Tools
Shipping rate estimator and method picker
Enter weight, dimensions, origin and destination; get the cheapest viable service and ETA.
What This Tool Does
The ShipWave rate estimator compares shipping costs and delivery times across USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL in real-time. Enter your package weight, dimensions, and destination—get instant quotes from all carriers. Unlike carrier websites that only show their own rates, this tool shows all options side-by-side so you can make informed decisions. Estimates use current carrier rate tables including fuel surcharges and typical surcharges based on package profile.
How Shipping Rates Are Calculated
Carriers determine rates based on: Billable weight (the greater of actual weight or dimensional weight). Zone (distance from origin to destination). Service level (ground vs express vs overnight). Package type (your packaging vs flat rate). Surcharges (residential, delivery area, additional handling). Our estimator accounts for all these factors. Dimensional weight uses each carrier's specific divisor (139 for UPS/FedEx, 166 for USPS). Zone is calculated from origin to destination ZIP codes.
Understanding Zone-Based Pricing
Zones represent distance bands from your origin ZIP. Zone 1-4: Local to regional (typically 1-3 day ground delivery). Zone 5-6: Farther regional (3-5 day ground). Zone 7-8: Cross-country (5-7 day ground). Longer zones = higher rates and longer transit times. A 5 lb package might cost $8 to zone 3 but $15 to zone 8. This is why origin location matters significantly for e-commerce businesses—sellers in central US locations have a cost advantage shipping nationally.
Why Rates Vary by Carrier
Different carriers excel for different package profiles. USPS: Best for lightweight packages (under 1 lb), short zones, and residential addresses (no residential surcharge). UPS: Competitive for heavier packages (5+ lbs), business addresses, and when reliable tracking matters. FedEx: Strong for express services and certain regional lanes. DHL: Primarily international; excellent for overseas shipments. There's no single "cheapest carrier"—it depends on your specific package.
Dimensional Weight Impact
Dimensional weight can dramatically affect rates for large, lightweight packages. A 12" × 12" × 12" box (1 cubic foot) weighing 2 lbs has DIM weight of: UPS/FedEx (139 divisor): 1728 ÷ 139 = 12.4 lbs billable. USPS (166 divisor): 1728 ÷ 166 = 10.4 lbs billable. The 2 lb actual weight becomes 12+ lbs billable weight. This is why packaging optimization matters—shrinking box dimensions can save significant money.
Service Level Selection
Ground services offer the best value for non-urgent shipments. USPS Ground Advantage: 2-5 days, often cheapest under 1 lb. UPS Ground: 1-5 days depending on zone, competitive for heavier packages. FedEx Ground: Similar to UPS Ground pricing and timeline. Express services cost 2-5x more but guarantee faster delivery. USPS Priority Mail: 1-3 days with $100 insurance included. UPS 2nd Day Air: Guaranteed 2-day delivery. FedEx Express Saver: 3-day guaranteed. Choose based on whether delivery speed justifies the premium.
Reading Rate Estimates
Each estimate shows: Carrier and service name. Estimated cost (including known surcharges). Delivery timeline (transit days, not calendar days). Any applicable surcharges flagged. Compare not just price but delivery timeline. A $2 savings that adds 4 days might not be worth it for customer experience. Also note that estimates are quotes—actual rates are locked when you purchase the label. Carrier rates can change, so print labels promptly after quoting.
From Estimate to Label
Once you've compared rates and selected a carrier, create a ShipWave account to purchase discounted labels. Our rates are typically 10-54% below retail carrier prices. You get the rate shown in the estimator (or better with commercial pricing). Labels print instantly. Tracking uploads automatically if connected to your sales channel. Start with the estimator to compare options, then print labels through ShipWave to save.
FAQs
Are these estimates accurate?
Estimates use current carrier rate tables and include dimensional weight calculations. Actual rates are locked when you purchase a label. Estimates may not reflect all possible surcharges (like Delivery Area Surcharges) until the exact address is validated.
Why are USPS rates often cheapest?
USPS doesn't charge residential surcharges and uses a more favorable DIM divisor (166 vs 139). For lightweight packages to residential addresses, these advantages make USPS consistently cheaper than UPS/FedEx.
How is dimensional weight calculated?
DIM Weight = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ Divisor. UPS and FedEx use 139, USPS uses 166. The billable weight is whichever is greater: actual weight or DIM weight.
What's the difference between transit days and delivery days?
Transit days are business days the package is in transit. Delivery days include the ship date plus transit. A package shipped Monday with 3 transit days delivers Thursday. Weekends and holidays don't count as transit days for most services.
Can I get better rates than shown?
Yes! ShipWave offers commercial rates up to 54% below retail. The estimator shows retail rates for comparison—your actual labels will use discounted commercial pricing when purchased through ShipWave.
Shipping Guides You Might Find Useful
Cheapest Way to Ship a 15 lb Package
Fifteen pounds puts you in mid-weight territory where carrier comparison creates significant savings. Enter your package details to see real-time rates from USPS, UPS, and FedEx.
Cheapest Way to Ship a Large Package
Large packages face dimensional weight charges and oversized surcharges that can double or triple shipping costs. Smart packaging and carrier selection are essential for affordability.
Cheapest Way to Mail a Package
Step-by-step guide to finding the lowest shipping cost for any package size
Related Resources
Explore more guides and tools for your shipping needs
Tools
Packaging advisor
Mailer vs box? Suggestions to hit the best price tier and avoid DIM weight.
ToolsUSPS zone finder
Find the USPS zone from your origin ZIP to any destination ZIP to forecast speed and cost.
ToolsDuty and tax estimator
Roughly estimate duties/taxes by HS code and destination. Educational only.
ToolsCarbon emissions estimator
Approximate emissions by service/speed for educational purposes.
ToolsDelivery time estimator
Estimate ground transit time based on ZIP distance and carrier guidelines.
ToolsThermal printer test page (4x6)
Print a 4x6 test label to dial in margins and density for Zebra, Rollo, and others.