USPS Commercial Pricing: How to Get the Best Postal Discounts

USPS Commercial Pricing is a discounted rate tier that allows businesses of all sizes to ship packages at significantly lower prices than retail rates. This guide explains everything you need to know about accessing these savings.

What is USPS Commercial Pricing?

USPS Commercial Pricing is a special pricing tier offered by the United States Postal Service to businesses and high-volume shippers. Unlike retail rates (what you'd pay at the Post Office counter), commercial rates offer substantial discounts—often 20-89% off standard prices.

USPS Pricing Tiers Explained

1. Retail Pricing

This is the most expensive option. You pay these rates when you:

• Walk into a Post Office and buy postage at the counter
• Use the self-service kiosk at USPS locations
• Don't have access to commercial pricing platforms

2. Commercial Pricing

The middle tier offering significant savings. Available through:

• Authorized shipping platforms like AtoShip
• Business accounts with qualifying volume
• E-commerce integrations

3. Commercial Plus Pricing

The deepest discounts, historically requiring high volumes. However, platforms like AtoShip can provide access to comparable rates without volume requirements.

How Much Can You Save?

Here's a comparison of retail vs. commercial rates for common services:

How to Access Commercial Pricing

Option 1: Use a Shipping Platform

The easiest way for small businesses to access commercial pricing is through a shipping platform like AtoShip. Benefits include:

• No volume minimums - Ship 1 package or 10,000
• No monthly fees - Pay only for the labels you print
• Instant access - Create an account and start saving immediately
• No contracts - Use it when you need it

Option 2: Direct USPS Business Account

USPS offers commercial pricing directly to businesses, but typically requires:

• Minimum monthly volume commitments
• Application and approval process
• Dedicated account management

Services Available with Commercial Pricing

Priority Mail

• 1-3 business day delivery
• Free tracking and $100 insurance included
• Free USPS boxes and envelopes

Priority Mail Express

• Overnight to 2-day delivery
• Money-back guarantee
• $100 insurance included

First-Class Package Service

• 2-5 business days
• Best for packages under 13 oz
• Most economical option for lightweight items

Ground Advantage

• 2-5 business days
• Packages up to 70 lbs
• Replaced Parcel Select and First-Class Package Service over 13 oz

Priority Mail Cubic

• Based on dimensions, not weight
• Up to 20 lbs with no weight surcharge
• Exclusive to commercial shippers

Tips for Maximizing Commercial Pricing Savings

1. Always Compare Services

Different services may be cheaper depending on:

• Package weight and dimensions
• Origin and destination zones
• Delivery speed requirements

2. Use Priority Mail Cubic for Dense Items

If your package fits in a small box but is heavy, Cubic pricing can save dramatically. The rate is based solely on the package's cubic size (up to 0.5 cubic feet).

3. Take Advantage of Free Supplies

USPS provides free Priority Mail boxes, envelopes, and labels. Order them at usps.com and have them delivered for free.

4. Print Labels Online

Labels printed through commercial platforms include tracking automatically and are often cheaper than counter purchases.

Common Questions

Do I need a business license?

No. Anyone can access commercial pricing through platforms like AtoShip, whether you're a registered business or an individual seller.

Is there a minimum shipping volume?

Not when using AtoShip. You can ship as few or as many packages as you need without commitments.

Can I use commercial pricing for personal shipments?

Yes. The pricing is available for any legitimate shipment, business or personal.

Start Saving Today

Commercial pricing transforms shipping from a major expense into a manageable cost. With platforms like AtoShip providing instant access to the best USPS rates, there's no reason to pay retail prices.

Create your free account and start saving up to 89% on every USPS shipment.