USPS Rate GuideSave 10-40%Commercial Pricing

How to Get the Cheapest USPS Shipping Rates

Commercial USPS rates save 10-40% vs retail. Use the right service for each package and access commercial pricing through free platforms.

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What is the cheapest way to ship USPS?

The cheapest USPS shipping comes from: 1) Using commercial rates (free via Pirate Ship, Shippo) that save 10-40%, 2) Choosing the right service—First-Class for under 13 oz, Ground Advantage for 13 oz-70 lbs, Cubic for small heavy packages.

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Real rates through ShipWave - save up to 54% vs retail

First-Class Package 8 oz

$4.75Commercial rate

Retail: $5.85 (+23%)

Ground Advantage 1 lb, Zone 5

$6.10Commercial rate

Retail: $7.90 (+30%)

Small Flat Rate Box

$10.40Commercial rate

Retail: $11.15 (+7%)

Cubic 0.1 tier (small heavy)

$4.55Commercial cubic rate

Weight-based: $7.80+ (+70%)

* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.

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Minimum 0.1 lb, Maximum 150 lb

Get Commercial Rates (Free)

The single biggest savings opportunity is commercial USPS rates—10-40% less than Post Office counter prices. Free platforms like Pirate Ship offer commercial rates to everyone.

Pros

  • ✓10-40% savings on every shipment
  • ✓Free platforms—no monthly fees
  • ✓Available to anyone
  • ✓Print labels at home

Cons

  • ✗Must print labels (cannot buy at counter)
  • ✗Need a printer

Choose the Right USPS Service

USPS has multiple services—using the wrong one costs extra. First-Class: cheapest for items under 13 oz. Ground Advantage: best value for 13 oz to 70 lbs. Cubic: best for small heavy items.

Pros

  • ✓First-Class: $4-6 for lightweight items
  • ✓Ground Advantage: Best all-around value
  • ✓Cubic: Small dense items save 20-40%

Cons

  • ✗Wrong service choice can cost 30%+ extra
  • ✗Flat Rate only makes sense for heavy items

Pro Tips to Save More

1

Always Use Commercial Rates

Never ship USPS at retail prices. Free platforms like Pirate Ship give you commercial rates instantly.

2

Check Cubic for Small Heavy Items

If your item is dense (heavy relative to size), Cubic pricing often saves 20-40%.

3

Use Flat Rate for Heavy Items

Priority Mail Flat Rate is priced by box size, not weight. If a 10 lb item fits in a Small Flat Rate Box ($10.40), you beat weight-based pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

For items under 13 oz: First-Class Package ($4-6). For 13 oz to 70 lbs: Ground Advantage ($6-25 depending on distance). For small heavy items: Cubic pricing ($4.55-9.90).
Use free platforms like Pirate Ship, Shippo, or eBay shipping labels. Create an account, enter package details, and print labels at commercial rates.
Cubic pricing charges by package volume (size) instead of weight, for packages under 20 lbs. A 5 lb item in a 6x6x6 box might cost $5 via Cubic vs $12 weight-based.

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FedEx
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Live pricing from all carriers updated continuously for accuracy.

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