Shipping packages are one of the best ways for businesses to obtain raw materials and even send orders to their customers. However, high shipping rates might affect people’s decisions. This can also stop customers from purchasing goods when they see additional shipping costs added to their recipes.
In this article, you will find a detailed guide to finding the cheapest way to ship a package. We have mentioned the latest prices and even the popular carriers. So, let’s get into the article and have a look at it.
The Cheapest Way to Ship a Small Package
Most people opt for USPS when shipping small packages or boxes. However, each carrier has its own regulations and rules that you should follow when it comes to small packages. The size and weight will affect the prices. Below, we have mentioned a table through which you will be able to understand some of the rates of the carrier services for the cheapest way to ship a package.
Provider Estimated Delivery Time Rate
- USPS 3 business days $9.65
- FedEx 2 business days $15.07
- UPS 2 business days $14.25
- DHL 1 business day $72.18
The Cheapest Way to Ship a Large Package
Customers also place bulk orders and order huge packages. Thus, you need to find a good option that will help you tackle this issue as well while ensuring that the packages reach your customers at the right time. The following are the weights and dimensions of the packages that every shipping company offers.
- USPS: The maximum package weight is 70 lbs or 32 kg, and the combined inches are 108 inches or 274 cm.
- UPS: This company allows packages with a weight of about 150 lbs or 68kg and a size of 108 inches or 274 cm.
- DHL: the maximum weight for the package here is 154 lbs or 70 kg, and the size is about 70 inches or 120 cm.
- FedEx: Here, the maximum weight of a package that you can send is 150 lbs or 68 kg, while the size is 119 inches or 302 cm.
Shipping Company Weight Length Price
- USPS 70 lbs (32 kg) 108 inches (274 cm) $19.15
- UPS 150 lbs (68 kg) 108 inches (274 cm) $26
- FedEx 150 lbs (68 kg) 119 inches (302 cm) $323.74
- DHL 154 lbs (70 kg) 47 inches (120 cm) $116.69
The Cheapest Way to Ship a Package Based on Delivery Speed
When it comes to shipping a package, you also need to think of the time that you want the package to arrive. Whether you are sending a small package or a big box, you need it to come at a designated time, and this is why you need to know the cheapest way to ship and purchase based on the speed.
Below, we have mentioned a table that will give you a better overview of the cheapest shipping methods, their delivery times, and features.
Delivery Time Shipping Carrier Features
- Same day FedEx Good for local deliveries of the small packages
- Next day USPS, UPS, FedEx Offers flat rate pricing. Also includes up to $100 insurance
- 2-3 days USPS, UPS, FedEx Cheap for heavy packages and also includes tracking and $50 insurance
- 3.5 days USPS, UPS, FedEx Good for ideal weight packages
- 5-7 days USPS, UPS, FedEx Reliable for bulker options
- International USPS, UPS, FedEx Allows you to send affordable international packages
The Cheapest Way to Ship a Package Internationally
There are many companies that offer international shipping for their customers. In most countries, the global shipping cost is arranged according to the import regulations and the distance. It also depends on the weight, size, and even the destination of the packages. Below, we have mentioned some of the popular courier services and their prices for international shipping so that you can find the right and cheapest way to ship packages.
Courier Company Service Delivery Time Cost
- USPS First class international 1-3 Weeks $25-$30
- UPS Priority mail international 1.3 Days $85-$100
- FedEx International economy 2-5 Days $80-$95
- DHL Express worldwide 1-3 Days $90-$120
Which Shipping Carrier Should I Choose?
There are many different courier companies when it comes to finding the cheapest way to ship a package. However, there are four renowned and popular courier services that offer the best and safest shipping. But the question is which one to choose? Below, we have mentioned some factors that you can consider when it comes to picking from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL.
USPS
USPS is one of the best courier and shipping companies. It is ideal if you want to ship small and lightweight packages. They also offer the lowest price for small packages and even have flat-rate boxes for heavy items. Here, you can find affordable international shipping options as well.
When to Choose USPS?
- For small and lightweight packages that are under 4 lbs.
- If the packages are non-urgent and don’t require an expedited service.
- Affordable shipping options include First-Class or Priority Mail.
UPS
UPS is another reliable choice when it comes to finding the cheapest way to ship a package. It is ideal for health packages and if you want a reliable tracking system. UPS offers ground shipping and other various shipping options.
When to Choose UPS
- When you want to ship heavier packages.
- Offers robust and proper tracking system.
FedEx
FedEx is known for its fast and secure shipping services. This is a great option if you want to send a package quickly to its destination. They offer next-day services that can be amazing for businesses that want to ensure that their customers get their orders as quickly as possible.
When to Choose FedEx?
- If you want expedited shipment and have strict delivery deadlines.
- It is also good for the international economy and even express shipping.
- You can even send fragile items through FedEx easily.
DHL
DHL is famous for international shipping. Its strong global network ensures that all international packages are sent to customers quickly and safely.
When to Choose DHL?
- Quick and secure international shipping will only take 1 to 3 days.
- Items that require advance custom clearance.
How to Calculate the Shipping Rate?
Calculating shipping costs can be a complicated process as there are a number of different things that can affect them. However, below are a couple of things that you must keep in mind when calculating the cheapest way to ship a package and the cost for it.
Shipping Origin and Destination
The first and most important factor that can affect the shipping cost is how far the package will travel. This is why you must know the starting and ending points for the package. The further the package goes, the pricier it will be. Every courier service has its own shipping zones through which they can calculate how much it can cost to ship a package.
The Weight of the Package
The weight of the package also directly affects the price. If the package is small, it will be cheaper to ship. However, if the package is large and heavy, you might have to pay some extra money for it to reach its destination.
Dimension of the Package
The dimension of the package is also another factor that plays an important role in calculating the shipping cost. To determine the dimensions of the package, the merchant needs to multiply the width, length, and height of the package and then divide it by the cubic divisor of the choice. This will allow you to get the right answer.
Tips for Reducing Shipping Costs
There are a few things you can do to keep the shipping cost of the package as low as possible.
Use the Right Packaging
You must choose the right packaging. The size of the package and the weight of the shipment should be reduced. You must also pick a light material, such as poly mailer, instead of cardboard, which can be very heavy. Other options are air pillows, bubble wrap, and even foam inserts.
Use Flat-rate Shipping
If you want to keep the cost down, you can also opt for flat-rate shipping. This offers the best value for the money and is ideal for domestic delivery. You will be able to predict the prices and find the right option for yourself.
Enjoy the Cheapest Shipping with NextSmartShip
There are a lot of different ways through which you can send the parcels; however, finding the cheapest way to ship a package can be quite hard. However, your search will now end with NextSmartShip. They are the best company that offers the most affordable shipping rates.
Not only this, here you can find a lot of amazing services such as packaging of the order, and even delivery them at the door of the customers. Therefore, NextSmartShip can be the perfect partner for the business so that they can expand their company.
Final Words
When it comes to shipping, the rates can be very high, and this can also affect the business. Therefore, it is very important to find the cheapest way to ship a package. We hope this article was beneficial for you, and now you know some of the best ways to find the cheapest way to ship a package. Also, make sure to check out NextSmartShip for their amazing services.
