What is the Cheapest Way to Ship a Package?

- Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shipping Option

- Cheapest Shipping Services for Different Needs

- Comparing Flat Rate Shipping vs. Weight-Based Shipping

- How to Save Money on Shipping

- Special Cases: Cheapest Shipping for Specific Items

- Conclusion

In 2025, finding affordable shipping solutions is crucial for small businesses and eCommerce sellers. Shipping costs can make or break a business’s ability to compete, especially when offering free or discounted shipping to customers. Understanding the cheapest way to send packages allows businesses to maintain a balance between cost efficiency and customer satisfaction. This guide explores the best ways to ship packages domestically and internationally, helping you find the cheapest place to mail packages while maintaining quality service.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shipping Option

Selecting the right shipping method involves multiple factors, each impacting the overall cost. Here’s what to keep in mind when aiming for the most economical way to ship a package:

Package Size and Weight

How the size and weight of a package influence shipping costs is critical. Carriers often use dimensional weight (DIM weight) pricing, where larger packages with more volume may cost more even if they are lightweight. For those seeking the best package shipping rates, it’s essential to keep package sizes compact and weights low. Smaller parcels can be the cheapest way to mail packages, making it ideal for lightweight goods like apparel or electronics.

Delivery Speed

There's always a trade-off between speed and cost. Expedited shipping methods like overnight or 2-day delivery come at a premium, while slower options like ground services offer the cheapest way to ship packages domestically. If you’re looking for how to ship packages cheaply, consider offering multiple shipping speeds on your checkout page so customers can choose based on their needs.

Distance and Destination

Shipping distance affects the price significantly. Domestic shipments generally cost less than international ones, but the location within the country also matters. Urban areas are often more affordable to ship to than rural zones. To ensure the cheapest way to send packages in the USA, businesses should explore options like regional carriers, which may provide lower rates for local deliveries compared to national carriers.

Cheapest Shipping Services for Different Needs

Different shipping services excel depending on the type and size of your shipment. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular services offering the best shipping rates in 2025:

USPS (United States Postal Service)

The USPS is often the go-to for small packages and offers some of the cheapest ways to ship packages.

USPS First-Class Mail

This is the cheapest way to mail packages weighing under 13 ounces, perfect for small items like accessories or lightweight clothing. The rates are competitive, and delivery times typically range from 1 to 5 days within the United States.

USPS Priority Mail

For packages that exceed 13 ounces, USPS Priority Mail is a cost-effective option. With flat-rate boxes available, you can send heavier items at a fixed rate, which is great when searching for the least expensive way to send a package without worrying about weight-based pricing.

USPS Media Mail

This service is a special rate for shipping books, educational materials, and media items. If you’re shipping products like textbooks, USPS Media Mail can be the cheapest way to mail packages in this category.

UPS (United Parcel Service)

UPS offers a range of services for those seeking cheap shipping from the US with reliable tracking.

UPS Ground

UPS Ground is ideal for non-urgent shipments, providing some of the best shipping rates for heavier packages. Delivery times range from 1 to 5 days, depending on the distance. It's a solid choice for those aiming for the cheapest way to ship packages domestically.

UPS Simple Rate

UPS Simple Rate provides a flat-rate option that can be more economical for specific package sizes and weights. It’s a good alternative to USPS Priority Mail when you need predictable rates.

FedEx

FedEx is another reliable choice, especially for those looking for cheap ways to send packages that are heavier or need to reach their destination quickly.

FedEx Ground

For heavier items, FedEx Ground can offer competitive rates with the added benefit of robust tracking. It’s an option to consider if you want to balance speed and affordability for larger shipments.

FedEx SmartPost

This service combines FedEx’s logistics network with USPS for final delivery, making it an economical choice for non-urgent shipments. It’s one of the best shipping rates for Shopify store owners who ship small packages frequently.

Regional Shipping Options

Regional carriers like OnTrac or Spee-Dee Delivery can be a hidden gem for cheap shipping from the US, especially if your business operates in a specific region. They often provide lower rates than national carriers for local deliveries, offering a cheaper way to send packages within certain states or areas.

Comparing Flat Rate Shipping vs. Weight-Based Shipping

Understanding when to use flat-rate boxes or weight-based pricing can be key to finding the cheapest way to ship packages.

USPS Flat Rate Shipping

Flat-rate boxes from USPS can be the cheapest way to mail packages if your items are heavy but fit within the dimensions of the box. They offer predictable costs, which can be advantageous for eCommerce businesses looking to keep shipping expenses in check.

Flat Rate Boxes

With USPS flat-rate boxes, the price stays the same no matter the weight, as long as the item fits. This is great when sending heavier items over longer distances, helping you control costs.

Weight-Based Shipping

When shipping lighter items, weight-based pricing can sometimes be more economical than flat rates.

When to Choose Weight-Based Rates

Weight-based rates are ideal when sending lightweight items that don’t fill up the space of a flat-rate box. This can be the least expensive way to send a package when every ounce counts.

How to Save Money on Shipping

Looking for how to ship packages cheaply? Here are some key strategies:

• Use Online Shipping Discounts. Platforms like ShipStation, Pirate Ship, or Shippo can offer discounts on USPS, UPS, and FedEx rates, helping you find the best shipping rates for each package.
• Use Your Packaging. Carriers often charge more for their branded packaging. Using your own packaging can be a cheap way to send packages, especially when sending items in custom sizes.
• Bundle Multiple Items. Consolidating items into fewer shipments can reduce overall costs, making it the most economical way to ship a package.

Special Cases: Cheapest Shipping for Specific Items

Different types of products require tailored shipping solutions to ensure you’re always paying the lowest rate.

Shipping Small Items

Small, lightweight items can be shipped at a lower cost using USPS First-Class Mail or other weight-based options. This is the cheapest way to ship packages domestically when sending items like jewelry or small electronics.

Shipping Large or Heavy Packages

Larger items are best shipped using UPS Ground or FedEx Ground, as these services provide better rates for heavier packages. Freight consolidation services can also offer cheap shipping from the US solution for particularly bulky shipments.

Conclusion

Finding the cheapest way to send packages requires a balance of size, speed, and service. By understanding how to leverage different carriers, flat-rate options, and online discount platforms, businesses can reduce their shipping costs and stay competitive. Stay updated with new shipping technologies and tools to ensure you always have access to the best shipping rates for Shopify or any other eCommerce platform.