Is it cheaper to ship a box or a package?

Author: Evelyn y

Mar. 07, 2024

200

0

0

Tags: Packaging & Printing

Finding the cheapest way to ship a package can seem like a real puzzle with many variables, including the region, shipping zone and package size. Of course, the cheapest way to ship large packages is different than the cheapest way to ship a 2lb package. In this guide, we’ll discuss the cheapest way to ship packages based on your package type.

Table of contents


Cheapest way to ship based on delivery speed

The cheapest way to ship packages varies based on the shipping speed required. We’ll cover the differences between 2- to 3-day shipping options and overnight options to help you find the cheapest way to ship. Note that the tables below show retail rates, and Pitney Bowes negotiated rates will generally be lower.

The cheapest 2- to 3-day shipping options

If you compare rates across FedEx, UPS and USPS, you’ll find that the cheapest 2-day shipping option is USPS.

Cost to ship a 4lb package from New York to Los Angeles within 2–3 days

Courier Service

Cost

Speed

Package Dimensions

USPS Priority Mail® (Medium Flat Rate Box)

$17.10

2 days

13-5/8” x 11-7/8” x 3-3/8”

UPS 2nd Day Air

$53.64

2 days

13” x 11” x 3”

FedEx 2Day®

$59.33

2 days

13” x 11” x 3”

The cheapest overnight shipping options

The cheapest overnight shipping option is USPS. However, if your package absolutely must arrive early in the day, your best choice is UPS Next Day Air, which offers guaranteed delivery by 10:30am.

Cost to ship a 4lb package overnight from New York to Los Angeles

Courier Service

Cost

Speed

Package Dimensions

USPS Priority Mail Express®

$75.60

Time not specified

Length + girth  108“

UPS Next Day Air

$116.40

Next day by 10:30 AM

13” x 11” x 3”

FedEx Standard Overnight®

$118.54

Next day by 5:00 PM

13” x 11” x 3”


The cheapest shipping options by weight

The weight of your package will have a large impact on your shipping cost. We’ll compare your options across carriers for several common package weights to help you find the cheapest shipping by weight. Be aware that both UPS and FedEx charge for “DIM weight” (or dimensional weight), so if your package is large or oversized but lightweight, the shipping rate may be much higher.

The cheapest way to ship a 2lb package

When you compare rates from USPS, UPS and FedEx, the cheapest way to ship a 2lb package is USPS. Your 2lb package will also arrive faster with USPS than with similarly priced options from UPS or FedEx. Note that flat rate packages are not always the most cost-effective way to ship lightweight items.

Cost to ship a 2lb package from New York to Los Angeles

Courier Service

Cost

Speed

Package Dimensions

USPS Priority Mail® Medium Flat Rate Box

$17.10

2 days

13-5/8” x 11-7/8” x 3-3/8”

UPS Ground

$16.64

4 days End of Day

13” x 11” x 3”

FedEx Ground®

$15.99

4 days End of Day

13” x 11” x 3”

The cheapest way to ship a 5lb package

The cheapest way to ship a 5lb package is USPS Priority Mail®. See the table below to compare carrier rates.

Cost to ship a 5lb package from New York to Los Angeles

Courier Service

Cost

Speed

Package Dimensions

USPS Priority Mail® (Medium Flat Rate Box)

$17.10

2 days

13-5/8” x 11-7/8” x 3-3/8”

UPS Ground

$23.38

4 days End of Day

13” x 11” x 3”

FedEx Ground®

$22.46

4 days End of Day

13” x 11” x 3”

The cheapest way to ship a 10lb package

USPS Ground AdvantageTM is the cheapest way to ship a 10lb package. Though at this weight, the price is comparable across carriers.

Cost to ship a 10lb package from New York to Los Angeles

Courier Service

Cost

Speed

Package Dimensions

USPS Ground AdvantageTM

$31.45

4 days

 130” length + girth

UPS Ground

$61.64

4 days End of Day

13” x 11” x 3”

FedEx Ground®

$59.22

4 days End of Day

13” x 11” x 3”

The cheapest way to ship a 20lb package

The cheapest way to ship a 20lb package of a larger length and girth is USPS Ground AdvantageTM. The price difference is significant when compared to UPS Ground and FedEx Ground®.

Cost to ship a 20lb package from New York to Los Angeles

Courier Service

Cost

Speed

Package Dimensions

USPS Ground AdvantageTM

$55.50

5 days

 130” length + girth

UPS Ground

$228.85

4 days End of Day

48” x 18” x 23”

FedEx Ground®

$260.60

4 days End of Day

48” x 18” x 23”

The cheapest shipping options for 50lb (large or heavy packages)

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to ship large or heavy packages, USPS Ground AdvantageTM is the cheapest way to ship 50lbs. However, USPS has a 70lb weight limit for parcels. To avoid USPS surcharges, you can ship heavier packages with FedEx or UPS.

Cost to ship a 50lb package from New York to Los Angeles

Courier Service

Cost

Speed

Size Limits

USPS Ground AdvantageTM

$127.85

5 days

 130” length + girth

UPS Ground

$126.88

4 days End of Day

48” x 18” x 23”

FedEx Ground®

$121.91

4 days End of Day

48” x 18” x 23”

The cheapest shipping for packages under 2lbs within 5 days

USPS Priority Mail® Medium Flat Rate boxes are the best value for packages under 2lbs. and are also the fastest option. (In fact, you could ship up to 5lbs at that same rate.)

Cost to ship a 1lb package from New York to Los Angeles

Courier Service

Cost

Speed

Package Dimensions

USPS Priority Mail® (Medium Flat Rate Box)

$17.10

1 day

13-5/8” x 11-7/8” x 3-3/8”

UPS 2nd Day Air

$34.60

2 days

13” x 11” x 3”

FedEx Express Saver®

$34.37

3 days

13” x 11” x 3”

The cheapest shipping for packages under 5lbs within 5 days

The cheapest way to ship a 5lb package is the USPS Priority Mail® Medium Flat Rate Box, which will get your package there in two day.

Cost to ship a 4lb package from New York to Los Angeles

Courier Service

Cost

Speed

Package Dimensions

USPS Priority Mail® (Medium Flat Rate Box)

$17.10

2 days

13-5/8” x 11-7/8” x 3-3/8”

UPS 2nd Day Air

$53.64

2 days

13” x 11” x 3”

FedEx Express Saver®

$51.58

3 days

13” x 11” x 3”

The cheapest shipping for packages under 10lbs within 5 days

The cheapest way to ship a 10lb package within 5 days is USPS Ground AdvantageTM. At this weight, there is not much of a price difference between the 3 carriers. If you need a little more speed, your package will arrive more quickly if you ship with UPS or FedEx.

Cost to ship a 10lb package from New York to Los Angeles

Courier Service

Cost

Speed

Package Dimensions

USPS Ground AdvantageTM

$31.45

5 days

 130” length + girth

UPS Ground

$33.22

4 days End of Day

48” x 18” x 23”

FedEx Ground®

$31.92

4 days End of Day

48” x 18” x 23”

*Unless oversize charges apply

The cheapest shipping for packages under 20lbs within 5 days

The cheapest way to ship a 10lb package within 5 days is also the cheapest way to ship a 20lb package. Although the shipping speed is slower, the cost is significantly less for USPS Ground AdvantageTM.

Cost to ship a 20lb package from New York to Los Angeles

Courier Service

Cost

Speed

Package Dimensions

USPS Ground AdvantageTM

$55.50

5 days

 130” length + girth

UPS Ground

$61.64

4 days End of Day

48” x 18” x 23”

FedEx Ground®

$59.22

4 days End of Day

48” x 18” x 23”

The cheapest shipping for packages 50+ pounds within 5 days

USPS Ground AdvantageTM is the cheapest way to ship large packages within 5 days. Even when the weight increases significantly, USPS comes out ahead as the cheapest way to ship 50 lbs.

Cost to ship a 50lb package from New York to Los Angeles

Courier Service

Cost

Speed

Package Dimensions

USPS Ground AdvantageTM

$127.85

5 days

 130” length + girth

UPS Ground

$126.88

4 days End of Day

48” x 18” x 23”

FedEx Ground®

$121.91

4 days End of Day

48” x 18” x 23”

The cheapest shipping options by package dimension

The cheapest way to ship packages is generally the flat rate box available from USPS. Of course, the size of the package greatly impacts your shipping rate, so we’ll consider your options for various package sizes.

The cheapest shipping for small packages

The cheapest way to ship a 1lb small package under 16oz. is USPS Priority Mail®. You’ll also save time by opting for USPS.

Cost to ship a small package from New York to Los Angeles

Courier Service

Cost

Speed

Package Dimensions

USPS Priority Mail® (Small Flat Rate Box)

$10.20

1 day

8-5/8” x 5-3/8” x 1-5/8”

UPS Ground

$14.09

4 days

8” x 5” x 1”

FedEx Ground®

$13.54

4 days

8” x 5” x 1”

The cheapest shipping for medium packages

The cheapest way to ship a medium package of 5lbs. is a USPS Priority Mail® Medium Flat Rate Box. UPS and FedEx also offer budget-friendly options, but shipping times are much longer.

Cost to ship a medium package from New York to Los Angeles

Courier Service

Cost

Speed

Package Dimensions

USPS Priority Mail® (Medium Flat Rate Box)

$17.10

2 days

13-5/8” x 11-7/8” x 3-3/8”

UPS Ground

$23.38

4 days

13” x 11” x 3”

FedEx Ground®

$22.46

4 days

13” x 11” x 3”

The cheapest shipping for large packages

USPS Priority Mail is the cheapest way to ship a large package. To obtain the lowest rate you must use USPS Priority Mail branded packaging. If you need faster delivery, both UPS Simple Rate and FedEx One Rate give you more choices. The faster the delivery, the more you will pay.

Cost to ship a large package from New York to Los Angeles

Courier Service

Cost

Speed

Package Dimensions

USPS Priority Mail (Large Flat Rate Box)

$22.80

2 days

 12" x 12-1/4" x 6"

UPS Simple Rate (Large Box)

$24.55

4 days End of Day

15” x 11” x 6”

FedEx One Rate (Large Box)

$29.60

3 days End of Day

12-3/8” x 3” x 17-1/2”

The cheapest and fastest shipping options: Summary

As we’ve discussed, the cheapest way to ship packages will depend on many factors, including the size, weight, speed and distance. When you’re looking for the cheapest and fastest shipping options, you can reference this table, which recommends carriers by package type.

 

USPS

UPS

FedEx

Less than 10 lbs.

 

Over 10 lbs.

 

Envelopes

 

Small, light boxes


 

Heavy boxes

 

Two-day shipping

 

Next-day shipping (AM)

 


Next-day shipping (PM)

 


Expedited international shipping

 

Priority international

 

Overnight

 

What is the process when shipping a package?

Here’s a quick step-by-step checklist on how to ship a package:

  1. Prepare the package: Gather the items you’re shipping and the materials to pack it, including the box, labels and tape.
  2. Calculate shipping costs: Determine the size and weight of your package and look up the cost to ship the package. Compare rates using the carriers’ online tools.
  3. Address the package: You’ll need the recipient’s full address on the package, including name, street address, city, state and ZIP code.
  4. Select a shipping service: decide which shipping service you would like to use, such as USPS, FedEx or UPS.
  5. Ship the package: Take the package to a nearby shipping service location and pay for the shipping. The carrier will provide you with a tracking number that you can use to track your package.
  6. Track the package: Use the tracking number to track the package online or via the carrier’s app.

 

How can you prepare to save on shipping and mailing costs

You can help your business save on shipping by using PitneyShip® software. Pitney Bowes shipping software gives you discounted rates, cost accounting and real-time data and insights to help you make smarter shipping decisions.

Should you ship using your own box or use a carrier’s flat rate box? Both options can be cheaper depending on the item you’re shipping and how far it is going. In this blog, we’ll let you know when you should use flat rate boxes, when you should get your own box, and the pros and cons of each option.

Is It Cheaper to Use a Flat Rate Box or Your Own Box?

Depending on the nature of the item you’re shipping, the shipping distance, and the shipping service provider, either a flat rate box or your own box can be cheaper. To find out which option is cheaper among different carriers, we will compare flat-rate shipping and standard shipping options that UPS and FedEx offer.

UPS: Flat Rate Box vs. Your Own Box

Below are the size and prices for UPS flat-rate boxes:

UPS Flat Rate (Simple Rate) Box Size

Price

Extra Small (1-100 cubic inches)

Starting at $10.20

Small (101-250 cubic inches)

Starting at $13.35

Medium (251-650 cubic inches)

Starting at $16.05

Large- (651-1,050 cubic inches)

Starting at $21.05

Extra Large (1,051-1,728 cubic inches)

Starting at $26.05

 

The starting prices above are when you use UPS Ground for flat-rate shipping. For an accurate comparison, we will compare these flat rate prices with standard UPS Ground prices for shipping the same items.  

UPS Flat Rate Box Size

Example of a shippable item

Average weight of the item

UPS Flat Rate Price (when shipping with UPS Ground)

Standard UPS Ground Rates (your own box)

Extra Small

Ceramic mug

0.6 pounds

$10.20–$10.90

$10.10–$61.37

Small

A ream of paper

5 pounds

$13.35–$13.45

$11.98–$81.89

Medium

Shoebox

2.1 pounds

$16.05–$18.15

$11.34–$71.51

Large

Regulation basketball

1.3 pounds

$21.05–$24.55

$10.90–$66.96

Extra Large

Small appliances (e.g., coffee maker)

3.5 pounds

$26.05–$29.20

$11.67–$76.91

 

As we can see from the table above, UPS flat rate has a higher starting cost than standard UPS Ground shipping. However, flat rate prices are lower on the upper end than standard UPS Ground.

For example, shipping a regulation-size basketball via UPS Simple Rate to the nearest zone will cost you at least $21.05. With standard UPS Ground using your own box, you would pay only $10.90.

However, as the distance increases, flat-rate shipping becomes the cheaper option. Sending the same basketball to the farthest zone with UPS Simple Rate would cost you no more than $24.55. With standard UPS Ground using your own box, you would pay $66.96.

FedEx: Flat Rate Box vs. Your Own Box

FedEx offers a flat rate shipping service that they call FedEx One Rate. Below are the rates for this service:

Service

FedEx Express Saver

FedEx 2Day

FedEx 2Day A.M.

FedEx Standard Overnight

FedEx Priority Overnight

FedEx First Overnight

Packaging type 

           

FedEx Envelope

$11.10–$13.95

$22.00–$26.75

$30.10–$44.95

$32.95–$47.55

$41.20–$68.30

$95.20–$122.30

FedEx Pak

$11.45–$16.40

$27.40–$32.65

$35.00–$53.10

$42.05–$78.15

$50.30–$110.35

$104.30–$164.35

FedEx Small Box

$12.40–$16.95

$27.40–$33.10

$36.50–$61.35

$45.20–$87.10

$51.25–$123.50

$105.25–$177.50

FedEx Medium Box

$16.50–$21.25

$28.90–$48.70

$37.25–$77.50

$49.00–$90.55

$59.10–$139.70

$113.10–$193.70

FedEx Large Box

$24.95–$29.60

$33.75–$61.05

$38.80–$97.10

$59.10–$125.55

$65.85–$160.85

$119.85–$214.85

FedEx Extra Large Box

$39.10–$54.45

$47.80–$94.60

$48.60–$140.45

$67.10–$174.45

$78.30–$223.35

$132.30–$277.35

FedEx Tube

$39.10–$54.45

$47.80–$94.60

$48.60–$140.45

$67.10–$174.45

$78.30–$223.35

$132.30–$277.35

 

To find out which is cheaper, we will compare One Rate (when shipping with FedEx 2Day) prices with standard FedEx 2Day prices.

Example of a shippable item

Average weight of the item

FedEx Flat Rate Price (when shipping with FedEx 2Day)

Standard FedEx 2Day Rates (your own box)

A standard clipboard

0.5 pounds

$22.00–$26.75

$22.59–$37.55

A coffee mug

0.6 pounds

$27.40–$32.65

$22.59–$37.55

Five magazines

2.2 pounds

$27.40–$33.10

$23.89–$52.13

Two adult t-shirts

0.65 pounds

$28.90–$48.70

$22.59–$37.55

A soccer ball

0.95 pounds

$33.75–$61.05

$22.59–$37.55

Two pairs of shoes

4 pounds

$47.80–$94.60

$24.62–$59.33

A golf club

0.875 pounds

$47.80–$94.60

$22.59–$37.55

 

From the above rates, we can see that standard flat-rate shipping is more cost-effective when you’re using a small box and shipping the item further away. We can also see that standard FedEx 2Day is cheaper than FedEx flat rate boxes when you’re shipping lightweight items like mugs and magazines. For this reason, FedEx flat rate and other carrier flat rates are recommended for small and heavy items. Shipping lightweight items will have you pay more, as illustrated above.

What Is the Size and Weight Limit for a Medium Flat Rate Box?

Both UPS and FedEx have different sizes of boxes and envelopes, ranging from small size to extra large. Below are the size and weight limits for their medium-sized flat-rate boxes:

The FedEx Medium size flat-rate box has a maximum volume of 650 cubic inches and is available in two sizes:

  • -11½ in x 2⅜ in x 13¼ in

  • -8¾ in x 4⅜ in x 11¼ in

  • -11-1/2" x 2-3/8" x 13-1/4"

  • -8-3/4" x 4-3/8" x 11-1/4"

The general weight limit for all FedEx flat-rate boxes and envelopes is as follows:

  • -Packages should be at most 50 pounds. and envelopes should be at most 10 pounds.

For UPS, their medium-sized flat rate boxes have a volume of 251-650 cubic inches and are available in the following dimensions:

  • -8 in x 8 in x 8 in

  • -12 in x 9 in x 6 in

  • -13 in x 11 in x 2 in

General UPS Simple Rate Weight and Size Limit: If your UPS Simple Rate package exceeds one cubic foot in size (1,728 cubic inches) or weighs more than 50 pounds, you’ll have to use standard UPS rates based on dimensional weight and shipping distance.

Apart from the medium-sized flat-rate boxes, we’ve included the details of the other flat-rate packaging for FedEx and UPS below.

FedEx Flat-Rate Packaging

Available Dimensions

Maximum Volume

FedEx Envelope

  • 9-1/2" x 12-1/2"
  • Reusable Envelope: 9-1/2" x 15-1/2"

250 cubic inches

FedEx Pak

  • 10-1/4" x 12-3/4"
  • 12" x 15-1/2"
  • Padded: 11-3/4" x 14-3/4"
  • Reusable Sturdy Pak: 10" x 14‑1/2"

650 cubic inches

FedEx Small Box

  • 10-7/8" x 1-1/2" x 12-3/8"
  • 8-3/4" x 2-5/8" x 11-1/4"

420 cubic inches

FedEx Medium Box

 

650 cubic inches

FedEx Large Box

  • 12-3/8" x 3" x 17-1/2"
  • 8-3/4" x 7-3/4" x 11-1/4"

1,100 cubic inches

FedEx Extra Large Box

  • 11-7/8" x 10-3/4" x 11"
  • 15-3/4" x 14-1/8" x 6"

2,200 cubic inches

FedEx Tube

  • 6" x 6" x 38"

2,200 cubic inches

UPS Flat-Rate Box Size

Available Dimensions

Volume

Extra Small

  • 4 in x 4 in x 4 in
  • 6 in x 4 in x 4 in
  • 8 in x 6 in x 2 in

1-100 cubic inches

Small

  • 6 in x 6 in x 6 in
  • 8 in x 6 in x 5 in
  • 12 in x 9 in x 2 in

101-250 cubic inches

Medium

  • 8 in x 8 in x 8 in
  • 12 in x 9 in x 6 in
  • 13 in x 11 in x 2 in

251-650 cubic inches

Large

  • 10 in x 10 in x 10 in
  • 12 in x 12 in x 7 in
  • 15 in x 11 in x 6 in

651-1,050 cubic inches

Extra Large

  • 12 in x 12 in x 12 in
  • 16 in x 12 in x 9 in
  • 18 in x 12 in x 6 in

1,051-1,728 cubic inches

 

ShipSigma Can Help You Save Big on Shipping Small

With a partner like Shipsigma, you won’t have to search any longer for tips on how to get the lowest shipping costs. Using AI-powered software, we analyze your shipping invoice data in-depth to find and utilize the best cost-saving opportunities.

Contact us today to join our 300+ happy customers enjoying low rates.

Is it cheaper to ship a box or a package?

Is It Cheaper to Use a Flat Rate Box or Your Own Box?

Comments

Please Join Us to post.

0

0/2000

Guest Posts

If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us.

Your Name: (required)

Your Email: (required)

Subject:

Your Message: (required)

0/2000