The Cheapest Ways to Ship Packages (2025 Guide)

Use this guide to secure the best shipping rate for your package. Try these strategies to find the most cost-effective shipping methods for fast package delivery.

High shipping costs can deter customers from completing their purchases. Research shows that nearly 50% of abandoned carts result from unexpected shipping and tax charges.

So, how can small businesses create shipping strategies that minimise product prices while avoiding passing the full cost of shipping onto customers?

Additionally, if you're looking to ship a package from home, how can you find the most cost-effective rate?

Below, we break down the current shipping rates from popular carriers, categorised by package size, weight, delivery speed, and whether the destination is domestic or international.

Cheapest Way to Ship a Small Package

For most cases, USPS offers the most affordable rates for shipping small packages such as a box or mailer bag.

Each carrier has different guidelines for what qualifies as a “small package,” with the price influenced by size, weight, destination, and shipping speed.

Cheapest Way to Ship a Large Package

For larger packages, USPS is typically the most affordable option, though the definition of “large package” can vary based on the type of service requested (ground or air).

Here are the maximum package weight and dimensions for each major shipping carrier:

USPS: 70 lbs (32 kg) and 108 combined inches (274 cm)
UPS: 150 lbs (68 kg) and 108 inches (274 cm)
DHL: 154 lbs (70 kg) and 47 inches (120 cm)
FedEx: 150 lbs (68 kg) and 119 inches (302 cm)
Sendle: 50 lbs (22 kg) and 48 inches (122 cm)

For very large packages, consider using a freight service.

Cheapest Way to Ship Internationally

International shipping rates are typically determined by distance and global import regulations. For US-based merchants, shipping to Canada often offers the most affordable rates.

Customs duties and import taxes can vary significantly based on the value of the package and its destination. Merchants should decide whether to pass these fees onto customers or offer a solution to manage international shipping costs.

Cheapest Way to Ship Based on Delivery Speed

For times when speed is crucial, the shipping method you choose can make a significant difference.

Best Rates for 2- to 3-Day Delivery

USPS Priority Mail offers the most affordable option for faster deliveries, with rates starting at $9.65 for 1- to 3-day shipping, depending on package size and destination. USPS flat-rate boxes offer an economical solution for predictable costs.

For larger packages, UPS and FedEx provide competitive rates for expedited shipping under three days.

Best Rates for Next-Day Delivery

For urgent shipments, next-day delivery is often necessary. USPS Priority Mail Express is the most affordable option for next-day service, with regular prices starting at $30.45.

UPS Air Saver and FedEx Standard Overnight also provide guaranteed next-day delivery services for domestic shipments within the US. Pricing depends on the size and destination of the package.

Shipping Method Types

Various shipping methods can be selected depending on your location and delivery time requirements:

Flat-rate Shipping: Pricing is based on weight and size bands, offering customers a fixed rate regardless of the package's specific dimensions within a category.
Free Shipping: The cost is integrated into product prices, eliminating the need to charge customers separately for shipping.
Real-Time Carrier Rates: The exact cost is shown at checkout, based on the package's weight, size, and destination.
Local Shipping: Delivery is completed without using a third-party carrier.
Pick-Up: Customers retrieve their packages from a designated location.
International Shipping: Sending packages across national borders.
Same-Day Delivery: Orders arrive on the same business day they are placed.
Next-Day Delivery: Orders arrive the following business day.
Expedited Shipping: Faster delivery compared to standard services.

A flexible approach is ideal—offering multiple shipping options at checkout ensures you can meet customer needs while managing costs.

How to Choose a Shipping Provider

Shipping costs vary annually, influenced by distance, size, weight, and delivery speed. To stay competitive and avoid surprises, keep track of any changes in shipping rates.

Shipping calculators offered by most carriers can help businesses estimate costs based on package details. Here are some useful calculators:

USPS Shipping Calculator
UPS Shipping Calculator
FedEx Shipping Calculator
Canada Post Shipping Calculator
Royal Mail Shipping Calculator
Australia Post Shipping Calculator
Sendle Shipping Calculator

Tips to Keep Shipping Costs Low

Negotiating better rates and researching different couriers can significantly reduce shipping expenses. In addition, consider these tips:

Use the Right Packaging: Reduce the size and weight of your packages with appropriately-sized packaging to avoid paying for unnecessary space.
Consider Package Materials: Lighter materials like poly mailers, air pillows, or bubble wrap can help lower shipping costs.
Flat-Rate Shipping: A cost-effective option that makes predicting shipping costs easier.
Local Delivery and Pick-Up: If your business serves local customers, offering direct delivery or pick-up options minimises shipping costs.

Save on Shipping with Shopify

Shopify Shipping offers tools that help you manage orders, print shipping labels, and track packages, all in one place. Shopify merchants also benefit from up to 88% off shipping rates through pre-negotiated discounts with USPS, UPS, and DHL. Additionally, Shopify makes international shipping more affordable with auto-generated customs forms and reduced rates for cross-border shipments.

By selecting the most cost-effective carrier and shipping method, small businesses can ensure a smooth, affordable experience for both themselves and their customers. With a strategic approach, businesses can streamline their shipping operations, saving time and money while focusing on growth.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are privacy concerns with location-based marketing?

Businesses are legally required to obtain consent from users before collecting location data. However, the requirement for data anonymisation varies by region, with specific regulations in place in areas such as California (under the California Consumer Privacy Act, or CCPA) and the European Union (under the General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR). It is important to note that some customers choose to opt out of location-sharing due to privacy concerns.

How effective is location-based marketing?

Location-based marketing strategies facilitate more precise customer targeting while enhancing the understanding of consumer behaviours and preferences. These strategies can effectively attract new customers, increase sales, and foster customer loyalty, ultimately driving business growth and engagement.

What are the disadvantages of location-based marketing?

Location-based marketing operates by utilising location data from mobile applications; however, this information is accessible only if consumers have enabled location sharing on their devices. Additionally, businesses must either develop applications with integrated location-tracking capabilities or collaborate with location-based platforms to effectively collect data and disseminate targeted messages.

Does display advertising still work?

Yes, display advertising remains a highly effective strategy, particularly for enhancing brand awareness and driving targeted traffic. Its efficacy is notably increased when ads are optimised through strategic targeting and creative execution.

How do display ads make money?

Display ads generate revenue for advertising platforms through models such as cost-per-click (CPC), where advertisers pay for each click, and cost-per-impression (CPM), where payment is based on the number of times the ad is displayed to users. For brands, display ads are financially beneficial as they enhance brand awareness and drive traffic to their websites, ultimately leading to increased customer purchases and revenue.

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