The Cheapest Ways to Ship Packages: Beginners Guide

Shipping costs can sneak up on you—whether you’re managing domestic shipping, expanding your ecommerce business, or navigating international shipping for the first time. But here’s the good news: there are smart, simple ways to save.

In this guide, we’ll explore what is the cheapest way to ship packages, comparing top carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx. You’ll learn how to save based on package size, weight, shipping zone, and delivery speed. Whether you’re sending one box or shipping in bulk, tools like PitneyShip® help make your process more efficient—and more affordable.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Shipping Costs
2. Cheapest Way to Ship a Package Based on Delivery Speed
3. Cheapest Way to Ship a Package Based on Weight
4. Cheapest Way to Ship a Package Based on Size
5. The Cheapest and Fastest Shipping Options: Summary
6. What is the Process When Shipping a Package?
7. Additional Ways to Save on Shipping Costs
8. Access the Cheapest Shipping Rates and Carrier Discounts with PitneyShip
9. Cheapest Way to Ship Packages FAQ

Understanding Shipping Costs

Shipping rates vary by carrier, package type, and destination. USPS, UPS, and FedEx each calculate shipping costs differently—so comparing options is key to finding the cheapest way to ship a package.

Weight and Dimensions

Carriers charge based on actual weight or dimensional weight (DIM weight)—whichever is higher.

• USPS applies dim weight to packages over 1 cubic foot.
• UPS and FedEx use dimensional weight more broadly.
• USPS Cubic Pricing helps reduce costs for small, dense parcels.

Destination

Distance matters. Carriers use shipping zones to calculate how far a package travels—the higher the zone, the higher the cost.

• Domestic shipping tends to be cheaper.
• International shipping costs more due to customs and longer delivery times.

Delivery Time

Speed impacts price.

• Fast shipping (like overnight or 2-day) costs more.
• Options like USPS Ground Advantage offer slower but cheaper delivery.

Packaging

Packaging affects both package size and price.

• USPS flat-rate shipping boxes are cost-effective for heavy items.
• Oversized or custom boxes may trigger dim weight pricing.

Why We Use NYC to LA Pricing

Throughout this blog, we reference real shipping costs from New York City to Los Angeles. This long-distance route spans multiple shipping zones, offering a clear view of how rates change with distance. Actual prices may vary based on your location, available discounts, and carrier surcharges.

Cheapest Way to Ship a Package Based on Delivery Speed

When urgency matters—whether you’re sending a last-minute gift or time-sensitive business document—fast shipping is the go-to. But faster usually means more expensive. Finding the cheapest way to ship a package based on delivery speed means balancing urgency with cost.

If you can plan ahead, slower services like USPS Ground Advantage or UPS Ground offer great savings. For guaranteed speed, FedEx 2Day® and UPS 2nd Day Air® are reliable, though pricier.

Tips to Balance Cost and Speed:

• Plan ahead to avoid express surcharges.
• Communicate timelines clearly to avoid last-minute rushes.
• Use flat-rate boxes for dense items that need fast delivery.

Cheapest 2- to 3-Day Shipping Rates

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

Considerations:

• USPS delivers in 1–3 days but doesn’t guarantee delivery time.
• UPS and FedEx provide guaranteed time windows with robust tracking.
• Flat-rate options can lower shipping costs for small, heavy boxes.
• Watch for fuel or residential surcharges with UPS and FedEx.

Cheapest Overnight Shipping Rates

If your package needs to arrive fast, overnight shipping is the quickest—though usually the most expensive—option. For the cheapest way to ship a package based on delivery speed, it’s important to compare price against urgency.

USPS Priority Mail Express® is the most affordable overnight delivery option, but it doesn’t guarantee delivery time. For guaranteed next day shipping, UPS Next Day Air® or FedEx Standard Overnight® are more reliable.

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

Pro tips:

• USPS is cheaper, but UPS and FedEx guarantee delivery.
• Watch for residential delivery or fuel surcharges.
• Choose based on value, urgency, and shipping cost.

Cheapest Way to Ship a Package Based on Weight

When you're figuring out the cheapest way to ship a package, weight is one of the most important cost factors. Every carrier—USPS, UPS, and FedEx—sets prices based on either actual weight or dimensional weight (DIM weight), whichever is higher. If your package is large but lightweight, dim weight could push your shipping cost way up.

Pro Tip:

Always compare actual weight and DIM weight before selecting a service to avoid overpaying.

Cheapest Way to Ship a 2lb Package

Comparing USPS, UPS, and FedEx, USPS Priority Mail® is still one of the most cost-effective and faster options for shipping a 2lb package. For cross-country delivery, you’ll often find USPS beats out similarly priced services from UPS and FedEx — especially on delivery speed.

But don’t assume flat rate is always the cheapest. For lighter packages like this, it usually makes more sense to use your own box and pay by weight and zone.

How to Choose the Best Shipping Option

Delivery Time

Need it fast? USPS Priority Mail usually gets your package there in 2–3 days, even for coast-to-coast shipping. UPS and FedEx Ground typically take around 4 business days, so they’re better for non-urgent deliveries.

Additional Fees

Watch out for hidden costs. UPS and FedEx often add fees for residential deliveries, fuel surcharges, or remote area access. USPS typically doesn’t charge extra for these, which can make it more affordable overall.

Tracking and Insurance

USPS includes free tracking and up to $100 insurance with Priority Mail. FedEx and UPS also offer tracking, but their free insurance may be limited to $100 — and extra coverage costs more. If your item’s valuable, it’s worth checking what’s included before you ship.

Cheapest Way to Ship a 5lb Package

If speed matters and you’re okay with spending a bit more, USPS Priority Mail is your best balance of cost and speed (2–3 days delivery). But for pure savings, UPS Ground Saver is the winner.

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

USPS Priority Mail typically delivers faster—usually within 1 to 3 days—compared to standard ground services, which can take longer. All major carriers offer tracking, but UPS and FedEx stand out for their detailed and reliable tracking systems, especially for business tools or bulk shipping. USPS flat-rate boxes can be a smart option for heavier items, as long as they fit the size limits. Just be sure to check for dimensional weight charges, especially if your box is large but lightweight, since that can affect your final cost.

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

Considerations

All three services deliver in roughly four business days and include tracking. That said, UPS and FedEx are known for more detailed tracking systems, which might matter if you're shipping high-value items. USPS Ground Advantage doesn’t include extra fees for residential or rural deliveries, which helps keep the price low. Also, flat-rate boxes from USPS can be a smart move for heavy but compact items—just double-check that your shipment fits within the size limits to avoid dimensional weight charges.

Cheapest Way to Ship a 20lb Package

For heavier shipments, USPS remains the cheapest way to ship a 20lb package. It’s slower, but ideal for non-urgent deliveries. UPS and FedEx charge significantly more—especially if dim weight applies.

Note: UPS and FedEx may charge more based on box size due to dimensional weight pricing. Final cost depends on exact dimensions and zones.

Cheapest Way to Ship Heavy Packages (50lb)

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to ship large or heavy packages, FedEx Ground® now offers the lowest rates for 50 lb shipments. While USPS Ground Advantage™ is still an option, it’s more expensive for heavier weights and subject to a 70 lb limit. To avoid surcharges or high flat-rate costs, FedEx or UPS are better choices for shipping large, heavy parcels across long distances.

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

Considerations:

When choosing the best shipping option for a 20lb package, there are a few things to keep in mind. FedEx and UPS Ground typically deliver within four business days, while USPS Ground Advantage™ may take up to five. Make sure your package meets the carrier’s size and weight limits to avoid extra fees—especially if it's bulky, as dimensional weight pricing can apply. Also, watch for added charges like residential delivery, fuel surcharges, or extended-area fees, particularly with UPS and FedEx, which can drive up your total cost.

Cheapest Way to Ship a Package Based on Size

Package size plays a big role in shipping costs—not just weight. Carriers price based on both volume and weight, so choosing the right box matters.

Dimensional weight (DIM weight) can raise costs for bulky, lightweight items. USPS, UPS, and FedEx use methods like cubic pricing and zone-based rates.

For small packages, flat-rate shipping is often the best value. For larger items, options like USPS Ground Advantage™ or UPS Simple Rate offer cost-effective alternatives.

We’ll explore the cheapest options by package size to help you ship smarter and save more.

Cheapest Way to Ship a Small Package

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

Why USPS is Best for Small Packages:

• USPS Priority Mail® offers fast delivery (2–3 business days) at the lowest rate for small packages.
• USPS flat rate boxes are free, widely available, and easy to use.
• Ideal for small ecommerce shipments, gifts, or personal items.

Additional Considerations:

• Dimensional Weight Limits: Some carriers use dimensional (DIM) weight pricing for small boxes with more volume.
• Delivery Speed Trade-Offs: USPS often delivers faster than UPS or FedEx for lighter parcels.
• Flat Rate vs. Weight-Based Pricing: USPS flat rate can be cheaper if your package is dense or close to 1lb.

Cheapest Way to Ship Large Packages

If you're looking for the cheapest way to ship large packages, USPS Priority Mail® Large Flat Rate Boxes are a go-to option. They offer simple, predictable pricing with no weighing required—if it fits, it ships. This makes them one of the cheapest ways to ship large boxes across long distances like New York to Los Angeles. USPS also includes free packaging, tracking, and insurance, giving you a reliable and affordable solution for big packages that don’t need express service.

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

Why USPS is a Great Option:

• USPS Priority Mail® Large Flat Rate Boxes offer predictable pricing and are widely available.
• No need to weigh your package—if it fits, it ships at the flat rate.
• Packaging is free and includes tracking and insurance.

Additional Considerations:

• Dimensional Weight Pricing: UPS and FedEx often calculate rates based on dimensional weight. If your large package is bulky but light, you might end up paying more—even when it’s under the weight limit.
• Oversized Items: For all carriers, large boxes that exceed size thresholds may face additional fees, so double-check dimensions before you ship.
• Packaging Rules: USPS Flat Rate shipping requires branded packaging, while FedEx One Rate and UPS Simple Rate allow more flexibility. That’s helpful if you prefer custom boxes or branded presentation when sending large packages.

The Cheapest and Fastest Shipping Options: Summary

As we’ve discussed, the cheapest way to ship packages depends on many factors, including weight, size, delivery speed, and distance. This table summarizes the best carriers by shipping needs.

Use this chart to quickly determine the most cost-effective and time-efficient carrier based on your shipment’s unique needs.

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 it. Compare rates using the carriers’ online tools—or save time by using PitneyShip® to see real-time rates across USPS, UPS, and FedEx.
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 service you’d like to use, such as USPS, FedEx, or UPS. PitneyShip® helps you compare delivery speeds, costs, and services in one place.
5. Ship the package:
   Take the package to a nearby shipping location and pay for the postage. Or, use PitneyShip® to print labels at home and schedule a pickup.
6. Track the package:
   Use the tracking number provided to follow the package online or through the carrier’s app—or view all shipments in one dashboard with PitneyShip®.

Additional Ways to Save on Shipping Costs

Looking to cut shipping costs even further? These smart strategies can help:

• Use Flat-Rate Shipping Boxes:
  USPS flat-rate boxes let you ship by size instead of weight. If it fits and is under 70 lbs, it ships at one set rate—ideal for heavy, compact items.
• Ship in Bulk:
  Consolidating multiple packages or scheduling pickups in batches can lower your per-package cost.
• Offer Local Delivery or Pick-Up:
  Skip shipping altogether for nearby customers. It’s perfect for ecommerce businesses with local reach.
• Compare Carriers Regularly:
  Rates change. Use PitneyShip® or online tools to always get the best deal before each shipment.
• Bundle Shipments:
  Whenever possible, combine orders to reduce total shipping volume and costs.
• Consider Shipping Insurance:
  Protect fragile or valuable items affordably—especially if your carrier doesn’t include basic coverage.
• Leverage Shipping Software:
  Platforms like PitneyShip® help automate label creation, compare shipping rates, track deliveries, and access carrier discounts—all from one dashboard.

With the right tools and tactics, you’ll spend less—and ship smarter.

Access the Cheapest Shipping Rates and Carrier Discounts with PitneyShip

Shipping can be one of the most expensive parts of running a business—but it doesn’t have to be. PitneyShip® helps you cut those costs by giving you access to discounted shipping rates from USPS, UPS, and FedEx—all in one easy-to-use platform.

With PitneyShip, you can:

• Compare carrier rates in real time to choose the most affordable option
• Print discounted shipping labels from home or the office
• Track packages across multiple carriers from one dashboard
• Access tools for cost accounting, automation rules, and real-time data insights

Whether you're shipping 10 packages a week or 1,000, PitneyShip helps you save more, ship smarter, and simplify your entire shipping process.

Start saving today—sign up for PitneyShip, multi-carrier shipping software and unlock cheaper rates with the tools you need to ship like a pro.

Cheapest Way to Ship Packages FAQ

Is UPS or FedEx cheaper for heavy packages?

UPS is generally more cost-effective for heavy packages shipped via ground, especially to residential areas, while FedEx may offer better rates for express or freight services, particularly for commercial destinations. Pricing ultimately depends on factors like weight, distance, delivery speed, and any negotiated rates.

How much does it cost to ship a package?

The cost to ship a package depends on several factors, including the package's weight, size, shipping speed, destination, and the carrier you choose. Rates can vary significantly depending on whether you're shipping locally or internationally, how quickly the package needs to arrive, and whether you're sending it to a residential or commercial address. Carriers also consider factors like delivery zones and any additional services required, such as insurance or tracking.