Shipping Cost Estimator — USPS, UPS, FedEx

For packages under ~2 lb, USPS First-Class Package Service (now called 'USPS Ground Advantage' for some weights) is almost always cheapest — typically $5–$8 nationwide. For 1–10 lb packages, USPS Priority Mail competes well, especially with Flat Rate boxes. Above ~10 lb, UPS and FedEx Ground often beat USPS on price. Express services (overnight, 2-day) are roughly comparable between FedEx and UPS, with USPS Priority Mail Express slightly cheaper but with less reliable timing.

Dimensional weight is a billable weight based on a package's size rather than its actual weight. Carriers calculate it as Length × Width × Height ÷ a divisor (139 for domestic USPS/UPS/FedEx). If a 2-lb feather pillow ships in a 12 × 12 × 12 box, its dimensional weight is (1,728 ÷ 139) ≈ 12 lb — and you'll be billed for 12 lb, not 2. Use the smallest box that fits to avoid dim-weight surcharges.

Often yes, for two situations: (1) Heavy packages — a Large Flat Rate Box ships up to 70 lb anywhere in the US for ~$22.45. That beats every per-pound rate for heavy items. (2) Cross-country shipments — Flat Rate has the same price regardless of zone, so it wins for long distances. The catch: your package must fit inside the standard box dimensions. For light or short-distance packages, regular Priority Mail is usually cheaper.

For 20+ lb packages, ground services usually win — FedEx Ground and UPS Ground both handle up to 150 lb. For 50+ lb, freight services (LTL — less-than-truckload) start to make sense at $80–$150 per shipment. Greyhound Package Express and Amtrak Express also ship heavy packages on a station-to-station basis, often beating consumer carriers on price.

It depends. USPS Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express deliver Saturday at no extra charge. UPS and FedEx Ground deliver Saturday in most metro areas at no charge for residential addresses. Their express services (UPS Next Day Air, FedEx Priority Overnight) include Saturday delivery only in specific service areas and may add a surcharge ($16–$30) elsewhere. Sunday delivery is generally only available via Amazon's own logistics or USPS Priority Mail Express in select markets.