and international shipments. But with so many shipping services, finding the cheapest way to ship with USPS depends on a number of variables. however, with the right tools and a little research, merchants can find affordable rates for any destination.
A great place to start is to check out easyship’s usps shipping rate calculator, where you can find the cheapest way to ship usps by comparing transit time and shipping rates for different services, all priced at cpp (lowest rates available, cheaper than post office).
In this article, we’ll help you understand domestic and international USPS shipping services, the different factors that determine your shipping rate, and how to find the cheapest USPS shipping service.
find the cheapest way to ship usps
Unsurprisingly, there is no one-size-fits-all cost when determining the cheapest USPS shipping, as it depends on several factors. these include:
- Custom Packaging: Sometimes using your own custom packaging is the most economical way to ship usps, especially for lightweight packages traveling short distances.
- Dimension-Based Rates: If you want to ship small but heavy packages, you can find the cheapest shipping from USPS through Cubic Mail Service where the shipping rate is determined based on the dimensional weight of your package. package, rather than its weight.
- Flat Rate Packaging: When shipping heavy packages for longer distances, using usps flat rate box options can be the cheapest way to ship usps.
- speed: the faster you want your package delivered, the higher the shipping cost
- Service Restriction: Different USPS services have specific weight and dimension restrictions. for example, first-class packages must weigh less than 13 oz., while media mail is restricted to shipping media and educational materials. Other USPS services allow package weights up to 70 pounds.
Related Post: 2021 USPS Shipping Rate Changes
the cheapest usps domestic shipping
Different USPS services are eligible to ship different packages based on the above factors.
Here, we discuss the different USPS domestic services, and how each service is best suited as the USPS cheapest shipping option for certain types of packages.
- first class parcel service
this is the cheapest usps shipping option for shipping light shipments weighing less than 1 lb within the us. uu. and its territories. packages are delivered within 1-5 business days. Since this is not a guaranteed service, delivery may be delayed.
Shipping rates are determined by the shipping area and the weight of the package. Maximum weight is 13 oz when using the retail service and 15,999 oz for shipping labels purchased through 3PL logistics companies like EasyShip. the maximum package dimension for domestic shipments is 23″ x 18″ x 15″.
- first class mail service
this is a separate service from the first class packet service. is reputed to be the cheapest usps shipping option for mailing letters and envelopes or large envelopes
- multimedia mail
This is USPS’s most economical shipping option for mailing educational materials and media, such as books, printed music, sound and video recordings, such as CDs and DVDs. So if you’re in the business of selling educational materials, this is the best USPS shipping option for you.
Delivery times average 2-8 business days, but there may be delays as this is not a guaranteed service.
Shipping rates are determined by the weight of the package and the maximum weight for domestic shipments is 70 pounds.
- urgent express mail
This fastest USPS mail service offers a money-back guarantee and overnight delivery to most locations in the United States, including P.O. boxes this is the best service for you if you need to guarantee that your package will be delivered quickly and on time.
priority mail express offers weight-based rates and flat rate envelopes. Weight-based rates are better for you if your package is light and traveling short distances, while flat-rate envelopes are great for heavy packages traveling long distances.
- priority mail
This is a fast and affordable USPS domestic service that delivers packages to P.O. boxes, mailboxes, and PO Boxes within 1-3 business days. but it is not a guaranteed service, which means delivery may be delayed.
- priority mail bucket
This is a special priority mail service where packages are priced based on their outside dimensions rather than their weight. It is the fastest and most economical USPS shipping option for shipping small but heavy packages weighing more than 1 lb and less than 20 lb.
There are 5 pricing tiers, from 0.1 to 0.5, and the shipping rate for your package depends on the cubic tier your package fits into. packages are delivered within 1 to 3 business days.
This is how you calculate the cubic level of your package:
(length x width x height)/1728
- plot selection
parcel select ground is the slowest and cheapest usps shipping service for shipping large, heavy items that exceed package weight and dimension limits for other services, or packages that cannot be shipped via other services. aerial.
Delivery times average 2-8 days, but may take longer as this is not a guaranteed service.
You also benefit from cheaper USPS tracking, as delivery confirmation is included for free on all domestic shipments. Due to longer delivery times and more package handling, you must pack your items properly when using this service.
- usps flat rate (domestic)
usps flat rate (domestic) allows merchants to ship packages for a fixed price, regardless of package weight or shipping zone, using specified usps flat rate boxes. it is an excellent option for sending heavy packages to the most remote shipping zones.
The table below shows the estimated shipping rates for the different USPS services when shipping a 2lb package from Brooklyn, NY to Miami, Florida
As you can see, First Class Parcel wins here as the cheapest USPS shipping service to ship a 2 pound package from Brooklyn to Miami. this may be different for larger packages and weights, so use easyship’s shipping rate calculator to calculate rates accordingly.
usps cheapest international shipping
usps offers several international shipping services, and just like domestic shipping, finding the cheapest usps international shipping service depends on the weight of your package and the speed of delivery.
Here, we look at the different USPS international services and how you can find the cheapest way to ship USPS with each service.
- first class international package
this is the cheapest usps shipping option for shipping light packages weighing less than 4 pounds to international destinations. It is not a guaranteed service and delivery times vary depending on the destination. international shipping rates are determined by the weight of the package and the group of countries.
- uss priority mail express international
This is the fastest and most affordable service offering guaranteed delivery for select international locations to over 180 countries within 3-5 business days.
- usps international priority mail
is one of usps cheapest shipping options for sending mail and packages internationally to over 180 countries in 6-8 days. Since it is not a guaranteed service, there may be delays in delivery depending on origin, destination and customs delays.
- usps flat rate (international)
this may be the cheapest usps shipping option for shipping heavy packages internationally. Allows merchants to ship packages across borders for a fixed price, regardless of weight or shipping distance using specific USPS Flat Rate Boxes.
The table below shows the shipping rates for the different USPS international services when shipping a 2lb package from Connecticut to Hong Kong.
as you can see, usps first class international package happens to be the cheapest way to ship a 2 pound package from connecticut to hong kong.
how to reduce usps shipping costs
There are two great ways to lower the price of USPS shipping rates.
- order usps free shipping boxes: most usps orders qualify to use free shipping boxes. You can order these boxes on the USPS website.
- use easyship to ship with usps: easyship offers you up to 70% off all usps rates. That’s because we’re a direct partner of USPS and pass these business-grade savings on to you.
for example, here are the usps rates available on easyship in our free shipping rate calculator to ship a 2 pound package from new york, ny to denver, co.
As you can see, you’ll save an average of $7+ dollars on all the cheapest USPS rates on Easyship. To see exactly how much you’ll save on your orders, try the free shipping rate calculator.
other factors to consider when choosing the cheapest usps shipping
the quality of the shipment goes beyond the cost. In addition to the shipping fee, you should also consider other value-added services that will help you offer a streamlined shipping experience to your domestic and international customers. include:
- follow-up
It’s important that you and your customers have a way to track packages to help reduce delivery anxiety or instances of lost packages. Although USPS does not offer elaborate tracking capabilities, it does include USPS Confirmation Delivery, also known as USPS Tracking on most of its domestic services.
Delivery Confirmation helps you track and confirm the delivery dates and times of your package, and report any instances of late delivery or lost packages. USPS tracking is also available on some international shipments, but more restrictions apply.
- safe
When shipping high-value items, it’s important to insure them. Some USPS services include some basic insurance coverage, while others do not. Most of the time, basic coverage is insufficient for high value property and you may need to purchase additional insurance coverage. easyship can help you cover your packages up to $5,000.
optimize your usps shipments with easyship
Different factors come into play when determining the most economical way to ship USPS, and different services are appropriate for shipping different packages based on packaging type (flat rate/custom), package weight, service restrictions, and delivery speed.
and while there is no one size fits all when determining the cheapest usps shipping for different packages and box sizes, you can always find the most affordable shipping solution by using the right shipping tools.
easyship helps you up your shipping game and find the cheapest usps shipping in the following ways.
- usps service comparison: using our courier comparison tool, you can compare the shipping time and rates of different usps shipping services to find the one that suits you to your business
- commercial price plus: if you access the different usps services through our platform, you will get great discounts on shipping to further reduce your shipping cost.
- Shipping Rate Calculator: You can use our shipping rate calculator to compare shipping rates from different carriers and see how they compare to usps postal rates .
- Save time and money: Our powerful shipping software will make it easy for you to manage shipments and save time and money on domestic and international shipments.
Sign up for a free easyship account to start shipping with usps today and save up to 70% on your rates!
economy shipping with usps faqs
what is the cheapest method to ship clothes with usps?
At around $5, USPS First Class Mail is the cheapest way to ship clothing for less than a couple of pounds.
what is the best way to get discounted usps shipping prices?
easyship gives you up to 70% off all usps shipping rates instantly with no fees, subscriptions or nonsense. check these rates by creating an account, or jump over to our free shipping rate calculator to see for yourself.
what is the cheapest usps shipping option with tracking?
usps first class package service is the most economical option with tracking and the package weight limit is 16 ounces.
If you found this article valuable, you may enjoy the following:
- when to avoid usps medium and large flat rate boxes
- a guide to usps delivery times for 2020
- shipping rate changes from usps for 2021