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.

However, have you ever brought your box to the Post Office and had them value it? Did they surprise you with the final cost?

Perhaps you have ever wondered if USPS charges by weight? You might wonder how they arrived at this price. Let’s find out.

Are USPS charges by size or weight in 2022?

The United States Postal Service typically charges for mail based on distance and weight, such as First-Class mail or Priority Express. If the parcel is larger than these limits, certain services might apply dimensional weight pricing. Dimensional weight pricing takes into account length, width and height. Some companies offer flat-rate shipping options for parcels that weigh up to 70 lbs.

Are you confused? I can break down for you how much USPS charges per pound for different services, whether it’s cheaper to ship UPS or USPS and whether or not it’s cheaper to use your own box when shipping. You can find all details in the following!

What is the USPS Shipping Price Per Pound?

Shipping a parcel is priced per pound based on which USPS shipping option you choose and how far your item travels.

Parcels can be shipped via First-Class Package Service – Retail Ground, Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail Express, Retail Ground and Priority Mail.

These four items can ship as dimensional weights (DIM) if they are not exceeding the specified size. USPS calculates DIM by: Length x Width x Height / 166.

Here are the types of parcel shipping services, each broken down with the price-per-pound range given, as well as any Flat-Rate services or DIM pricing.

First-Class Package Service-Retail

First-Class Package Service can be used for small packages less than 13 oz.

Packages generally take between 1 and 3 business days

Prices start at $4/oz. for 1 oz.; rise to $6.25/13oz.

Shopping 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 of weight and 130 inches in combined length and girth

Prices start at $7.70 for one pound and climb to $49 for 70 lbs.

DIM pricing may be applied if parcel exceeds size limit.

Priority Mail

This is the next step above First Class shipping

The delivery time is slightly faster, usually within 1-3 business day. Sunday deliveries are possible (for an additional cost). This includes sending letters, large envelopes, and parcels.

Parcel must weigh 70 lb. Parcel must be 70 lbs or less and have a combined maximum of 108 inches length and girth

Starting at $7.70 for a pound, up to $49 if you purchase 70 lbs.

This service also includes Flat Rate shipping, which starts at $7.95 for envelopes, $8.45 for small boxes, $15.50 for medium and $21.90 for large

DIM pricing may be applied if parcel exceeds size limit.

Priority Mail Express

This service offers fast shipping and also includes 2-day and next-day shipping of letters, envelopes, or parcels

All parcels must weigh no more than 70 lbs. Or less. Maximum length and width of the parcels must not exceed 70 lbs.

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

Priority Express also has flat-rate envelopes that range in price from $22.75 up to $23.25

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

Select parcel

This service is ideal for those who are regular shippers and don’t want to rush their parcels.

Weight limit is 70 lbs. Maximum length is 70 lbs.

A pound of meat costs only $3.30. For 70 pounds, the same price is available at $9.24. Packages start at $9.24

DIM pricing can be applied to parcels exceeding the maximum size.

The best method to determine your shipping costs before you ship is by using the USPS.com shipping calculator.

Does it cost more to send a box UPS than a USPS package?

USPS can be beaten when it concerns low parcel shipping rates.

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

USPS flat-rate shipping is also a great option. Flat-rate shipping is a great way to save money and ship lots of items with a maximum weight of 70 pounds

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.

Does it cost less to ship USPS without your box?

It depends on how heavy your item is.

If you’re shipping something heavy, like 60 pounds, it can fit in a USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate box. This is the cheapest option.

The box is free (you can pick one up in any post office lobby) and the flat rate for a large box is $21.90.

Shipment of 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.

What if I have my own box?

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

Use the USPS-approved containers instead. These come in three sizes, as well as several envelope options.

This page contains information about Priority flat-rate boxes. Priority Express does not offer flat-rate envelopes at the moment. You can see their prices here.

It is possible to send your own package for all shipping services except USPS’s flat rates shipping services.

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 typically uses weight and distance for shipping costs. But, sometimes weight, size and length are used when packages exceed the size limit.

You can often save money if you have a fit item by ordering flat-rate shipping from USPS Priority Mail. It is usually cheaper than FedEx and UPS.

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