How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Package?
Complete shipping cost breakdown by weight, size, carrier, and service level
How much does it cost to ship a package?
Shipping costs range from $4.50 for a small package under 1 lb to $50+ for heavy packages over 20 lbs. The exact cost depends on weight, dimensions, distance (zone), carrier, and service speed. Using commercial rates through ShipWave saves 40-60% compared to retail. Most e-commerce packages (1-5 lbs) cost $6-15 to ship with commercial pricing.
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| Carrier | Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | First-Class (under 1 lb) | $4.50-$6.50 | 2-5 days | Cheapest |
| USPS | Ground Advantage (1-3 lbs) | $6.25-$10.50 | 2-5 days | |
| Various | Ground (5-10 lbs) | $12-$18 | 1-5 days | |
| UPS/FedEx | Ground (10-20 lbs) | $18-$28 | 1-5 days | |
| UPS/FedEx | Ground (20-50 lbs) | $28-$55 | 1-5 days |
First-Class (under 1 lb)
Ground Advantage (1-3 lbs)
Ground (5-10 lbs)
Ground (10-20 lbs)
Ground (20-50 lbs)
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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Factors That Determine Shipping Cost
Five main factors determine shipping cost:
1) Weight - Heavier packages cost more, with rates typically increasing per pound.
2) Dimensions - Large boxes incur dimensional weight charges (LxWxH / 139).
3) Distance - Zones range from 1 (local) to 9 (coast-to-coast), with Zone 9 costing 50-70% more.
4) Service Level - Ground shipping is 40-60% cheaper than express.
5) Carrier - USPS, UPS, and FedEx have different rate structures.
Average Shipping Costs by Weight
Typical commercial shipping costs (Zone 5):
Under 1 lb: $4.50-$6.50 (USPS First-Class)
1-2 lbs: $6-$10 (USPS Ground Advantage)
3-5 lbs: $9-$14 (Ground services)
5-10 lbs: $12-$20 (Compare carriers)
10-20 lbs: $18-$30 (UPS/FedEx Ground often wins)
20-50 lbs: $28-$55 (Carrier negotiated rates)
How to Calculate Your Exact Cost
To get your exact shipping cost:
1) Weigh your package precisely (round up)
2) Measure length, width, and height at longest points
3) Determine destination zip code
4) Use a rate calculator like ShipWave to compare all carriers instantly
5) Consider tracking, insurance, or delivery confirmation needs
Pro Tips to Save More
Use the dimensional weight formula
For UPS/FedEx: LxWxH / 139. If dimensional weight exceeds actual weight, you pay for the higher number.
Add weight for packing materials
Boxes, tape, and void fill add 4-12 oz to package weight. Account for this near weight thresholds.
Check insurance requirements
USPS Ground Advantage includes $100 coverage. Priority Mail includes $100. Additional insurance costs $0.80-$2.50 per $100.
Watch for surcharges
Large packages (over 96" length+girth or 70 lbs) incur $15-$40 surcharges. Residential delivery adds $4-6 with UPS/FedEx.
Frequently Asked Questions
- A 5 lb package typically costs $11-$15 via USPS Ground Advantage, $12-$16 via UPS Ground, or $12-$16 via FedEx Ground (Zone 5). With commercial discounts, rates can be $9-$13.
- USPS rates: First-Class (under 1 lb): $4.50-$6.50. Ground Advantage (1-70 lbs): $5.50-$40+. Priority Mail (1-70 lbs): $8-$50+. These are commercial rates; retail is 20-30% higher.
- Overnight shipping costs $28-$70 for small packages and $70-$150+ for larger items. USPS Priority Mail Express is typically cheapest ($28-$45 for 1-5 lbs).
- It depends: Under 1 lb: USPS First-Class is cheapest. 1-10 lbs: USPS Ground Advantage often wins. 10+ lbs: UPS/FedEx Ground with discounts frequently beats USPS.
- Shipping prices include fuel costs (10-15% surcharges), labor, vehicle maintenance, last-mile delivery, and carrier profit. Using commercial rates reduces costs by 40-60%.
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Hear from Our Customers
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