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Ecommerce Shipping BlogShipping NewsCheapest Way to Ship a Package in 2022


CHEAPEST WAY TO SHIP A PACKAGE IN 2022

Posted on June 10, 2022 by James Messer

Finding the cheapest way to ship a package doesn’t mean using the slowest
service. Shipping discounts are everywhere if you know where to look. If you run
an ecommerce business, you should not be paying retail shipping rates. Through
incentive programs, carrier negotiations, and shipping software, there are many
ways to get discounts with major carriers and we’ll show you how to save money
on shipping costs.

Table of Contents
 * Cheapest Way to Ship Based on Package Size
 * Cheapest Way to Ship Based on Weight
 * Best International Shipping Options
 * Best Carrier Discounts Available
 * USPS Discounts
 * UPS Discounts
 * DHL Express Discounts
 * Other Ways to Save with ShipStation
 * Shipping Insurance Discounts



More after jump! Continue reading below
Sign up for a ShipStation Trial and Start Saving!


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ShipStation gives you discounts of up to 84% on USPS and 88% on UPS label fees




CHEAPEST WAY TO SHIP BASED ON PACKAGE SIZE

The size of a parcel is going to greatly determine your shipping rate. The more
space a package takes in the back of a truck, the fewer parcels the carrier can
transport at once. One way to maintain steady shipping costs is to opt for Flat
Rate packages. But since this will not always offer you the lowest rate, let’s
explore some more packaging options.


BEST WAY TO SHIP ENVELOPES OR FLATS

If First Class Mail is an option, First Class Mail envelopes and flat rate
envelopes will offer the lowest rate. Beyond that, USPS Priority Mail will be
the way to go. Remember, First Class Envelopes don’t offer tracking.


BEST WAY TO SHIP SMALL PACKAGES

Generally, the USPS will offer the best rates for small packages regardless of
if you’re shipping First Class Mail, Media Mail, Priority Mail Package or Flat
Rate.


BEST CUBIC PRICING

USPS Priority Mail offers the best rates on cubic pricing. This is a special
service that allows you to ship small, heavy items at a lower shipping rate
through the USPS. For items weighing less than 20 lbs, this is the formula for
how to find their cubic feet:

HOW CUBIC RATES ARE DETERMINED

Length x Width x Height / 1728 = Cubic Feet

Cubic pricing is broken into 5 categories, ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 cubic feet.


BEST DIMENSIONAL WEIGHT PRICING

The inverse of cubic, dimensional pricing increases the shipping rate if a
parcel is deemed too large in relation to its weight. Since packages take up
space in cargo vehicles and airplanes, etc., their shipping rate increases with
their size. The way it works is you multiply the parcel’s dimensions (LxWxH) by
a divisor.

The larger the divisor, the cheaper the parcel. USPS and UPS from ShipStation
have the lowest rates when it comes to dimensional weight pricing. See the table
below

CarrierDomestic Dimensional Formula UPS from ShipStation(L x W x H)/ 166*USPS(L
x W x H)/ 166FedEx(L x W x H)/ 139

*UPS from ShipStation offers the same divisor as USPS for more affordable rates.
However, standard UPS accounts rate dimensional weight pricing with a divisor of
139.
More after jump! Continue reading below
Download the guide today


THE SMB SHIPPER’S GUIDE FROM SHIPSTATION AND UPS®






CHEAPEST WAY TO SHIP BASED ON WEIGHT

The weight of a parcel can greatly impact its rate. Since we’ve already
discussed cubic and dimensional weight pricing, let’s take a look at what the
most cost-effective shipping service is based on different weight groups.


BEST WAY TO SHIP PACKAGES UNDER 1 LB.

USPS First Class Mail is the most affordable shipping option for parcels
weighing under 16 oz. If you are shipping physical media, USPS Media Mail can be
even more affordable.


BEST SHIPPING SERVICES FOR PARCELS UNDER 5 LBS.

For parcels between 1-5 lbs, USPS Priority Mail is usually the most affordable
option. Anything under 16 oz works best with USPS First Class mail


BEST WAY TO SHIP HEAVY PACKAGES

UPS Ground typically offers the best option for domestic parcels over 5 lbs. As
weight, dimensions, and destination increase, other services may become more
affordable.


WAY TO SHIP BASED ON DELIVERY SPEED

Different services ensure delivery within specific timeframes. We’ve made a list
of preferred services for some of the common delivery timeframes. These rates
are suggestions. Many factors can change which carrier service offers the best
rates.

More after jump! Continue reading below
Learn how to ship anything with ShipStation!


HOW TO USE SHIPSTATION TO SHIP ECOMMERCE ORDERS

Start saving money shipping clothing, books, car parts, and anything else with
ShipStation!




BEST 2–3 DAY SHIPPING OPTIONS

2-3 day shipping typically works best with USPS Priority Mail. While FedEx and
UPS Ground services offer similar delivery times, USPS typically offers the
lowest rates. If a package weighs over 7 lbs or so, though, UPS and FedEx start
offering more competitive rates.


BEST 2-DAY SHIPPING OPTIONS

It is important to note that USPS offers no services with guaranteed 2-day
delivery. So any parcels that require a hard 2-day delivery work best through
FedEx 2 Day or UPS 2nd Day as they do offer this timeframe.


BEST NEXT DAY SHIPPING OPTIONS

Next Day/Overnight delivery is where FedEx and UPS start offering competitive
rates to USPS. With strategic hubs located throughout the world, FedEx and UPS
are frequently the carrier of choice for expedited shipping.

 * UPS Next Day Air Saver®
 * FedEx Standard Overnight®


BEST NEXT DAY AM SHIPPING OPTIONS

Similar to standard Next Day Shipping options, UPS and FedEx offer guarantee
delivery by noon the following day. Rates between UPS and FedEx don’t vary too
differently between the 2 carriers. The best services are:

 * FedEx Priority Overnight® (by noon)
 * FedEx First Overnight® (by 10:00 am)
 * UPS Next Day Air® (by noon)
 * UPS Next Day Air® Early (by 10:00 am)

More after jump! Continue reading below
Start saving on overnight shipping options!


UPS, FEDEX, AND USPS OVERNIGHT SHIPPING: WHAT’S BEST? 

See which next-day shipping options work best for you!




BEST INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING OPTIONS


STANDARD INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY OPTIONS

For parcels weighing 4 lbs and under, First Class Mail International will be the
most economical way to ship internationally. However, keep in mind that there
are no requirements for estimated delivery time on this, so it may take weeks to
arrive at its final destination. For parcels weighing 4 lbs and over, USPS
Priority Mail International typically offers the best rates.


AFFORDABLE FAST INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING OPTIONS

For fast delivery, USPS Priority Mail Express International will typically offer
the best rates. Beyond that, FedEx may offer comparable rates and delivery
timeframes with their Economy International service.


BEST EXPEDITED INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY OPTIONS

For Expedited services, FedEx International Priority® offers a slight edge over
UPS Worldwide Express®.


BEST CARRIER DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE


USPS DISCOUNTS

New Accounts: USPS is a great place to start for shipping discounts. For many
packages, they will offer the lowest rate. And if you’re a ShipStation user,
you’ll receive a free PC Postage account (ShipStation Pro Plan) through
Stamps.com simply by having a ShipStation account (A $15.99 value). There’s no
contract, you’ll receive this deal for as long as you have an active ShipStation
account. Take advantage of rate discounted up to:

 * 84% off Priority Mail
 * 18% off First Class Mail Package
 * 13% off Priority Mail Express
 * 5% off International First Class, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express
 * 40% off USPS Package Insurance Rate

ShipStation offers discounted USPS rates that you can take advantage of simply
by signing up.

Existing Accounts: ShipStation allows you to connect your existing USPS postage
provider account (Stamps.com and Endicia) to your ShipStation account. If you
don’t currently take advantage of any USPS discounts on your existing Stamps.com
account, you can convert it to the free Pro Plan take advantage of the above
rates. Simply go through the setup process within ShipStation, and we’ll convert
your account automatically!

More after jump! Continue reading below
Media Mail Can Help You Save Tons of Money on Books, Movies, Records and more!


MEDIA MAIL SHIPPING RATES FOR 2022

Find out how you can start saving on Media Mail with ShipStation




UPS DISCOUNTS


SHIPSTATION + UPS DIGITAL ACCESS PROGRAM

UPS announced an adjustment to its UPS® Digital Access Program rates. Effective
January 1, 2022, customers who sign up for a UPS account on ShipStation will now
enjoy discounts of up to 88% off Daily Rates, 77% off UPS® Ground shipments, and
up to 72% for UPS 2nd Day Air® and UPS Next Day Air® services on eligible
packages.

Discover the best rates for UPS® Ground Shipping labels when you use
ShipStation.

SHIPSTATION + UPS® ADVANTAGES

 * UPS® discounts up to 88% off Daily Rates (international services)
 * No minimum shipping volume requirements
 * Avoid certain surcharges such as residential surcharges, saving you even more
   money
 * Guaranteed delivery services
 * Updated UPS® tracking and delivery alerts
 * Domestic and international delivery services

START PRINTING DISCOUNTED UPS® LABELS

More after jump! Continue reading below
Download the guide today


THE SMB SHIPPER’S GUIDE FROM SHIPSTATION AND UPS®





DO I PAY UPS SURCHARGES LIKE RESIDENTIAL SURCHARGES AND FUEL SURCHARGES?

One thing to keep in mind is that residential surcharges can apply to
residential addresses when you ship with FedEx and UPS. This adds about $3-4 to
every shipment. Sometimes, these addresses are not validated as residential in
the carrier’s platform and you won’t know you’re paying this much extra until
you get your invoice.

While USPS does not apply these charges to their shipments since the postal
service by default anticipates delivering to each and every domestic address.
This commitment, though, is why heavier parcels start becoming more expensive
than with UPS or FedEx.

The good news is UPS From ShipStation gives you discounts and can eliminate
residential surcharges altogether, saving you even more money!

Sign up for a ShipStation Trial today and start saving up to 88% on UPS label
fees!


DHL EXPRESS DISCOUNTS

ShipStation customers can save up to 75% on DHL Express postage with ShipStation
Carrier Services. DHL Express lets you make economical international shipments,
and is a breeze to set up in ShipStation. Similar to the USPS, It’s a single
postage purchase payment method that is tied to the same bank card on file with
Stamps.com.


OTHER WAYS TO SAVE WITH SHIPSTATION

Whether you want to use shipping insurance or even find alternative shipping
services, there are a lot of options out there to create a more fine-tuned
shipping strategy while also saving money!


HOW TO OFFER SHIPPING FOR CHEAPER

An advantage of offering free shipping through USPS is that it’s the only
domestic carrier that can ship to PO Boxes or mailboxes. Because of this, home
deliveries do not accrue delivery surcharges the way FedEx or UPS do. This can
add almost $4 to a package’s delivery fees.


IN-CART DELIVERY OPTIONS

One way to capitalize on the affordable rates available in ShipStation is to use
In-Cart Delivery Options. This exposes live rates to your customers in checkout.
Fears of overcharging or undercharging can be a huge pain point for many
ecommerce merchants. Luckily, ShipStation lets Shopify, Wix, Magento, and
BigCommerce merchants provide live-rate shipping options to their customers
during checkout. These can be adjusted to include or decrease based on dollar
amounts or percentages.


UPS AND FEDEX HYBRID SERVICES

An advantage to using FedEx and UPS is being able to access hybrid services. If
you’re unfamiliar, hybrid services are services where either FedEx or UPS pick
up the parcels, but USPS makes final delivery. These are cost effective services
that allow you to get around added costs such as the residential/delivery
surcharge. This also allows delivery to mailboxes/P.O boxes. These services are
are comparable in rates and estimated delivery time to standard USPS Priority
services.

FEDEX AND UPS HYBRID SERVICES TO USE

FedEx Ground Economy is a contract-based service that combines FedEx Ground with
USPS.

UPS Mail Innovations is a contract-based service that combines UPS Ground with
USPS. Works best for small parcels under 1 lb.

UPS SurePost is an economical combination of UPS Ground and USPS services,
typically for larger parcels weighing up to 20 lbs.


FEDEX DISCOUNTS

If you’ve already negotiated rates with FedEx, there is required action to add
them to ShipStation. Once configured, you can start saving on your FedEx
shipments!


SHIPPING INSURANCE DISCOUNTS

Regardless of circumstance, insurance is the main extra cost that you don’t want
to pay for until you have to. But even still, there’s no need to pay more for it
than needed. Remember, many services offer a default coverage for insured values
under a certain price. And third party insurance can be a significantly more
affordable option.


DEFAULT COVERAGE BY SERVICE

ServiceNot Included$50$100$200USPS Priority Mail√USPS Priority Mail Express√USPS
Priority Mail international√USPS First Class√USPS Media Mail√USPS Parcel
Select√FedEx√UPS√


THIRD-PARTY INSURANCE

A major way to pay less for insurance is to use a third-party insurance
provider, such as Shipsurance. When adding insurance to a shipment you pay the
additional fees in increments of $100 insured value. Typically, carriers charge
between $0.75-0.85 per $100 value, with a minimum cost of roughly $2.50.
Shipsurance, however, only charges $0.55 per $100, and with no minimum cost. So
you can save big by using this third party insurance. Applying Shipsurance to a
parcel and filing a claim is very streamlined through ShipStation.

To start saving on shipping, sign up for your free trial of ShipStation!


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