Updated 8/8/2024

Rates vary based on distance traveled, dimensions, box type, and weight

Over the years, we’ve learned a thing or two about saving on shipping. So here are some of our best tips for saving money using our free shipping tools on ShipThrifty.com.

Tip 1 – Pick box sizes that don’t add extra fees & try different carriers if you are not shipping to an APO, FPO, or DPO.

When a box is larger or exceeds the carrier’s desired range, they will sometimes charge an extra fee to discourage people from using that size box. This is called a surcharge.

Here’s when USPS charges extra (It’s possible to be charged multiple fees on a single package):

• USPS Priority Mail & Priority Mail Express
  • A $4 surcharge on packages with a side longer than 22 inches but less than 30 inches
  • A $15.00 surcharge on packages exceeding 30 inches in length on the longest side
  • A $25.00 surcharge on packages with a volume measuring more than 2 cubic feet (3456 cubic inches).
  • A $1.50 surcharge on packages with missing or incorrect dimensions that result in the package going over dimension-based fees
  • A $10.00 surcharge on packages over 20 pounds

  USPS Ground Advantage

  • A $4 surcharge on packages with a side longer than 22 inches but less than 30 inches
  • A $7.00 surcharge on packages exceeding 30 inches in length on the longest side
  • A $15.00 surcharge on packages with a volume measuring more than 2 cubic feet (3456 cubic inches).
  • A $1.50 surcharge on packages with missing or incorrect dimensions that result in the package going over dimension-based fees.
  • A $10.00 surcharge on packages over 20 pounds

To give you a reference, a 12 x 12 x 12 box is 1 cubic foot. A 22 x 12 x 12 box fall short of the dimensional fees.

Note: During the December holidays, surcharges are added to compensate for the heavy shipping volume. USPS usually starts them in October and runs through the holidays and holiday return season. Holiday surcharges are unavoidable.

Tip 2 – Don’t assume a flat rate box is your best option

If your box is similar in dimension to a flat rate box and under 20 pounds, a flat rate box may cost more than a brown or generic box. ( A USPS Large Flat Rate box is 12.25 x 12 x 6).

Notes:

– USPS Regional Rate boxes options end as of January 23, 2023. – USPS Retail Ground, First Class Package, and Parcel Select service were combined into one service call USPS Ground Advantage July 7, 2023.

-Smaller brown boxes can still cost less with access to cubic pricing on Ship Thrifty.

Tip 3 – Combine multiple smaller boxes into one larger box

If you’re sending multiple smaller packages to the same place, consider getting a larger box and combining the items to save money. You can find boxes at the local home improvement or retail stores and online. They typically cost a couple of dollars. A 16 x 12 x 12 box holds about 3 Large Flat Rates.

Tip 4 – Switching a service or carrier can offer savings opportunities

Consider your timing and carrier. Priority services or expedited services can cost more than others, and carriers charge different rates for different services. There is a special, discounted service called media mail for published items. When creating your labels on Ship Thrifty, you can easily check different prices and edit any field to compare your options.

Tip 5 – Never ship air

Using the right size box helps you get the most out of your shipping dollars. Larger boxes are great for fragile items needing extra padding, but you don’t want to use a box that is too big for what you’re shipping. You pay based on dimensions and weight. Finding fun fillers like socks or candy can help fill up extra space.

Tip 6 – Double check your addresses and shipping details

Check your address labels to ensure the information you entered is correct and you don’t have typos in the address areas or package details. You can also validate your address on Ship Thrifty, which will help identify unknown errors for addressing that can cause a box to be returned (returned packages are non-refundable after the carrier scans them).