Why is Shipping so Expensive and Slow?

By choosing the right carrier, shipping packages can be fast and cost effective!
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Last update:

June 23, 2023

Shipping in the United States may become a headache. Many people feel that sending packages in the United States is slow but expensive.

Is the US courier service prolonged and costly? You may need help finding the right way to ship in the United States.

USPS

USPS is the most economical option compared to other carriers. The two most common USPS services are First Class and Priority Mail.

*Starting from January 22, 2023, the USPS will implement new shipping rates. Please refer to the USPS new price list for details. 

First Class is usually used for sending letters and small packages; it often arrives in 1-5 business days. Prices start at $0.60 for standard envelopes and $4.80 for small packages.

Priority Mail usually arrives in 1-3 business days. If you use the USPS packaging boxes or envelopes, the postage does not increase with the item's weight as long as your package is ≤ 70 pounds. This means you can send 1 pound for the same price as 70 pounds! USPS packaging prices are as follows.

  • Flat Rate Envelopes $9.9
  • Padded Flat Rate Envelopes $10.6
  • Small Flat Rate Box $10.4
  • Medium Flat Rate Box $17.05
  • Large Flat Rate Box $22.45

Please refer to: USPS Price List for specific box sizes

UPS

UPS is the priority choice for sending medium and large packages, but the disadvantage is that the price gets pricy.

According to the UPS official statistics, 90% of the packages can be delivered within 3 days. If you want the delivery to be fast enough, you can pay for it!

Commonly used two UPS services are Flat Rate Shipping and Daily Rates.

Flat Rate Shipping is available for packages weighing no more than 50 pounds and measuring no more than one cubic inch. Mailing prices for different UPS packaging are:

  • Small from $12.40
  • Medium from $14.95
  • Large from $19.60

In addition to the base price, UPS will charge an additional service fee. For specific box sizes, please refer to UPS Flat Rate List

As for Daily Rates, this service is for people who have scheduled a pickup or and have a UPS account.

Customers who use this service can ship faster and further, but it is also very expensive. Please refer to the UPS Daily Rate Calculator for shipping rates.

Although UPS service is very expensive, you can apply for a UPS account through ShipSaving's exclusive link and unlock the delivery discount instantly without a long wait for the application result. Please click for detailed registration steps to unlock UPS discounts with ShipSaving.

FedEx

FedEx has different services based on the speed of delivery. FedEx shipping takes 1-7 business days, and the price increases depending on the distance of the destination.

If express speed is not required, FedEx Ground or Flat Rate Shipping are popular options for you to choose. 

Unlike other carriers, FedEx Flat Shipping prices will vary depending on the speed and distance.

FedEx Flat Shipping is available for envelopes weighing up to 10 pounds and for express shipments weighing up to 50 pounds. The reference prices are as follows:

  • FedEx® Envelope from $10.80
  • FedEx® Small Box from $12.05
  • FedEx® Medium Box from $15.7
  • FedEx® Large Box from $24.2

For more information, please refer to FedEx Flat Rate Price List

For urgent shipments, FedEx offers three different options: Same-day, Overnight, and Freight; Freight is for large shipments over 150 lbs.

For more information, please use the FedEx postage calculator to calculate the exact price.

Final

In fact, you don't have to pay such a high delivery fee to buy a shipping label from the carrier's website!

You can enjoy up to 89% discount by using ShipSaving to buy shipping labels from USPS and UPS in the United States, let’s have a try!

Written on:

January 4, 2023
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