Do You Know About USPS Shipping Cost?

Virginia Miller

May 24, 2024

In this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

The United States Postal Service or USPS offers international and domestic shipping by air and land route. It is an independent organization by the government of the United States.

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During the year 2019, USPS added new criteria of dimensional weight to calculate the shipping charges. In this way, It increased the final shipping price to a substantial rate. Though, USPS doesn't add fuel costs for shipment. If you want to know more about the USPS Shipping Cost then, you should read below further.

Overview of USPS Shipping Costs and Fees

Shipping costs and fees for USPS depend primarily on two factors—the size and weight of your package and the class of mail service you choose. USPS offers several shipping options with different delivery speeds and pricing:

Priority Mail

Priority Mail delivers packages in 2-3 business days domestically. Costs range from $7-$83 depending on weight, size, distance shipped, included insurance value, and other factors.

First Class Package Service

First Class Package Service offers economical shipping for lightweight packages up to 15 oz, with delivery in 2-5 days. Prices start at $4.

Parcel Select Ground

Parcel Select Ground provides affordable ground shipping for packages up to 70 lbs. Transit times range from 2-8 days. Prices typically range from $7-$20.

Media Mail

Media Mail offers very low cost shipping options for books, media, and other educational materials up to 70 lbs. Delivery takes 2-9 days. Prices start around $3 for a 1 lb package.

Flat Rate Shipping

USPS offers several flat rate shipping options for domestic and international delivery. These include Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes and envelopes, Express Mail Flat Rate envelopes and boxes, and Priority Mail International Flat Rate boxes and envelopes. Prices range from $7-$64+ depending on size and destination.

DIM Weight Pricing

Dimensional Weight Pricing (DIM Weight) is a pricing technique that calculates shipping costs based on package dimensions as well as weight. This helps account for the amount of space a package occupies in transit.

To determine if DIM Weight pricing applies, divide the package volume (L x W x H in inches) by 166. If the result is greater than the actual weight, the dimensional weight will be used to calculate the price instead.

Types of USPS Mail Services

First Class Mail

First Class Mail includes letters, postcards, bills, and lightweight packages under 13 oz. Delivery time is typically 1-3 days.

Priority Mail

Priority Mail ships packages faster than First Class, usually in 1-3 days. Free services include tracking, insurance, and flat rate shipping supplies.

Express Mail

Express Mail provides expedited delivery with guaranteed 1-2 day service within the U.S. It also ships to select international destinations.

Parcel Select Ground

Parcel Select Ground offers affordable, slower ground shipping for packages that do not require priority delivery times. Transit days depend on distance.

Global Express Guaranteed

Global Express Guaranteed provides expedited international delivery to over 190 countries in 1-3 business days with money-back guarantee.

Calculating USPS Shipping Costs

The easiest way to calculate USPS shipping rates is to use the Postal Explorer website's Rate Calculator. Simply input the origin zip code, destination zip code, package weight, package dimensions, and mail service to get an accurate shipping estimate.

USPS also provides printable shipping labels through Click-N-Ship which automatically calculate the exact postage cost for your packages.

Understanding DIM Weight

To determine if Dimensional Weight Pricing applies:

Measure package length x width x height in inches
Divide the total volume by 139 (daily shippers) or 166 (retail shippers)
If result is greater than actual weight, use dimensional weight to calculate price

DIM Weight helps account for both package density and dimensions during shipping. Less dense, large packages may have higher fees to make up for extra space occupied in transit.

Benefits of USPS

Affordable shipping rates
Free package pickup and packaging
Flat rate pricing options
International shipping to over 190 countries
Online shipping rate estimates and labels
Tracking and insurance services

Understanding USPS shipping prices and dimensional weight pricing can help ecommerce businesses save on fulfillment and transit costs.

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Recommended: Expedited Shipping- Everything you Should Know

Frequently Asked Questions

What shipping options does USPS offer?

USPS offers Priority Mail, First Class Package Service, Parcel Select Ground, Media Mail, Priority Mail Express, Global Express Guaranteed and more. Each serves a different shipping need based on speed, cost, weight limit and delivery times.

How much does it cost to ship with USPS Priority Mail?

Priority Mail shipping rates range from $7-$83 for packages up to 70 pounds, depending on zone, size, included insurance and other factors. Priority Flat Rate envelopes and boxes offer one flat price regardless of destination.

What is dimensional weight and how is it used?

Dimensional weight bases shipping rates on package volume as well as weight. If the dimensional weight is greater than scale weight, carriers use dim weight to calculate shipping cost. This accounts for space occupied during transit.

Does USPS offer tracking services?

Yes, USPS offers free package tracking on Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First Class Package Service, Parcel Select Ground, and international options. Customers receive a tracking number to follow delivery status.

Can I get packaging and pick up from USPS?

USPS offers free package pickup when you schedule through their website. Priority Mail supplies like tape, boxes and envelopes are also free. You can order them online or pick them up at your local Post Office.

How long does Media Mail take for delivery?

Media Mail delivery times range from 2-8 days, on average. Transit days depend on where the package originates and destinations. Media Mail offers very affordable shipping for books and media under 70 lbs.

Does USPS ship to PO boxes and APO/FPO/DPO addresses?

Yes, USPS delivers to PO boxes and Military/Diplomatic addresses around the world. If shipping restrictions apply it will be based on the destination country and item type being shipped.

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