Find the cheapest way to mail a package. Calculate shipping rates from multiple carriers: UPS, USPS, FedEx, Sendle, and DHL. Discounts of up to 80%.
This site compares shipping rates from postage purchased online.
Purchasing postage from a physical UPS or FedEx store will not be the discounted rates shown on this site.
See below for accounts that provide discounted rates or visit our page on how to buy shipping labels online.
Carrier price rankings by package weight
The cheapest shipping carrier changes depending on how heavy your package is. The bump chart below ranks USPS, UPS, and FedEx from cheapest (#1) to most expensive (#3) across a range of weights. Enter your package details in the shipping calculator at the top of this page to see exact rates for your shipment.
Small box (12"×9"×6")
Cheapest discounted rate per carrier, New York to Los Angeles. Updated March 2026.
In the bump chart above, each line represents a carrier. The vertical axis shows their price ranking — #1 is the cheapest, #3 is the most expensive. Hover over any dot to see the exact price and service level at that weight.
For packages up to 8 oz, USPS is the cheapest option. From 9 oz onward, UPS is the most affordable. FedEx is generally the most expensive, though it has a sweet spot between 23 lb–50 lb where it beats at least one competitor.
Carriers don't just charge by weight — they also use dimensional weight (DIM weight). If your box is large relative to its actual weight, carriers calculate a "DIM weight" based on the box volume (length × width × height ÷ 139) and charge whichever is higher. A 7 lb package in a 15"×14"×9" box has a DIM weight of about 14 lb — so you'd pay nearly double. Notice how the rankings in the larger box chart stay locked in place from 1 oz through about 10 lb — that's because DIM weight sets the price floor, and actual weight doesn't matter until it exceeds it. Learn more from FedEx, UPS, and USPS.
Large box (15"×14"×9")
Same route, larger box — DIM weight changes the rankings. Updated March 2026.
The bump charts above show which carrier's cheapest option wins at each weight — but carriers offer multiple service levels, from ground shipping to overnight. The scatter plots below show every available option for a 7 lb package. Each dot is a service level: the horizontal axis is delivery time, the vertical axis is price. Hover over any dot to see the carrier, service name, and exact cost.
Small box (12"×9"×6")
Large box (15"×14"×9")
All service levels at 7 lb, discounted commercial rates, New York to Los Angeles. Updated March 2026.
Here's how the cheapest ground service from each carrier compares for a 7 lb package across both box sizes. The larger box triggers dimensional weight pricing, which can nearly double the cost.
| Carrier | Small box 12"×9"×6" |
Large box 15"×14"×9" |
|---|---|---|
| UPS | $12.82 | $21.52 |
| USPS | $13.25 | $22.02 |
| FedEx | $23.39 | $35.34 |
UPS beats USPS by $0.43 in the small box. That's not much. When the price gap is this small, convenience matters more than cost. A few cents of savings disappear the moment you drive out of your way to ship.
Every major carrier offers easy drop-off options for prepaid labels: UPS accepts packages at UPS Stores, CVS, Staples, Michaels, and UPS Drop Boxes. FedEx has FedEx Office locations, plus drop-offs at Walgreens, Office Depot, and Walmart. USPS offers free home pickup — they'll come to your door at no extra charge. Pick the carrier with the most convenient option on your daily route.
These are not retail prices. The rates above are discounted commercial rates available through online shipping software — significantly cheaper than what you'd pay at a UPS Store or FedEx counter. Anyone can access them by signing up for a shipping platform.
Getting the best prices by buying labels online
Buying shipping labels online instead of at a UPS Store or FedEx counter can save you 50–88% on postage. These platforms negotiate volume discounts across thousands of customers and pass the savings to you — anyone can sign up.
Here are a few services that connect all your shipping accounts (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.) in one place, and provide discounted commercial rates:
Buying your shipping online can offer you significant savings. Let's take a look at the example of shipping a 9 x 6 x 3 inches package that weighs 5 pounds going from Los Angeles to New York.
The discounted rates below have been pulled from ShippingEasy and the retail rates have been taken directly from USPS and UPS' shipping calculators.
| Carrier | Retail price | Discount Price | Percent difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS Priority | $29.35 | $10.85 | 63% savings |
| UPS Ground | $23.38 | $10.41 | 55% savings |
As you can see, the savings are substantial.
Heavier packages save even more money. Here is a comparison of prices for the same sized package, but weighing 20 pounds.
| Carrier | Retail price | Discount Price | Percent difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS Priority | $86.85 | $10.85 | 88% savings |
| UPS Ground | $59.22 | $10.41 | 82% savings |
It can be convenient buying from a physical, brick and mortar UPS, FedEx, or USPS location near you if you rarely need to ship a package. They will provide a box and pack your shipment for you, but all that comes with extra fees.
A scale to weigh your parcel and measuring tape are good investments for when you decide to start shipping from home. A favorite measuring tape (commissions earned) are the ones meant for sewing instead of the ones you get at the hardware store. Printing labels can be done on any home printer then taped to the shipping box, though for convenience, you can purchase a label printer to use with self-adhesive labels. If you find yourself making more frequent shipments, these items will save you time and money by avoiding costly in-store postage purchases.