USPS First Class Package Service: $5.27.

USP Simple Rate in a polymailer: $16.50.

FedEx One Rate Express Saver 3rd Day: $12.05.

Note: the USPS rates below use Commercial Pricing USPS FCPS is zone-based, but the most you’ll pay for it is $5.70 (with USPS Commercial Rates, available from many shipping software providers).Ī small, 14-ounce package, shipping from Houston to Miami (Zone 5): It doesn’t come with a guaranteed delivery window, but usually takes anywhere from 2-5 days to arrive for most locations. In fact, USPS First Class Package Service (FCPS) is unbeatable for packages under one pound. Lighter weight packages, particularly less than one pound, would likely be cheaper using other services. Particularly when you ship heavier products and/or products traveling further across the country, flat-rate shipping can save you substantially on your shipping costs. There are certainly instances where using flat-rate shipping will benefit you, but also times when it will not. This is taken from ShippingEasy’s E-commerce Seller’s Guide to Flat Rate Shipping, which is free to download. In this chart, you can see some of the key similarities and differences that may or may not fit your products and shipping needs.

Take a look at the below side-by-side summary. Flat-rate shipping can make it easier to budget shipping, particularly once you figure out when it is most optimal. With FedEx and UPS, you also avoid certain surcharges that normal services would incur (USPS does not charge such surcharges). Basically, packages ship for the same cost regardless of weight (up to each carrier’s limit).

What Is Flat-Rate Shipping?įlat-rate shipping takes many forms across the three major carriers.

Is flat rate shipping cheaper