USPS Shipping Rates 2026 - Free Calculator & Discounts

USPS is usually the cheapest carrier for lightweight packages. Ground Advantage starts around $4-5 for small items, Priority Mail runs about $9-16 for 1-3 lbs, and above 3-5 lbs UPS Ground often wins. Here's what each USPS service costs and when to switch carriers.

USPS services

• Ground Advantage - 2-5 business days. The default for most packages and the cheapest USPS option for items over 1 oz.
• Priority Mail - 1-3 business days. Faster than Ground Advantage and includes free USPS boxes from any post office.
• Priority Mail Express - 1-2 business days, guaranteed overnight to most locations. Includes $100 insurance.
• First-Class Package - 2-5 days for lightweight items under 13 oz. Often the cheapest option for very small packages.

Real USPS rates (10x8x4 in box, Texas to New York)

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When USPS isn't the cheapest

For packages under 2 lbs, USPS almost always wins. But above 3-5 lbs, check UPS Ground - it's often cheaper AND includes $100 of insurance that USPS doesn't.

FedEx SmartPost also beats USPS on some routes for 1-5 lb packages. You won't know unless you compare all four carriers side by side.

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