Cheapest Ways eComm Stores Can Ship A Package In the US

What’s the cheapest way to ship a package in the US? The quick answer: it depends – on factors like:

→ Delivery Speed

→ Package Size & Weight

→ Distance

Now, let’s break it down – to help calculate, we compared all the major carriers in the US (USPS, UPS, FedEx). How? We ran a test. 

Shipping Methods: A Quick Test

We ran this test on a Friday, with these assumptions:

• Package size: 2lbs (0.9 kg)
• Size: 15×14×5 inches (billable cubic weight: 7-pounds for UPS and FedEx) – 38×36×13 cms (approx)

Distance: NJ (07302) to Vegas (89101) (Zone 0 to Zone 8)

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Need it overnight? USPS is the cheapest, but FedEx and UPS are faster (for a premium)
• Best value for 2-3 day delivery? USPS Priority Mail dominates at $18.95 (rates start from $9.35 for zone 1)
• Looking for the absolute cheapest option? USPS Ground Advantage at $16.65 wins
• Looking for the absolute cheapest option? UPS Ground saver at $9.75 wins – with USPS Ground Advantage in hitch through Shippo/Easy Ship (rates start from $8.35 for zone 1)
• Shipping cross-country? Ship through ground, if your package isn’t too heavy or large. Or else, go flat-rate
• Use shipping software to get commercial rates. They are at least cheaper by 50% of the retail/daily shipping rates

💡 Pro Tips:

✅ Ground delivery is way faster (and cheaper) if shipped within a certain distance. Always check the service map for each carrier – here are links to the ground service maps of FedEx and UPS

✅ Look out for your cubic volume – USPS charges by cubic rate, which is why the 2lbs package ships as a 2lbs package with USPS, but not UPS or FedEx (or, for that matter, DHL). So, if your package crosses 1 cubic foot (meaning your LXWXH is greater than 1728) in dimensions, USPS will hit you up with a surcharge and also charge you dimensionally

✅ Ship on Cubic Rates with USPS, if you ship eCommerce packages regularly – it's cheaper than a flat rate, and you have the opportunity to fill in as much weight as possible (till 70 pounds) – as long as the package doesn’t go above 0.5 cubic feet range (i.e. the LXWXH/1728 can’t cross 0.5)

✅ Double bag packages to ensure smaller and stackable packages – for example, a “Priority Mail” legal envelope can easily fit in a “Priority Mail” small flat rate box and can ship for as low as $6 (the height of the package has to be less than ¼ inch or 3 cms). Similarly, you can fit a small box inside a poly mailer, without it bulging weirdly – just remember, the more stackable (preferably in a rectangular shape) and smaller your packages are, the more easily you get the cheapest shipping rates (unless you’re shipping furniture)

ℹ️ Need a quick breakdown of the most cost-effective shipping options, depending on speed, package size, weight, and distance? Jump ahead to:

Delivery Speeds:

• Cheapest Overnight Shipping/Next Day Shipping (0 to 1 day)
• Lowest 2 to 3 Days Shipping Rate
• Cheapest 4 to 5 Days Shipping

Package Dimensions:

• Cheapest shipping options for under 17oz packages 
• Cheapest shipping options for small packages (2 lbs)
• Cheapest shipping options for medium-sized packages (10 to 30 lbs)
• Cheapest shipping options for large packages (40 to 70 lbs)

Distance:

• Long-Distance (Zone 0 to Zone 8: NJ to Vegas)
• Intercity (Dallas to Houston: Zone 0 to Zone 1)
• Short Distance (NYC to Penn State: Zone 0 to Zone 2)
• International Shipping

‍Pricing Table: Average Shipping Costs (by Carrier)

‍👉 USPS Priority Mail: Generally starts around $31.40 for expedited shipping (Priority Express) and around $13.08 (average) for standard shipping within the US

👉 USPS First Class Mail: The most economical option for lightweight packages under 13 ounces, typically starting around $3.50.

👉 FedEx Ground/UPS Ground: Competitive rates for heavier packages (over 5 lbs), especially with negotiated discounts. Prices can vary depending on weight and distance – but generally start around $11.32.

👉 FedEx One Rate/UPS Simple Rate: Flat-rate shipping options for heavier packages, ideal for maximizing what you can fit in a specific box size. Prices start around $28

* Prices vary based on distance and service level.

The Cheapest Ways to Ship in the US (2025)

Based on Delivery Speed

Assumptions: 

Package dimensions: 7.05 oz (200 gms/0.43 lbs), (4×8×1 inches), – calculated as 0.5 lbs (always round up)
Zone: 10001 to 16801 (NYC to Penn State) 

📅 Overnight Shipping/Next Day Shipping (0 to 1 day)

• Cheapest shipping for overnight: USPS Priority Mail Express $27.85
• Next Cheapest: UPS Next Day Air Early ($58.05 via Easy Ship)
• Alternatives: UPS Next Day Air: $78.50 (Retail), USPS Priority Mail Express: $31.75 (Retail), USPS Priority Mail Express 1-Day Flat Rate: $32.50, FedEx Standard Overnight: $24.96 (Shippo) 

⚠️ Watch out for: USPS isn't always the cheapest. Check FedEx Standard Overnight and UPS Next Day Air Saver for better deals on certain routes.

Pro Tip: Driving to a hub can cut costs significantly, as packages directly enter the facility without extra handling fees.

📅 2 to 3 Days Shipping

• Cheapest 2 to 3 days shipping: USPS Ground Advantage at $4.44 or USPS Priority Mail ($7.08 via Easy Ship) for small packages
• Next Cheapest: UPS Ground Saver ($6.12, in 3 days)
• Other Options: UPS Ground ($6.39 via Easy Ship),  FedEx Ground Economy: $6.34 (via Shippo), UPS Ground (Retail): $14.68, FedEx Home Delivery: (Retail): $13.47

⚠️Watch out for: Fuel surcharges can add up quickly, especially for longer distances.

Pro Tip: Regional carriers (OnTrac, LaserShip) are often 20-30% cheaper.

📅 4 to 5 Days Shipping

• Cheapest option: USPS Ground Advantage at $4.44 (via Easy Ship/Shippo)

⚠️ Watch out for: Package pickup timings affect pricing and delivery speed—earlier drop-offs get lower rates.

Pro Tip: FedEx Home Delivery and UPS Ground can sometimes be faster than 2-day services within a certain radius.

Based on Package Weight

Assumptions: 

Zone: NYC10001 to Richmond, VA, 23219 (NYC to VA)

Delivery time: 3 days

✉️ 200gms (7.05 oz), (4×8 inches)  

• Cheapest option: First-Class Mail® Large Envelope (15×11-⅝), $6.334 
• Next best options: FedEx Ground® Economy $6.34 (Shippo), UPS Ground $6.39 (Easy Ship) – 3 days
• Alternatives: $9.70 (Retail USPS Priority Mail), $7.08 USPS Priority Mail (with Shippo) in 2 days, Padded Flat rate USPS: (12×9) is $10.85, FedEx Ground is $13.47 (Retail)

Pro Tip: UPS and FedEx may be cheaper for business accounts with bulk discounts.

✉️ 17 oz (500 gm), (4×8 inches)

• Cheapest option: UPS Ground Saver is $6.05 (through Easy Ship)
• Next best: USPS Ground Advantage is  $10.65 – and $6.15 (with Shippo), with UPS Ground costing $6.65 (through Easy Ship)
• Alternative: $11.80 (retail USPS Priority Mail), FedEx Ground Economy at $7.18 (with Shippo)

Pro tip: FedEx Ground and UPS Ground are competitive for heavier packages in this range.

📦 2 lbs, (7.5×12×1 inches)

• Cheapest option: UPS Ground Saver (through Easy Ship) at $6.05 
• Next best: UPS Ground (through Easy Ship) at $6.65, FedEx Ground Economy at $7.18 (through Shippo)
• Alternatives: USPS Ground advantage: $10.65 

📦 10 lbs, 10×8×2 inches

• Cheapest options: UPS Ground  at $6.67 (through Easy Ship) in 2 days
• Next best: FedEx Ground Economy $10.72 (through Shippo)
• Alternatives: USPS Ground Advantage at $15.05 

📦 20 lbs,18×14×10 inches

• Cheapest option: USPS Ground Advantage at $21.40(Retail), $14.51 with Easy Ship/Shippo
• Next best: FedEx Ground® Economy at $15.30 (through Shippo)
• Alternatives: UPS Ground (through Easy Ship) at $16.21, UPS 3 Day Select (through Easy Ship) at $17.35, USPS Priority Mail at $18.66 (through Easy Ship)

📦 30 lbs, 18×14×10 inches

• Cheapest option: FedEx Ground® Economy at  $15.30
• Next best: FedEx Ground at $20.66 (through Shippo), UPS Ground at $21.81 (through Easyship)
• Alternatives: USPS Priority Mail at $35.99 (through Shippo), USPS Ground Advantage at $39.70 (Retail)

📦 40 lbs, 24×18×12 inches

• Cheapest option: FedEx Ground® Economy at $31.24 – (through Shippo – longer time, but cheaper)
• Next best: FedEx Priority Overnight® (Same day)  at $66.43 (through Shippo)
• Alternative: Ground Advantage at $70.75

📦 70 lbs, 24×18×12 inches 

• Cheapest option: FedEx Ground Economy at $48.99 through Shippo
• Next Best: USPS Ground Advantage at $87.75

📦 Over 70 lbs

• Cheapest option: FedEx/UPS – or opt for Freight shipping (LTL carriers, FedEx Freight, UPS Freight)
• Why? Regular parcel shipping becomes costly, and freight rates are more economical per pound
• Alternatives: Consolidated shipping services like TForce Freight or XPO Logistics

Takeaways: 

• Ship mid-sized packages (till 70 lbs) through UPS with Easy Ship/Shippo – both offer better service and rates – however, after 70 lbs, Freight or FedEx is your best bet
• Simply use flat rate boxes, if the package can fit in a small box, but is heavier to ship
• USPS gets quite expensive above 10 lbs, while UPS/FedEx offers better commercial rates

⚠️ Warning: Most flat rate boxes have limited cubic capacity – for example UPS flat rate large: $28.60 is limited to 1728 cubic inches – and so are FedEx and USPS at 1452 and 1200 cubic inches, respectively.

Based on Distance

Assumptions: 

Package size: 2lbs (0.9 kg)

Size: 15×14×5 inches (billable cubic weight: 7-pounds for UPS and FedEx) – 38×36×13 cms (approx)

🚚 Long-Distance (Zone 0 to Zone 8: NJ to Vegas)

• Cheapest Option: USPS Ground Advantage (Retail) at 16.65, within 4 days
• Next Cheapest: USPS Priority Mail (Retail) at $18.95 (within 2 to 3 days)
• Other Carriers: FedEx 2-Day AM (2 to 3 days): $120.98 (own packaging), UPS 2nd Day Air (4 days) at $105.28, or $66.45 (Flat Rate), UPS 3 Day Select (5 days): $83.01, or $47.55 (Flat Rate), or UPS Ground (6 days): $73.30

Pro Tip: USPS is significantly cheaper for long distances, especially for lighter packages. Flat rates are often not very cost-effective unless shipping heavier items.

Zone 9+ (Long Distance Domestic)

• Cheapest option: FedEx Ground or UPS Ground ($20-$45+)
• Why? USPS costs rise significantly for long distances, making FedEx/UPS better for heavier packages that travel far and wide

Pro Tip: If speed isn’t crucial, use a slower ground service to save money.

🚚 Intercity (Dallas to Houston: Zone 0 to Zone 1)

• Cheapest Option: USPS Ground Advantage at $9.65, 2 days and FedEx Ground Economy at $9.65, 2 days via Shippo

⚠️ Warning: USPS may have reliability issues for time-sensitive deliveries.

🚚 Short Distance (NYC to Penn State: Zone 0 to Zone 2)

• Cheapest Option: UPS Ground Saver ($6.24, 2 days via Shippo),
• Fastest & Affordable: UPS Ground ($7.09, 2 days via Easy Ship), USPS Ground Advantage at $10.65 

🚚 NJ to DC (Zone 0 to Zone 2)

• Cheapest Option: UPS Ground Saver at $6.24 within 2 days
• Fastest Budget Option: USPS Priority Mail Express ($32.40, 1 day, includes free tracking + $100 insurance via Shippo)
• Alternatives: FedEx First Overnight (8 AM delivery): $116.01 (fuel surcharges can vary), FedEx Priority Overnight (12 PM delivery): $85.01 ($63.09 with FedEx Large Box), UPS Ground (1 day): $16.89, UPS 2nd Day Air: $46.95, USPS Ground Advantage: $10.65

Pro Tip: For same-day or early-morning delivery, FedEx is the fastest but most expensive. USPS Express offers a good balance of speed and cost.

🚚 International Shipping

• Cheapest option: USPS First Class International (for under 4 lbs), UPS Worldwide Saver (for heavier items)

Pro Tip: Shipping consolidators like Asendia or DHL eCommerce can lower international costs further.

⚠️ Warning: Always check if you’re delivering to a remote zip – remote area surcharges are notoriously difficult to handle, so always check first and then switch to USPS (charges are way lesser in this regard).

→ Remote ZIP list for UPS
→ Remote ZIP list for FedEx

Hidden Fees & Surcharges to Watch Out For

Shipping costs aren’t just about the base rate. Here’s what can inflate your costs unexpectedly:

• Fuel Surcharges – Especially high for express and long-distance shipments
• Dimensional Weight Pricing – Large but lightweight packages get charged extra
• Additional Handling Fees – Kicks in for items over 50 lbs or irregularly shaped packages
• Residential Delivery Fees – UPS and FedEx charge extra for non-commercial addresses
• Saturday/Sunday Delivery Fees – Some carriers add a surcharge for weekend deliveries
• Address Correction Fees – A simple typo can cost up to $20+ in correction fees
• Signature Requirement Fees – Needed for high-value items but adds cost
• Fuel surcharges – Common with UPS/FedEx
• Dimensional weight (DIM) – Carriers charge based on volume, not just weight
• Peak season fees – Higher costs during the holidays
• Return labels –UPS charges if printed too early, unlike FedEx

Factors to keep shipping rates in check 

1. Schedule Pickups Strategically

Pickups are convenient, but they come at a cost—unless you plan wisely. Here’s how to optimize your pickup strategy and avoid unnecessary fees.

USPS:

• Schedule pickups in advance, and USPS will pick up your packages for free
• Or else, same-day pickups cost $24/pickup

UPS Pickup Options: 

• Daily On-Route Pickup ($9.90/week) – A scheduled pickup every business day, synced with regular deliveries
• Day-Specific Pickup – Choose pickup days based on your shipping volume – here’s what pickup costs look like:
  
  • 1 day: $7.50 | 2 days: $14.75 | 3 days: $21.75 | 4 days: $28.50
• Ship to UPS Access Point – Added security for a $4.90 fee per package, or use a free package release code for self-pickup

FedEx Pickup: 

• Expedited service pickups are free if you ship daily or spend $50+ per day
• Standard & economy pickups range from $21.50–$43 per week, depending on volume (or, you can drop packages off at Walgreens stores)
• One-time pickups:
  
  • $4 per package for expedited shipping
  • $16 for a Saturday pickup
  • Economy options start at $3 per package, with a $20 max per week

2. Consider Third-Party Insurance

Carrier insurance is expensive. Third-party options are often 50% cheaper and come with better claims processing.

• Cabrella – Handles claims on your behalf
• EasyPost – 1% of the declared value (e.g., $1.50 for a $150 package
• Route – Package protection with customer support. Starts free
• Shipsurance – Up to 90% lower costs than carrier insurance. Works with Ship Station, Shippo
• ShipSaver – $6.75 to insure a $1,000 package (FedEx/UPS charge $8.10). Integrates with online stores
• LateShipment – Coverage from $0.49 per $100 insured

Pro Tip: FedEx and UPS already cover up to $100 in declared value—but, having mitigators helps you save time.

3. Label correctly

Labeling:
✅ Cover labels with clear tape—moisture and wear can make them unreadable
✅ Avoid placing labels on seams where they could split

Packaging:
✅ Fold shirts with buttons inward to prevent snags
✅ Wrap clothing in tissue or parchment paper and secure it with tape
✅ If shipping small items, place them inside a bag within the box to prevent spills

✅ Reinforce edges with clear yellow tape—weak boxes can break in transit – here is what UPS recommends:

4. Not all industries have the same shipping rates 

Or, for that matter, ship for cheap. Here’s why: shipping rates and costs vary by industry due to specific requirements or typical package sizes – here are some common examples:

✅ Apparel and Fashion: Clothing items can easily go in poly mailers, and even large envelopes – making USPS Priority Mail the cheapest choice

✅ Electronics: Heavier items may benefit from UPS or FedEx for their reliability in handling fragile goods

✅ Food and Perishables: Requires expedited shipping methods, which often leads to higher costs with services like FedEx Express or UPS Next Day Air – and also needs services like:

• Handling and labeling – for example, packages containing alcoholic products must bear a “Contains Alcohol Beverage” sign as well as a verification service like “Adult Signature Required” 
• Packaging – frozen items must either be shipped with insulated containers and have some form of freezing agent like dry ice or ice gels

IMPORTANT TIPS:

• Always round up shipping dimensions to avoid underpaying and penalties
• USPS First-Class Mail (FCM) is generally the cheapest for lightweight items under 1 lb
• Priority Mail (PM) flat rate is best for heavy, small boxes, but FedEx flat rate can be better for larger, heavier packages

How to Choose the Right Carrier for Your Needs?

Ultimately, however, it all comes down to your specific use case, which is why, we have included links to the shipping calculators for carriers (but remember, prices can go up and down by your shipment dimension, time, and distance):

• USPS Shipping Calculator
• UPS Shipping Calculator
• FedEx Shipping Calculator
• GoShippo Shipping Calculator
• Easy Ship Shipping Calculator

Further Reading

How To Offer Free Shipping — And Recover Costs Too

30 Proven Ways To Reduce eCommerce Shipping Costs

Free Shipping: Still a Conversion Driver in 2025? (+ Brands Nailing It)