Cheapest Way to Mail a Package
Step-by-step guide to finding the lowest shipping cost for any package size
What is the cheapest way to mail a package?
Use USPS First-Class Package Service for items under 1 lb ($4.50-$6.50), USPS Ground Advantage for 1-5 lb packages ($5.50-$12), and UPS/FedEx Ground with commercial discounts for heavier items. Always ship through a platform like ShipWave to access commercial rates that save 40-60% off Post Office retail prices.
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Real rates through ShipWave - save up to 54% vs retail
| Carrier | Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | First-Class (6 oz) | $4.50 | 2-5 days | Cheapest |
| USPS | Ground Advantage (1 lb) | $6.25 | 2-5 days | |
| USPS | Ground Advantage (3 lb) | $10.15 | 2-5 days | |
| UPS | Ground Commercial (8 lb) | $13.80 | 1-5 days | |
| USPS | Cubic (15 lb dense) | $9.75 | 1-3 days |
First-Class (6 oz)
Ground Advantage (1 lb)
Ground Advantage (3 lb)
Ground Commercial (8 lb)
Cubic (15 lb dense)
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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Step 1: Weigh and Measure Accurately
Before comparing rates, get exact weight and dimensions. Round weight up to the nearest ounce (USPS) or pound (UPS/FedEx). Measure the longest side of each dimension.
Incorrect measurements lead to adjustment fees - UPS charges $18 per package for weight/dimension corrections. Invest in a postal scale ($20-40) to avoid costly errors.
Step 2: Compare All Carrier Options
Don't assume USPS is always cheapest. For a 5 lb package to Zone 6: USPS Ground Advantage is $12.50, UPS Ground is $11.85, FedEx Ground is $12.20. The cheapest option changes based on weight, dimensions, and zone.
Use ShipWave's rate comparison to instantly see all options. The 2 minutes spent comparing saves an average of $3-5 per package.
Step 3: Choose the Right Packaging
Packaging directly impacts shipping cost. Carriers charge dimensional weight for boxes larger than necessary. A 2 lb item in a 12x10x8 box costs $2-4 more than in a 10x8x6 box.
Use poly mailers for soft goods - they're lighter and create smaller dimensional profiles. USPS Flat Rate boxes are free and best for heavy items going long distances.
Pro Tips to Save More
Use poly mailers when possible
Poly mailers weigh 0.5-1 oz vs 4-8 oz for boxes. For clothing and soft goods, they reduce weight-based costs and eliminate dimensional weight concerns.
Print labels online, never at retail
Post Office retail rates are 20-30% higher than online commercial rates. A label that costs $12.50 online might be $16 at the counter.
Consider USPS Cubic for heavy-dense items
If your item weighs over 10 lbs but fits in a small box (under 0.5 cubic feet), cubic pricing can cut costs by 50%.
Schedule free carrier pickups
USPS, UPS, and FedEx all offer free scheduled pickups. Save time and gas by having packages collected from your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
- For packages under 1 lb, USPS First-Class Package Service is cheapest at $4.50-$6.50. For items under 4 oz that fit in an envelope, First-Class Mail at $1.50-$3 is even cheaper.
- Online is always cheaper. Commercial rates through shipping platforms are 20-40% less than Post Office retail rates. A package costing $15 at the counter might be $10-11 online.
- USPS Ground Advantage is typically cheapest for 2 lb packages at $7.50-$11.50 depending on zone. For dense items in small boxes, USPS Cubic pricing may be cheaper at $7-9.
- No, Priority Mail is faster but more expensive. A 3 lb package via Priority Mail costs $10-16 vs $8-12 via Ground Advantage.
- Yes, padded envelopes are cheaper because they weigh less (1-2 oz vs 4-8 oz for boxes) and have no dimensional weight concerns.
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