Cheapest Shipping Carrier
Compare rates, delivery times, and services. Find the best carrier for your shipment.
USPS
Best for: Lightweight packages and Media Mail
✓ Pros
- •Cheapest for packages under 1 lb
- •Best Media Mail rates for books
- •No fuel surcharges
- •Free pickup from mailbox
- •Flat rate boxes for predictable pricing
✗ Cons
- •Slower ground delivery
- •Less reliable tracking
- •Not ideal for heavy packages
Best Value Summary
Best for: Depends on package weight and destination
✓ Pros
- •Under 1 lb: USPS First Class ($3-5)
- •1-5 lbs: USPS Priority Mail ($7-15)
- •5-20 lbs: UPS/FedEx Ground ($15-30)
- •Over 20 lbs: Freight options
- •International: DHL Express
✗ Cons
- •Prices vary by distance (zones)
- •Dimensional weight can increase costs
- •Surcharges may apply
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | USPS | Best Value Summary | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1 lb (Zone 4) | USPS: $3.50 | Best: USPS | USPS |
| 1-3 lbs (Zone 4) | USPS: $7-10 | Best: USPS | USPS |
| 3-10 lbs (Zone 4) | USPS: $12-20 | Best: Compare all | Tie |
| 10-20 lbs (Zone 4) | USPS: $22-35 | Best: UPS/FedEx | Best Value Summary |
| Over 20 lbs | N/A | Best: UPS/FedEx | Best Value Summary |
| Overnight Express | USPS: $26+ | Best: FedEx | Best Value Summary |
| International | USPS: Varies | Best: DHL | Best Value Summary |
| Media (Books) | USPS: $3-5 | Best: USPS | USPS |
Our Verdict
There's no single cheapest carrier - it depends on your package weight, size, and destination. USPS wins for lightweight packages, UPS/FedEx for heavy items.
The only way to find the cheapest rate is to compare all carriers for your specific package. ShipWave does this automatically and shows you discounted rates up to 54% off.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship a package?
For packages under 1 lb, USPS First Class Mail is cheapest ($3-5). For 1-5 lbs, USPS Priority Mail is usually best. For heavier packages, UPS or FedEx Ground often wins.
Is USPS always the cheapest?
No. USPS is cheapest for lightweight packages, but UPS and FedEx are often cheaper for packages over 10 lbs. Always compare rates.
How can I get the cheapest shipping rate?
Use ShipWave to compare all carriers at once. We show discounted rates up to 54% off retail prices, so you get the best deal regardless of carrier.