Does Usps Charge By Weight Or Size In 2022? (Full Guide)

With options like UPS, FedEx or the USPS, shipping a parcel has never been more simple.

Did you know that you could take your packages to the post offices and have them estimate the costs?

Maybe you’ve wondered whether USPS charges for weight or size. How did they arrive at that price? This is the information you should know.

Does USPS Charge By Weight Or Size In 2022?

The United States Postal Service most commonly charges based on weight and distance, as with First-Class mail and Priority Express. However, some postal services may use dimensional-weight pricing to charge parcels exceeding certain size limitations. The dimensions weight pricing factor in the length, height, or width of the parcel. Service providers offer flat-rate shipping to parcels upto 70 lbs.

Sound a little confusing? For different services, I’m able to break down the USPS poundage charges for USPS. This includes whether UPS shipping is less expensive than USPS or whether using your own box to ship can be cheaper. For more information, keep reading!

How much does USPS shipping cost per pound?

It depends on what USPS shipping service is chosen and how far the parcel will travel.

Parcels can be sent by First-Class Package Service Retail Ground, Priority Mail Express or Retail Ground.

If the maximum size has not been reached, four of these items may be shipped by their dimensional weight (DIM). USPS calculates DIM by: Length x Width x Height / 166.

Here’s a list of all types and prices for parcel shipping, with their respective ranges in price per pound.

First-Class Package Service-Retail

First-Class Package Service only applies to small packages with less than 13oz.

Packages generally take between 1 and 3 business days

Prices for 1 oz. start at $4 and go up to $6.25 when you buy 13 oz.

Retail ground

This USPS tracking service can be used when the packages are too big for Priority Mail, Priority Express or Priority Express.

Retail ground is limited to 70 pounds 130 inch combined length and girth

Prices start at $7.70 a pound and reach $49 for 70lbs.

If your parcel is over the allowed size, you may have to apply DIM Pricing.

Priority Mail

This is the next step above First Class shipping

It is slightly faster (1-3 business days), can deliver on Sundays (for an additional fee) and includes shipping of letters, large envelopes and parcels

The minimum weight for a parcel must not exceed 70 pounds. or less, with a max 108 inches in combined length and girth

Prices start at $7.70 for one pound, all the way up to $49 for 70 lbs.

Flat Rate shipping is included with this service. This includes envelopes starting at $7.95, small boxes $8.45, medium boxes $15.50, large boxes $21.90, and large box $15.00

DIM pricing may be applied if parcel exceeds size limit.

Priority Mail Express

This service is the fastest, and includes next-day and 2-day shipping on letters, envelopes and parcels

All parcels must weigh no more than 70 lbs. Parcel must be 70 lbs or less with a maximum length of 108inches.

Prices start at $26.35 for a half-pound, and climb to $184.30 for 70 lbs.

Priority Express offers flat-rate envelopes starting at $22.75 and ending at $23.25

If the parcel’s dimensions exceed those limits, DIM pricing can be applied.

Select Parcel

Regular shippers don’t have to be in hurry but still want low shipping costs.

Maximum weight is 70 pounds The length limit for both height and width is 108 ins.

One pound costs $3.30 and a 70-lb. cost $4.34. Start at just $9.24 to get your package.

DIM pricing may be applied if parcel exceeds size limit.

If you want to be able to accurately calculate shipping costs, USPS.com has a handy tool that can help.

Is It Cheaper To Send A Box UPS Or USPS?

It’s difficult to top USPS when it comes to parcel shipping at low rates.

This applies to UPS shipping rival, which can be more expensive than the government-run Postal Service’s basic parcel shipping.

USPS offers flat-rate shipping that is hard to beat. The flat rate shipping option allows you to send large quantities of goods in one container, with weight limits of up to 70 pounds. This will allow you save tons of money.

You may have to shell out more for FedEx or UPS shipping, especially if the item you are purchasing is heavy.

USPS won’t send anything heavier than 70 lbs. so you should consider a different shipping company.

Do You Think It’s More Cost-Effective to Ship USPS Mail With Your Own Box?

It depends on how heavy your item is.

A USPS Priority Mail Flatrate box is best if your shipment weight exceeds 60 lb.

The mailbox is provided free-of-charge.

You can ship a 60-lb. A 60-lb. package in its own box costs $42.90. The cost of shipping could rise to $277.15 depending how far away you ship it.

Can I Use My Own Box For USPS Flat Rate?

You cannot use your own box for USPS’s flat rate shipping options, such as Priority Flat Rate and Priority Express Flat Rate.

You should instead use USPS approved boxes. They come in 3 sizes and a variety of envelope options.

For more information on Priority flat rates boxes, please visit this page. Priority Express offers only flat rate envelopes for this time. The prices are available here.

For any USPS flat rate shipping service, your personal box can be used.

Learn more about USPS. You can also check out our posts regarding whether USPS scans packages or updates tracking. We even discuss whether USPS charges for address changes.

Conclusion

USPS uses most frequently weight and distance to calculate shipping cost. However, USPS may use weight, distance, and size limitations occasionally when shipping is required.

A good way to save money, if your item fits, is to use USPS Priority Mail flat rate shipping, which often costs tens of dollars less than competitors like UPS or FedEx.

.Does Usps Charge By Weight Or Size In 2022? (Full Guide)