The Cheapest Way to Ship a Package in 2025: Complete Guide

Finding the cheapest way to ship depends on several factors: package weight, dimensions, distance, and delivery speed. This comprehensive guide helps you find the most affordable shipping option every time.

Quick Reference: Cheapest Options by Weight

Cheapest Shipping by Carrier

USPS - Best for Lightweight Packages

Strengths:

• Lowest rates for packages under 1 lb
• Priority Mail Cubic for dense items
• No residential delivery surcharge
• Saturday delivery included

Best Services:

First-Class Package - Under 13 oz, starting at $3.49

Ground Advantage - Up to 70 lbs, starting at $4.50

Priority Mail Cubic - Heavy items in small boxes

Media Mail - Books, DVDs, educational materials ($3.49+)

UPS - Best for Heavy Packages

Strengths:

• Competitive rates for 10+ lb packages
• Extensive drop-off network
• Strong business-to-business service
• Reliable tracking

Best Services:

UPS Ground - Best for heavy, non-urgent shipments

UPS 3 Day Select - Budget express option

UPS SurePost - Final delivery by USPS

FedEx - Best for Express Shipping

Strengths:

• Reliable overnight and 2-day services
• Good for large packages
• SmartPost for budget ground shipping

Best Services:

FedEx Ground - Competitive with UPS Ground

FedEx Home Delivery - Residential ground service

FedEx SmartPost - Budget option via USPS final mile

Shipping Hack: Always Compare

The single most important tip: always compare rates across carriers. The cheapest option varies based on:

• Package dimensions and weight
• Origin and destination ZIP codes
• Delivery speed requirements
• Residential vs. commercial address

AtoShip compares all options instantly, showing you the best price every time.

Cheapest Shipping by Distance

Local Shipments (Same State)

• USPS Ground Advantage usually wins
• Consider UPS Ground for heavy packages
• Flat Rate boxes rarely make sense locally

Regional Shipments (1-3 States Away)

• USPS Priority Mail competes well
• Regional Rate boxes can save money
• UPS Ground becomes competitive at 10+ lbs

Cross-Country Shipments

• Flat Rate boxes eliminate zone premiums
• UPS Ground for heavy packages
• Consider delivery time vs. cost trade-off

Cheapest Shipping by Package Type

Small, Light Items (Under 1 lb)

Winner: USPS First-Class or Ground Advantage

Examples: Phone cases, small electronics, jewelry, books

Medium Packages (1-5 lbs)

Winner: USPS Priority Mail or Cubic

Examples: Shoes, clothing, kitchen items

• Standard Priority Mail: Zone-based pricing
• Priority Mail Cubic: Best for dense, heavy items
• Small Flat Rate Box: $10.40 nationwide

Heavy Packages (5+ lbs)

Winner: Depends on size and zone

Compare these options:

USPS Priority Mail (zone-based)

USPS Flat Rate Box (if it fits)

UPS Ground (often cheapest 10+ lbs)

Priority Mail Cubic (if under 0.5 cubic feet)

Large, Lightweight Packages

Winner: USPS Ground Advantage

USPS has a more favorable dimensional weight calculation than UPS/FedEx, making it cheaper for large, light items.

Money-Saving Strategies

1. Use Free Packaging

• USPS Priority Mail boxes and envelopes are free
• Order at usps.com with free delivery
• Significant savings over buying boxes

2. Right-Size Your Packaging

• Smaller boxes = lower costs
• Avoid unnecessary void fill
• DIM weight charges apply to oversized packages

3. Print Labels Online

• Commercial rates are 20-89% cheaper than retail
• No line waiting at the Post Office
• Tracking included automatically

4. Leverage Flat Rate for Heavy Items

• Small Flat Rate: Best for items over 3 lbs
• Medium Flat Rate: Best for items over 7 lbs
• Large Flat Rate: Best for items over 10 lbs

5. Consider Speed vs. Cost

• Ground services are 40-60% cheaper than express
• Most packages arrive in 2-5 days via ground
• Overnight is rarely worth the premium for regular shipments

Special Cases

Books and Media

Winner: USPS Media Mail ($3.49+)

Restrictions: Only books, CDs, DVDs, educational materials. No advertising allowed.

International Shipping

• USPS First-Class Package International - Best for light items
• USPS Priority Mail International - Includes tracking
• Simple Export Rate - Budget international option
• UPS Worldwide Saver - Reliable international express

Fragile Items

Don't just choose cheapest—consider:

• Insurance options and costs
• Carrier handling reputation
• Packaging requirements

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Shipping a Phone Case

• Weight: 3 oz
• Size: 6x4x1 inches
• Cheapest: USPS First-Class - $3.49

Example 2: Shipping Shoes

• Weight: 2 lbs
• Size: 14x8x5 inches
• Cheapest: USPS Ground Advantage - $7.99

Example 3: Shipping a Heavy Candle

• Weight: 4 lbs
• Size: 4x4x4 inches (fits Cubic tier)
• Cheapest: Priority Mail Cubic - $8.99 (vs. $14.50 standard)

Example 4: Shipping a Large Box

• Weight: 15 lbs
• Size: 18x18x12 inches
• Cheapest: UPS Ground - $15.99 (vs. USPS $22.00)

The Bottom Line

There's no single "cheapest" carrier—it depends on what you're shipping and where it's going. The key is to:

Always compare - Use AtoShip to see all options

Consider Cubic - For heavy items in small boxes

Use free supplies - USPS Priority boxes save money

Right-size packaging - Avoid DIM weight charges

Choose ground - Unless speed is essential

Start comparing rates now and save on every shipment.