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?

Perhaps you have ever wondered if USPS charges by weight? How did they arrive at that price? Here is what you need to know.

Are USPS charges by size or weight in 2022?

Most often, the United States Postal Service charges by weight or distance. This is common with Priority Express and First-Class mail. If the parcel is larger than these limits, certain services might apply dimensional weight pricing. Dimensional weight pricing factors in length, height and width. Flat-rate shipping is available for parcels up 70 pounds.

Does that sound confusing? You can find out how much USPS costs per pound to send different services. I also have information about whether shipping UPS is cheaper than USPS, and whether you should use your own box for shipping. All the details are available in this article.

How Much does USPS Shipping cost per Pound

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

You can ship parcels via First-Class Package Service-Retail, Retail Ground, Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express.

The DIM weight of four may be used to ship these products if their maximum dimensions have been exceeded. 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 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 Limits: 70 lb of combined weight and length + girth 130 in

The price starts at $7.70 per pound, and rises to $49 for 70 pounds.

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

Priority Mail

This service “next up” to First Class shipping

This is slightly quicker (1-3 days), and can be delivered on Sundays for an additional charge. It also includes the shipping of large envelopes, parcels, and letters.

Parcels must be 70 lbs. Parcels must weigh no more than 70 lbs.

The starting price for one pound is $7.70, and up to $49 per 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

If the parcel’s dimensions exceed those limits, DIM pricing is possible.

Priority Mail Express

This is the fastest service and offers next-day or 2-day delivery on all letters, parcels, and envelopes

The minimum weight for a parrot is 70 lbs. Parcel must be 70 lbs or less with a maximum length of 108inches.

The prices start at $26.35 per half-pound and go up to $184.30 when you buy 70 pounds.

Priority Express also offers flat rates envelopes that cost between $22.75-$23.25

If parcels exceed the size limit, DIM pricing might be applied.

Select your parcel

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

Maximum weight is 70 pounds the combined size and length limits are 108 inches long and 108 inches wide

The price of one pound starts at only $3.30, while the cost for a 70-lb. package starts at only $9.24!

If the parcel’s dimensions exceed the limits, DIM pricing is possible.

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

Which is more cost-effective, USPS or UPS?

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

That applies to shipping competitor UPS, which is generally priced higher (sometimes much higher) than your government-run Postal Service for basic parcel shipping.

USPS flat-rate shipping is also a great option. Their flat-rate shipping options are affordable and you will be able to ship many items in one box.

If your item is extremely heavy, though, it may not be possible to pay extra for UPS or FedEx shipping.

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.

It is available for free at all post offices. A large-sized box costs $21.90.

It costs $60 to 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.

Do I need to use my box for the flat rate USPS?

USPS does not allow you to use your personal box when shipping flat rates, including Priority Flat and Priority Express Flat Rate.

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

Here’s more on Priority Flat-Rate Boxes. Priority Express is currently offering flat-rate envelopes. Prices can be found 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

The USPS uses distance and weight most often to determine shipping costs. However, USPS can sometimes use weight, size, and distance when shipping costs exceed size limits.

If your item is suitable, you can save money by using USPS Priority mail flat rate shipping. This often comes at a cost that’s tens to dollars lower than FedEx or UPS.

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