As an ecommerce business owner, keeping your shipping costs low is essential for maintaining healthy profit margins. But with all the different services and pricing variables, finding the cheapest way to ship with USPS can seem overwhelming.
Don‘t worry—I‘m here to break it all down for you. With over a decade of experience as a shipping consultant, I know all the insider tricks for getting the absolute lowest rates with USPS.
In this guide, we‘ll cover the most affordable USPS services for any kind of package you need to send. You‘ll learn exactly which options to choose based on your shipment‘s weight, dimensions, destination, and delivery speed. I‘ll also share some lesser-known hacks that can save you even more on postage.
By the end, you‘ll be a certified pro at shipping for cheap with USPS. Let‘s dive in!
An Overview of USPS Shipping Services
First, it‘s helpful to understand the main shipping services USPS offers and how they determine pricing:
-
First Class Mail: For standard postcards, letters, and large envelopes up to 13 oz. Priced based on size and shape.
-
First Class Package: For packages weighing under 1 lb. Priced based on weight and distance shipped (zone).
-
Priority Mail: USPS‘s flagship 1-3 day delivery service for packages up to 70 lbs. Can be priced based on weight and zone or using flat rate packaging.
-
Priority Mail Express: Overnight to 2-day guaranteed delivery with included insurance. Most expensive option.
-
Media Mail: Discounted service restricted to shipping books, music, and films. Weight-based pricing up to 70 lbs.
Now that you have an overview, let‘s look at the cheapest options for some common shipping situations.
The Most Affordable USPS Services by Package Type
Here are the USPS services that will get you the lowest possible rates based on what you‘re sending:
Cheapest for Lightweight Packages: First Class Package Service
If your shipment weighs less than 1 pound (16 oz), using USPS First Class Package Service is hands-down the cheapest option. First Class Package rates start at just $3.37 for a 3 oz package shipped to a nearby zone. The maximum price is $6.10 for a 15.999 oz package going to zone 9.
Delivery typically takes 1-3 business days, which is pretty speedy considering the low cost. Just keep in mind that tracking is limited, and there‘s no included insurance. But for lightweight, low-value items, First Class is the way to go.
Best Value for Large Envelopes: First Class Mail
Have a flat item like a book, folder, or stack of documents to send? Use First Class Mail large envelopes for the best deal. A 1 oz large envelope ships for as little as $1.16, with a max price of $3.19 for a 13 oz envelope.
Since First Class Mail pricing is based on size and shape, you may actually save over First Class Packages for certain flat items. Always compare the two if you‘re near the 13 oz weight limit.
Most Economical for Media: Media Mail
If your shipment contains only books, films, manuscripts, CDs, or other approved media, using Media Mail will give you the lowest possible prices. There are no size requirements—just weight-based pricing up to 70 pounds.
Rates start at $3.19 for items up to 1 lb and increase by about $0.50 per pound from there. So a 5 lb package ships for just $5.41, and even a 70 lb box of books would only cost $36.39 to send.
The downside of Media Mail is the slow delivery timeframe of 2-10 business days. But if you‘re not in a hurry, the prices can‘t be beat.
Cheapest for Dense Packages: Priority Mail Cubic
Here‘s a money-saving secret most people don‘t know: for packages that are small in size but heavy in weight, using Priority Mail Cubic can be much cheaper than regular Priority Mail.
With Priority Mail Cubic, pricing is based on your package dimensions instead of its actual weight. There are 5 rate tiers (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) based on your box size. As long as your package is 20 lbs or less and no more than 18 inches on any side, you‘ll pay the same low flat rate no matter how heavy it is.
For example, shipping a 2 lb box that‘s 8" x 6" x 4" would fall into the 0.2 tier and cost $9.76 to Zone 5 with Cubic. With standard Priority Mail pricing, that same 2 lb package would cost $12.50!
The only catch is that you can‘t access Priority Mail Cubic at the Post Office —you have to use a shipping software like Pirate Ship to buy Cubic postage online. But the extra savings are well worth that small extra step.
When to Use USPS-Provided Packaging vs. Your Own Box
Another way to save money on USPS shipping is to use the free boxes and envelopes they provide for certain services. But using your own packaging is sometimes cheaper, depending on weight and distance. Here‘s a quick cheat sheet:
For Priority Mail:
- Use Flat Rate packaging for shipments over 2 lbs going to higher zones
- Use your own box if under 2 lbs or shipping to a nearby zone
For First Class Package:
- Use your own packaging – no free option provided
For First Class Mail:
- Use free USPS envelopes for the lowest large envelope prices
- Can use your own envelope if desired dimensions/weight are met
For Media Mail:
- Use your own box – no free option provided
I recommend having a variety of packaging on hand so you can compare prices and choose the most economical option every time you ship.
More Money-Saving Shipping Tips
To maximize your USPS discounts, keep these other cost-cutting tips in mind:
Print labels at home. You‘ll save on fees and get access to lower Commercial Base pricing when you purchase postage online vs. at the Post Office.
Optimize your box dimensions. Using the smallest box possible for your items will keep your costs down, especially for Cubic and Flat Rate. Consider cartons that aren‘t much bigger than the products inside.
Avoid round numbers. USPS rounds up to the next full ounce or pound for pricing purposes. Using a scale to get precise weights can make a big difference. For example, 15.1 oz will cost the same as 15.99 oz to ship First Class—so get as close to that upper limit as possible.
Consider other carriers. Sometimes UPS or FedEx will have more competitive rates, especially for larger packages or faster service. Always compare pricing between carriers to confirm USPS is actually the cheapest option for your specific shipment.
The Bottom Line
With so many variables involved, finding the cheapest way to ship with USPS is both an art and a science. But by understanding their different services and following these expert tips, you can keep your shipping costs as low as possible.
In general, use First Class for lightweight packages, Media Mail for books and DVDs, and Priority Mail Cubic for small, heavy items. Compare flat rate packaging against your own boxes to get the best deal. And always print labels at home for lower prices and more convenience.
Remember, what‘s cheapest will ultimately depend on your unique combination of weight, dimensions, destination, and delivery speed. No single USPS service is always the lowest cost. The key is to evaluate your options and choose the most affordable one every time you ship.
By putting in that small bit of extra effort to optimize your USPS shipping strategy, you‘ll reap big savings that add up over time. And that‘s great news for your bottom line.
){kind=link}