Finding a cheaper way to ship (2024)

FAQs

Finding a cheaper way to ship? ›

Generally speaking, USPS is the cheapest option for smaller, lighter packages that are traveling short distances, while UPS tends to be cheaper for larger packages traveling longer distances.

USPS Priority Mail is generally the cheapest shipping service for 2-3 day shipping. FedEx, UPS, and other courier companies offer delivery services with similar lead time expectations, but USPS offers the lowest rates.

As well as choosing a cheap delivery company, there are other things you can do to keep costs down. Weight and size: small and light packages are usually the cheapest option. In some cases it might cost less to send lots of small packages rather than one big bulky one.

The Cheapest Way to Ship Large Packages

If you are using ShipStation rates, UPS usually costs less than USPS for large or heavy parcels. UPS® Ground and USPS Priority Mail® are two commonly used services. But USPS Parcel Select® is another one to look for. If you use FedEx, FedEx® Ground is a good option.

Generally, UPS works out cheaper for shipping large items, while USPS is cheaper for sending small items. If you're looking for a price for ground shipping in the US and your parcel is no more than 66lbs, a good choice is UPS Ground.

The cheapest way to ship a package will depend on factors such as package size and weight, as well as distance and delivery speed. Generally, USPS Ground and Priority Mail are the most affordable shipping options.

If you use Easyship, UPS still has the cheaper example rates, especially if you're looking for Ground services. Takeaway: FedEx shipping provides cheaper rates if you are paying the retail price when sending a small package at shorter distances. If you use Easyship, UPS will have a better rate.

Save on Shipping: If you're using Priority Mail Express^®, Priority Mail^®, or USPS Ground Advantage^® service, you can ship online with enhanced Click-N-Ship^® service and get lower Commercial Rates. Businesses can get additional savings by opting in to the Business Rate Card.

Shipping a padded envelope is almost always cheaper than shipping a box, but it may not be the best option for your package depending on what you're shipping. Fragile or valuable items or shipments of multiple items are always best packed in boxes.

Is it cheaper to ship USPS with your own box? ›

For shipments traveling shorter distances, Zones 1-4, and weighing less than 20 lbs, using your own packaging for weight-based rates may be a better value. Across all zones, though, shipments weighing over 25 lbs will ship for less in a Flat Rate Large Box.

Shape, weight, and size affect the price for large packages. If you have a large, lightweight package, instead of paying the normal postage price, you may be charged the balloon price, oversized price, or dimensional weight price depending on the class of mail and additional factors.

USPS is the cheapest shipping for U.S. small businesses: Especially with Shippo. For shipments from the United States, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is likely your best bet for cheapest shipping.

Rates are based on the total actual weight or the total dimensional weight of all packages in a shipment, whichever is greater.

Select Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail boxes are available free at the Post Office for items sent using either of these services. While you are not required to use the free packaging for these services, you must use the USPS-produced address label provided by the Post Office for Priority Mail Express.

In general, the higher the cargo's density, the cheaper the rate. Mode of freight also matters — road and rail tend to be cheapest while air is most expensive.

Faster Transit Times: Air freight is the fastest mode of transportation, significantly reducing transit times compared to sea or rail freight. This speed can be advantageous for time-sensitive shipments, minimizing inventory holding costs and allowing for quicker order fulfillment.