Over 90,000 packages get lost daily in New York alone—and that is not good for business. Another thing that’s bad for business is expensive shipping fees.
But how do you reconcile the difference between shipping costs and ensuring your packages arrive at your destination safely? Keep reading to learn about the cheapest shipping option that is also the best shipping option for your business.
Cheapest Shipping Option: The USPS
While there are many different courier services across the United States, they all use the same infrastructure and transport methods.
This means that where the price of the service varies is the company’s ability to maximize efficiency and productivity. For example, the difference in cost of priority mail vs express is determined by how well the courier runs its business.
The United States Postal Service is your go-to carrier for cheap domestic shipping for small businesses. They offer a wide range of services, benefits, and discounts for businesses.
The USPS is best for businesses that ship small to medium-sized, lightweight items. Their shipping costs for items in this category are significantly lower than other carriers.
They offer a first-class service, starting at just $3.37. It is recommended for packages weighing up to 13 ounces or 368.5 grams. Then there is the Parcel Select and USPS Priority Mail service, priced at $3.50 and $7.37, respectively.
USPS offerings are slightly cheaper than services offered by other carriers in the same class.
The United States Postal Service offers a flat-rate box option, starting at $8.38. Anything that can fit inside the box, regardless of weight, will be shipped for that rate.
USPS also offers tracking and delivery within two to eight working days.
Cheapest Overnight Shipping Option
The US Postal Service ranks top of its class for affordability, which does not change when it comes to overnight delivery services. USPS Priority Mail Express Domestic is the cheapest option if you need to send a product to a customer overnight.
The cost varies according to the package size, but generally, the pricing starts at:
- $26.95 for under half a pound
- $29.25 for items under 5 pounds
- $44.10 for packages under 10 pounds
- $46.25 for parcels over 10 pounds
Other Inexpensive Shipping Options
There is a solution for you, whether you want the cheapest or the best shipping options. The USA is host to numerous inexpensive shipping options that balance speed, reliability, and cost.
FedEx
FedEx has a range of services and fast delivery times. They also offer weekend deliveries, excellent customer service, and an online platform for scheduling pickups and printing your own waybills.
However, they are one of the pricier couriers, with the same-city rate for a small FedEx box starting at $16.05. That said, you can often receive an online discount with a FedEx account. They will also ship any item, no matter how big or small (within reason).
UPS
UPS is immensely popular. They have managed to balance quick delivery times with lower prices. They offer multiple speeds at different prices to suit your business and client needs.
Rates for the delivery of a small package starts at about $12.55. UPS is the most affordable way to send parcels over 70 pounds, which the USPS will not handle.
Just Send It!
Whether shipping stickers, shirts, or handmade BBQs, there is a shipping service to suit your needs and budget. You now have all the information you need to decide which cheapest shipping option to use for your small business.
This means you have plenty of time to browse our website for more business news and tips!
