Comparing Shipping Rates
Comparing Shipping Rates
Find the best shipping rate for every package. atoship compares rates across multiple carriers in real-time to save you money.
How Rate Comparison Works
When you create a label, atoship:
- Calculates your package dimensions and weight
- Queries all available carriers
- Displays rates sorted by price and delivery time
- Highlights the best value options
Using the Rate Calculator
Step 1: Enter Package Details
- Weight (in pounds or ounces)
- Dimensions (length × width × height)
- Package type (box, envelope, tube, etc.)
Step 2: Enter Addresses
- Ship-from location
- Ship-to destination
- Residential vs commercial indicator
Step 3: View Results Rates appear organized by:
- Lowest price first
- Fastest delivery
- Best value (price vs speed)
Understanding Rate Results
Each rate shows:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Carrier | USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc. |
| Service | Priority Mail, Ground, Express, etc. |
| Price | Your discounted rate |
| Delivery | Estimated delivery date |
| Retail | Comparison to retail price |
| Savings | Your discount percentage |
Carrier Options
USPS
- Ground Advantage - Economy option
- Priority Mail - 1-3 day delivery
- Priority Mail Express - Overnight/2-day
- Media Mail - Books and media only
UPS
- Ground - Business ground shipping
- 3 Day Select - Guaranteed 3 days
- 2nd Day Air - 2 business days
- Next Day Air - Overnight delivery
FedEx
- Ground - 1-5 business days
- Home Delivery - Residential ground
- Express Saver - 3 business days
- 2Day - 2 business days
- Priority Overnight - Next business day
Rate Factors
Rates are affected by:
- Distance - Zone-based pricing
- Weight - Actual or dimensional
- Size - Oversized packages cost more
- Speed - Faster = more expensive
- Destination - Residential surcharges
- Signature - Additional service fees
Dimensional Weight
Carriers charge by whichever is greater:
- Actual weight
- Dimensional weight (L × W × H ÷ factor)
DIM Factors:
- USPS: 166
- UPS/FedEx: 139
Saving Money on Shipping
- Use cubic pricing - For small, heavy items
- Ship Ground when possible - Huge savings vs express
- Avoid oversized - Keep under carrier thresholds
- Consider regional carriers - For specific zones
- Use flat rate when it makes sense - Predictable pricing
Setting Rate Preferences
Configure default rate display:
- Preferred carriers first
- Hide carriers you don't use
- Set maximum price threshold
- Filter by delivery speed