Speedee Prices 2025: Spee-Dee Shipping Rates Explained

• 7 min read

Finding the best deal on shipping can feel like a moving target. If you’re in the Midwest, you’ve likely heard of Spee-Dee Delivery, a popular regional carrier. Understanding speedee prices is a great first step, but what exactly are they? In short, speedee prices are the rates charged by Spee-Dee Delivery for shipping packages within their regional network, determined primarily by weight, distance, and package size. The real secret to saving money, however, is knowing how those prices stack up against national carriers for every single package you send.

This guide will break down how to think about speedee prices and give you a complete playbook for lowering your shipping costs, whether you’re shipping across the state or across the country.

What is Spee-Dee Delivery?

Spee-Dee Delivery is a regional shipping carrier that offers service primarily in the Upper Midwest, including states like Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. They are known for reliable, next day ground delivery within their service area. Because they focus on a specific region, speedee prices can be very competitive for local and zone to zone shipments.

However, if your package is heading outside their network, or if it has an unusual weight or size, comparing speedee prices with rates from USPS, UPS, and FedEx becomes essential.

How to Always Find the Cheapest Shipping Rate

The smartest shippers don’t stick to one carrier. They compare their options every time. Here is how you can make sure you are getting the best deal, whether it involves speedee prices or another service.

1. Compare Rates from Multiple Carriers

Never assume one carrier is always the cheapest. A heavy 20 pound box going across the country is often cheapest with FedEx Ground, which can be $1 to $10 less expensive than comparable services. For specifics, see our guide to the cheapest way to ship a 20 lb box. For lightweight parcels under a pound, USPS Ground Advantage is typically the winner.

The only way to know for sure is to compare them side by side. If you’re deciding between the two most common options, read our breakdown of which is cheaper: UPS or USPS. Instead of visiting each website individually, you can use a free multi carrier shipping calculator to instantly see rates from all the major players. This simple check is the fastest way to see if regional speedee prices beat the national competition for your specific shipment.

2. Get Discounted Online Rates, Not Retail Prices

Walking up to a retail counter at The UPS Store or a post office is one of the most expensive ways to ship. Carriers offer significant commercial shipping discounts to customers who buy and print postage online.

For example, a 5 pound package with UPS Ground might cost $11.76 at a retail store but only around $10.10 if you purchase the label online. The savings are even bigger with the Postal Service. USPS Commercial Base Pricing can be roughly 33% lower on average compared to retail rates. To get the most accurate comparison, you should always look at the discounted online rates for national carriers when comparing them against speedee prices.

3. Choose the Right Service Level

Matching your package to the right service is crucial for saving money.

  • For Packages Under 1 lb: Use USPS Ground Advantage. It delivers in 2 to 5 days and is almost always the most economical choice for small, light items.
  • For Heavier or Faster Shipments: USPS Priority Mail offers 1 to 3 day delivery and includes free tracking and $50 of insurance.
  • For Media: If you’re sending books or DVDs, USPS Media Mail is incredibly cheap, though it is slow. A 1 pound package can cost as little as $3.49.

When evaluating speedee prices, remember their core service is fast regional ground. If your package isn’t urgent, a slower service like USPS Ground Advantage might be a cheaper alternative.

4. Use Flat Rate Boxes for Heavy Items

For dense, heavy items, flat rate shipping can be a game changer. With a USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate box, you pay one price regardless of weight (up to 70 pounds). A Medium Flat Rate box costs about $17.10 to ship anywhere in the U.S. Trying to send a 20 pound box cross country using standard weight based rates could cost over $100.

This is particularly relevant when considering speedee prices, which are based on weight and distance. If you have a heavy item going a long way (and outside Spee-Dee’s network), a flat rate box will almost certainly be your cheapest option.

5. Weigh and Measure Your Packages Accurately

Incorrect dimensions can lead to surprise fees. Carriers use a system called dimensional weight, where they charge for the space a package takes up if it’s large but light. For instance, UPS and FedEx may bill a big, light 5 pound box as if it weighed 57 pounds based on its dimensions (20x20x20 inches).

Under declaring the weight or size can result in costly post delivery adjustments from carriers. UPS even applies an “Additional Handling” fee of $25 or more if a package is over 50 pounds or has a side longer than 48 inches. Accurate measurements are key to getting an accurate quote, including when you’re checking speedee prices.

6. Use Shipping Software for Deeper Discounts

You don’t need to be a massive corporation to get great shipping discounts. Online shipping platforms like Shippo, ShipStation, and Easyship provide access to commercial rates that are much lower than retail. These platforms often have no monthly fee for smaller shippers and can unlock savings of 40% to 60% or more on certain shipments. Some services can even offer USPS rates that are better than standard Commercial Pricing.

Using these tools makes it easy to compare the best available UPS or USPS rate against the latest speedee prices to make an informed decision. Finding the right tools is easy when you use an online shipping calculator that points you to the best providers.

The Bottom Line

While speedee prices offer excellent value for regional, next day shipments in the Midwest, they are one piece of a larger puzzle. To truly minimize your shipping costs, you need a strategy that involves comparing all your options. By using the right tools, securing online discounts, and choosing the correct service for each package, you can ensure you’re never overpaying for shipping again.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Spee-Dee Delivery?
Spee-Dee Delivery is a regional carrier focused on providing next day delivery services in the Upper Midwest of the United States.

2. How are Spee-Dee prices calculated?
Like most carriers, speedee prices are generally calculated based on package weight, dimensions, and the distance (or zone) it is traveling within their service network.

3. Is Spee-Dee cheaper than UPS or FedEx?
For shipments within their specific Midwestern service area, speedee prices can often be cheaper than national carriers. For shipments going outside their network, or for very heavy items that could use flat rate boxes, national carriers are often more competitive. The only way to know for sure is to compare rates.

4. What is the Spee-Dee Delivery service area?
Spee-Dee primarily serves Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, with additional service to parts of Michigan and Missouri.

5. How can I get the cheapest overall shipping rates?
The best way to save is to compare rates from multiple carriers for every shipment, use online shipping software to access commercial discounts, and select the service level (e.g., ground vs. priority) that matches your needs.

6. Do I need to worry about dimensional weight with all carriers?
Yes, most major carriers, including UPS and FedEx, use dimensional weight to calculate shipping costs for large, lightweight packages. Always measure your boxes accurately to avoid unexpected fees.