UPS Discounted Shipping Rates: How to Save Up to 55% on Business Shipping

UPS is one of the most reliable carriers for business shipping, but retail rates can be expensive. This guide shows you how to access significant UPS discounts without volume commitments or lengthy contract negotiations.

Understanding UPS Pricing Tiers

Retail Rates (Daily Rates)

These are the standard rates you'd pay at a UPS Store or through UPS.com without a business account. They're the most expensive option.

Published Rates

UPS's standard commercial rates, available to businesses with a UPS account. These offer modest discounts over retail.

Negotiated Rates

Custom discounts negotiated directly with UPS based on shipping volume. Typically requires significant monthly spend.

Platform Discounts

The easiest path to savings—shipping platforms like AtoShip provide pre-negotiated discounts to all users, regardless of volume.

Available UPS Discounts Through AtoShip

Rates are examples and vary by weight, dimensions, and zones

UPS Services Explained

UPS Ground

• Delivery: 1-5 business days
• Best for: Non-urgent shipments, heavy packages
• Weight limit: Up to 150 lbs
• Size limit: 165" combined length + girth

UPS 3 Day Select

• Delivery: 3 business days
• Best for: Time-sensitive but not urgent shipments
• Guaranteed: Yes, with money-back guarantee

UPS 2nd Day Air

• Delivery: 2 business days by end of day
• Best for: Urgent shipments
• Includes: AM delivery option available

UPS Next Day Air

• Delivery: Next business day by 10:30 AM
• Best for: Critical, time-sensitive packages
• Options: Next Day Air Saver (end of day), Next Day Air Early (8:00 AM)

How Zone Pricing Works

UPS rates are heavily influenced by shipping zones—the distance between origin and destination.

Pro tip: For shorter distances (Zones 2-4), UPS Ground often provides excellent value compared to USPS.

Dimensional Weight Pricing

UPS uses dimensional weight (DIM weight) to price lightweight but large packages. Here's how it works:

Calculation: Length × Width × Height ÷ 139 = DIM Weight

UPS charges the greater of actual weight or DIM weight.

Example:

• Box: 18" × 12" × 10" = 2,160 cubic inches
• DIM weight: 2,160 ÷ 139 = 15.5 lbs (rounded to 16 lbs)
• Actual weight: 5 lbs
• Billable weight: 16 lbs (DIM weight is higher)

How to Minimize DIM Weight Charges

Use right-sized boxes

Avoid excessive packaging material

Consider USPS for lightweight, large items (more generous DIM factor)

When to Choose UPS Over USPS

UPS is Better For:

• Heavy packages (10+ lbs)
• Large items exceeding USPS size limits
• Business-to-business shipments
• Time-guaranteed delivery
• Shipments to commercial addresses

USPS is Better For:

• Lightweight packages under 1 lb
• Residential deliveries
• Rural areas
• International small packets
• Cubic-eligible heavy items in small boxes

UPS Pickup Options

Daily Pickup

Scheduled pickups at your location. With discounted rates through AtoShip, you can schedule pickups without additional account requirements.

UPS Access Point Drop-off

Drop packages at UPS Stores, CVS, Michaels, and other Access Point locations at no extra charge.

UPS Drop Box

Use the brown drop boxes for packages with pre-printed labels.

Tips for Maximizing UPS Savings

1. Compare Every Shipment

Use AtoShip to compare UPS against USPS and FedEx for each package. The cheapest option varies by weight, size, and destination.

2. Use UPS Ground for Heavy Packages

For packages over 10 lbs shipping medium distances, UPS Ground often beats USPS Priority Mail.

3. Optimize Package Dimensions

Reducing box size by even 1-2 inches can drop you into a lower DIM weight bracket.

4. Ship on Optimal Days

Avoid shipping on Fridays if delivery timing isn't critical—packages sit over the weekend.

5. Leverage Saturday Delivery

UPS offers Saturday delivery for an additional fee. For urgent weekend needs, this can be valuable.

Getting Started with Discounted UPS Rates

Accessing UPS discounts through AtoShip is straightforward:

Create a free account - No credit card required

Connect your store (optional) - Import orders automatically

Enter shipment details - Weight, dimensions, addresses

Compare rates - See UPS alongside USPS and FedEx

Print & ship - Generate labels instantly

No volume minimums. No contracts. No monthly fees.

Conclusion

UPS shipping doesn't have to break the bank. By using a platform with pre-negotiated discounts, you can access the same rates that large shippers enjoy—saving up to 55% on every package.

Start comparing rates today and see how much you can save on your UPS shipments.