How to Get the Cheapest UPS Shipping Rates
UPS retail rates are expensive, but negotiated discounts of 30-70% are common. Learn how to access discounted UPS rates.
What is the cheapest way to ship UPS?
The cheapest UPS shipping requires: 1) Negotiated rates through a UPS account (30-70% discounts are common), 2) Using platforms like Pirate Ship that offer pre-negotiated UPS rates, 3) Shipping to commercial addresses (avoids $6.55 residential surcharge).
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Real rates through ShipWave - save up to 54% vs retail
UPS Ground 5 lb, Zone 5 (retail)
USPS Ground Advantage: $11.25 (39% less)
UPS Ground 5 lb, Zone 5 (negotiated)
USPS still cheaper at $11.25 to residential
Pirate Ship UPS rates
No volume requirements
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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Get Negotiated UPS Rates
Pros
- ✓30-70% discounts are achievable
- ✓Negotiation is expected—just ask
- ✓Even small volume gets some discount
- ✓UPS will often match FedEx rates
Cons
- ✗Requires account history and volume
- ✗Negotiation takes effort
- ✗Still may not beat USPS for lightweight
Use Platforms with Pre-Negotiated Rates
Pros
- ✓30-50% off UPS retail immediately
- ✓No volume requirements
- ✓No negotiation needed
- ✓Same UPS service quality
Cons
- ✗May not beat your own negotiated rates
- ✗Still includes residential surcharges
Pro Tips to Save More
Always Negotiate
UPS expects customers to negotiate. After 2-3 months of shipping history, call and ask for discounts. Mention FedEx rates.
Try Pirate Ship UPS
Pirate Ship now offers pre-negotiated UPS rates at 30-50% off retail. No volume requirements, no monthly fees.
Ship to Business Addresses
UPS charges $6.55 residential surcharge on every home delivery. B2B shipping avoids this.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Small shippers: 20-40% discounts. Medium volume: 40-60% discounts. High volume: 50-70%+ discounts.
- Yes. Platforms like Pirate Ship, Shippo, and ShipStation offer pre-negotiated UPS rates with no volume requirements.
- For packages under 10 lbs to residential addresses: USPS is almost always cheaper. For heavier packages to business addresses: UPS with negotiated rates can be competitive.
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Related Shipping Guides
Commercial USPS rates save 10-40% vs retail. Use the right service for each package and access commercial pricing through free platforms.
UPS Ground vs FedEx Ground: Which Carrier Should You Choose?UPS and FedEx Ground are nearly identical in price and speed. Your choice should depend on pickup convenience, account discounts, and destination coverage.
USPS vs UPS: Which Carrier Wins for Small Packages?USPS typically saves 30-60% on packages under 5 lbs. See exactly when each carrier makes sense for your small package shipping needs.
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