Coast to Coast Shipping: Complete Guide
East coast to west coast shipping rates, times, and carrier comparison
How much does coast to coast shipping cost?
Coast-to-coast shipping costs $8-$12 for packages under 1 lb, $12-$20 for 1-5 lbs, and $20-$55 for heavier packages. This is Zone 8 pricing - the maximum domestic rate. Ground delivery takes 5-7 days; express options deliver in 1-2 days. USPS Flat Rate boxes offer fixed pricing regardless of coast-to-coast distance.
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| Carrier | Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Ground Advantage (1 lb) | $8.50 | 5-7 days | Cheapest |
| USPS | Priority Mail (2 lb) | $12.45 | 2-3 days | |
| USPS | Medium Flat Rate Box | $17.10 | 2-3 days | |
| UPS | Ground (5 lb) | $19.50 | 5 days | |
| FedEx | 2Day (5 lb) | $42.50 | 2 days | |
| USPS | Priority Mail Express | $28.75 | 1-2 days |
Ground Advantage (1 lb)
Priority Mail (2 lb)
Medium Flat Rate Box
Ground (5 lb)
2Day (5 lb)
Priority Mail Express
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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What is Coast to Coast Shipping?
Coast-to-coast shipping refers to packages traveling between the East Coast (Maine to Florida) and West Coast (Washington to California). These are Zone 8 routes - the maximum domestic shipping zone.
Common coast-to-coast routes include: New York to California, Florida to Washington, Boston to Seattle, and Miami to San Francisco. All span approximately 2,500-3,000 miles.
Despite the distance, coast-to-coast shipping is well-established with reliable transit times and competitive rates through volume-discounted shipping platforms.
Major Coast-to-Coast Shipping Lanes
NY/NJ to CA: The highest-volume lane. Multiple carrier options with daily departures. 5-day ground transit typical.
FL to WA/OR: Diagonal route across the country. 6-7 day ground transit due to routing.
MA/CT to CA: Northeast to California. 5-6 day ground. Strong USPS performance.
GA/NC to WA: Southeast to Northwest. 5-6 day ground. I-40 corridor routing.
Carrier Strengths on Bicoastal Routes
USPS: Best value for packages under 10 lbs. Flat Rate boxes offer predictable coast-to-coast pricing. Priority Mail often delivers in 2-3 days.
UPS: Consistent 5-day ground transit with guaranteed dates for business accounts. Strong tracking and delivery confirmation.
FedEx: Similar to UPS for ground. Express services excel with overnight and 2-day options. Major hubs in Memphis aid routing.
Pro Tips to Save More
Use Flat Rate for heavy items
USPS Flat Rate boxes cost the same regardless of distance. The Medium Box ($17.10) and Large Box ($22.45) offer exceptional value for coast-to-coast heavy shipments.
Ship early in the week
Coast-to-coast packages shipped Monday-Tuesday arrive by weekend. Wednesday-Thursday shipments may not deliver until the following Monday.
Consider bicoastal fulfillment
If you regularly ship coast-to-coast, explore 3PL partners with warehouses on both coasts. This can cut shipping zones from 8 to 3-4.
Build in transit time buffers
Coast-to-coast packages traverse 5-8 distribution centers. Allow 1-2 extra days for time-sensitive shipments or upgrade to Priority Mail.
Compare express options carefully
USPS Priority Mail Express is often 40-50% cheaper than UPS/FedEx overnight for coast-to-coast packages under 5 lbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Ground shipping takes 5-7 business days. USPS Priority Mail delivers in 2-3 days. Express/overnight services deliver in 1-2 days. Weather and peak seasons can add 1-2 days to ground transit.
- USPS Ground Advantage is cheapest for packages under 5 lbs. For heavier items, USPS Flat Rate boxes beat weight-based Zone 8 rates. Compare all options using a shipping calculator.
- Yes, coast-to-coast routes are Zone 8 - the maximum domestic shipping zone. This includes all routes between the Atlantic coast (ME to FL) and Pacific coast (WA to CA).
- FedEx Ground coast-to-coast rates: ~$12-15 (1 lb), ~$20 (5 lb), ~$28 (10 lb). FedEx 2Day: ~$35-55. FedEx Overnight: ~$50-90. Commercial rates through shipping platforms are 20-30% lower.
- For ground, they're similar (5-7 days). USPS Priority Mail (2-3 days) is faster than UPS Ground. For overnight, both offer next-day delivery but USPS Priority Mail Express is typically cheaper.
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Related Shipping Guides
Everything you need to know about shipping packages across the United States
California to New York Shipping: Complete GuideCoast-to-coast shipping rates, transit times, and carrier comparison for CA to NY routes
Same State Shipping: Rates & GuideGet the lowest rates and fastest delivery for shipping within your state
Flat Rate Shipping: When It Saves You MoneyFlat rate shipping charges one price regardless of weight - perfect for heavy, dense items. Compare all flat rate options and learn when to use them.
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