USPS Shipping Cost- [Complete Guide]

Introduction

While shipping a product, one of the primary concerns for an ecommerce business owner is to calculate the shipping cost accurately. A customer might likely abandon the shopping cart if the shipping cost increases. On the other hand, if it is less, the ecommerce business owner will have to bear the loss.

Knowing the shipping cost beforehand helps estimate the profit and loss involved in a delivery. It also helps plan how to ship the orders efficiently and reduce costs incurred.

This blog will discuss the different aspects of USPS shipping costs that will help you make an informed decision in shipping with USPS. 

What is USPS?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for providing postal service in the United States. It was founded on July 1, 1971, after the Post Office Department was transformed into an independent agency.

It is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with more than 630,000 employees. It offers shipping services worldwide. USPS has a wide range of products and services, including shipping and postal services.

Along with providing postal services, USPS also provides delivery services for ecommerce businesses. It offers different shipping options for businesses, depending on their needs.

Factors affecting the shipping costs of the package

Shipping cost is the amount of money a company charges to deliver a product. The cost is usually calculated based on the weight and size of the product and the distance it needs to be shipped.

Here are the various factors that affect the shipping costs of the package:

1) package weight

The heavier the package, the higher the shipping cost. The weight of the package is usually directly proportional to the shipping cost. Heavier packages require more fuel to transport and are also harder to handle during transit. 

Since 2019, USPS has included dimensional weight in its pricing policy. The DIM weight formula is normally used for oversized boxes.

What distinguishes USPS from FedEx and UPS is its larger threshold for DIM weight. This way, the surcharges levied by USPS is lesser than other carriers.

There are other pricing tiers designed by USPS to accurately capture the weight, size and shape of a parcel. The latter category includes balloon price and oversized price. 

2) Size of the package

The larger the size of your package, the higher its shipping cost will be. Larger packages require more space to transport and are harder to handle during transit. 

USPS has the package limitation of 108 inches, including the length and girth of the box. However, for USPS Retail ground, the package size may increase to 130 inches.

It is crucial for merchants to know these measurements since charges higher for parcels identified as 'non-machinable'. 

eCommerce retailers using the Priority Mail services have the advantage to use standard sized boxes that USPS offers free of cost. 

3) Distance traveled

The farther a product must be shipped, the higher its shipping cost. Transportation costs (such as fuel costs) tend to increase with the distance traveled. In addition, longer distances often require additional handling steps, increasing shipping costs. 

For certain USPS shipping services, distance becomes the primary factor determining the shipping cost and delivery rates. Distance is measured in terms of zones, from Zone 1 to Zone 9.

The USPS services that calculate distances based on zones includes: Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express, USPS Retail Ground and Bound Printed Matter. 

4) Type of service used

Depending on your needs and preferences, you may opt for different shipping services that offer varying levels of speed and reliability. These can include express shipping services, overnight shipping services, and ground shipping options.

Each service type typically has a different cost, so you must consider your budget and timeline before choosing one carefully.

USPS has a range of domestic and international shipping services. The most popular postal service is Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail.

Other shipping services includes: First Class Mail, Media Mail, and USPS Retail Ground. All of these delivery methods are different price tiers, including commercial, flat rate and variable pricing. 

USPS offers international shipping to 180 countries, with three service categories: Global Express Guaranteed, Priority Mail Express International and Priority Mail International.

The USPS shipping rate for global shipping is determined delivery speed, parcel weight, product shipped and value added services. Typically, the shipping rate varies between $2.75 (documents) and $67.80 (urgent deliveries).

If you are looking for affordable shipping rates, it is essential to consider these factors when comparing prices from different providers and USPS. Moreover, with careful research and planning, you can find best deals, and get your packages shipped quickly and efficiently with USPS.

Why choose USPS?

At this point, many businesses in India and around the globe are turning to USPS for their shipping needs due to its competitive costs and reliable delivery time.

One of the most significant advantages of USPS over other shipping providers is its wide range of shipment sizes and weight options.

Whether you are sending large or small items, USPS offers various services that make it easy to get your shipments picked up and delivered quickly.

For instance, if you need to send a package to India, you can choose from priority mail services, priority mail express, or global express guarantee.

What does USPS shipping cost?

USPS offers competitive shipping rates that are attractive to businesses and individuals alike. Whether you are sending a large package or an undersized item, USPS has a range of services that can meet your needs, including priority mail and express options.

The Postal Service offers a variety of shipping options, from First-Class Mail to Priority Mail Express. The prices for each option are listed on the USPS website.

The shipping cost with USPS varies depending on the weight and size of the package and the distance it needs to be shipped.

1) First-Class Mail

It is the most popular and affordable option for shipping small packages. It includes letters, cards, flats, and parcels up to 360gm. The price range starts from Rs. 25 for a letter to Rs.60 for a package.

This service is perfect for small and light packages that need to be delivered quickly.

For U.S. customers, the price of First Class Mail varies for commercial retailers and individual shippers. The commercial pricing starts from $3.62 whereas others pay $4.80. Though tracking is included in the postage, additional charges are levied for signature confirmation, return receipt and other services. 

2) Priority Mail

It is a faster shipping option offered by USPS. It includes letters, cards, flats, and packages up to 31 kg. The prices start from Rs. 50 for a small package and up to Rs. 500 for a large container.

This service is ideal for larger packages that must be delivered within 2-3 business days.

USPS provides retailers and customers in U.S. multiple pricing options including flat rate, pre-paid and regional rates.

For business owners having USPS membership the price starts at $7.62, while non-merchants pay $9.00. Here, online tracking and $100 insurance is included with the postage. 

3) Priority Mail Express

It is the fastest shipping option offered by USPS, with 1-2 days delivery times. The prices start at Rs 1,000 for a small package and Rs 5,500 for a large box.

This service is ideal for urgent shipments that need to be delivered quickly, either the next day or within two days. You can ship letters, flats, and packages up to 31 kg. 

The the U.S. based businesses, the Priority Mail Express costs $23.75 per parcel but for individuals, the price starts from $27.25. Like other delivery methods, order tracking is included in the postage. 

How to calculate USPS shipping costs?

Several factors can affect the shipping cost with USPS, including the weight and size of your shipment, how quickly you need it to be delivered, and the type of service you choose.

To get an estimate for your specific shipment, you can use the online shipping calculator on the USPS website or contact a representative directly for more accurate pricing information. 

How to use the USPS shipping calculator?

Several tools are available on the USPS website to help you estimate shipping costs for your specific shipment. The most popular is the USPS shipping calculator, which can be found on the USPS homepage.

There are two variations in the USPS shipping calculator, one is for retail use, called Retail Postage Price Calculator and the other is for business owners. 

To use the retail calculator, you first enter the destination country, and zip codes as well as the date and time of shipment. Then, select any additional services you need (such as insurance or signature confirmation) or ground transportation.

After this step, you can input the weight and dimensions of your shipment in pounds and inches.

Alternatively, you can estimate your box size and shape from the four categories of parcel and envelopes presented by USPS. Next, click "calculate" to get an estimated cost for your shipment.

The Business Postage Price Calculator works in similar ways. Once you state the destination address, and parcel type, and quantity of items, you can select the service you require. After you check all the details, you can then calculate the accurate USPS shipping cost.

What Other Factors Influence USPS Shipping Costs

USPS has an range of extra services and insurance that ensures the safe delivery of parcels to customers. The most popular add-on services include shipping insurance, proof of mailing and signature confirmation. 

A $100 insurance is included with USPS Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express, however, retailers can choose to insure a package upto $5000 against financial loss. 

For proof of mailing, USPS offers certified mail, return receipts, signature confirmation and certificate of mailing.

All of these are official documents that USPS presents the recipient’s signature to retailers, but in different formats.  The price varies from $1.75 to $4.00 depending on the service chosen. 

Another add-on service is cash-on-delivery where USPS collects payment from customers via check, money order or cash. Retailers can also include insurance upto $1000 for added protection. The price of COD service starts at $9.20. 

Things to keep in mind while shipping your product by USPS

You should remember a few things when shipping your product by USPS.

• Be sure to measure the weight and dimensions of your shipment accurately. If your load exceeds the maximum weight or size limit for a particular service, you will need to use a different service or pay an additional fee.
• Be aware that some services (such as insurance) are not available for all destinations. It is essential to carefully review the available services and select the one that best fits your needs.
• If you need to ship a particularly valuable or fragile item, you may consider purchasing extra insurance coverage to ensure that it arrives safely at its destination.
• Confirm all necessary delivery details with the recipient before shipping your package. It will help avoid delays or missed deliveries due to incorrect information on the shipment label.

Takeaway

The shipping cost with USPS largely depends on the weight and size of your package and the shipping method you select.

However, you can expect to pay anywhere from Rs. 350 to Rs. 3500 for most shipments. Be sure to compare prices between shipping companies before deciding, as some may offer cheaper rates than others.

When shipping with USPS, it is essential to be aware of all available services and carefully review them to choose the one that best fits your needs. Before shipping your package, you should also confirm all delivery details with the recipient to avoid delays or missed deliveries.

FAQ

1) What is the USPS Express Mail?

USPS’s express service includes Priority Mail Express that ships orders (documents and parcels) either overnight or within two days, including the next business day.

The USPS express delivery comes with a money-back guarantee. Therefore, in case of delayed or failed deliveries, USPS refunds the complete delivery cost to retailers. The price starts at $26.95.

2) What is the USPS Flat Rate Service?

The USPS Flat Rate system is covered under Priority Mail services. USPS provides a range of flat rate packaging, including different envelopes and boxes. 

You can ship any number of items with a flat rate box as long as it adheres to the weight limit of 70 lbs. The USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate service delivers parcels within one to three business days. The pricing starts from $9.00.