1) Introduction
While shipping a product, one of the primary concerns for an ecommerce business owner is to calculate the shipping cost accurately. If the shipping cost is more, there are chances that the customer might abandon the shopping cart. On the other hand, if it is less, the ecommerce business owner will have to bear the loss.
Knowing the shipping cost beforehand helps estimate the profit and loss involved in a delivery. It also helps plan how to ship the orders efficiently and reduce shipping costs incurred.
In this blog, we will discuss the different aspects of USPS shipping costs that will help you in making an informed decision while choosing a shipping carrier for your ecommerce business.
2) What is USPS?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for providing postal service in the United States. It was founded on July 1, 1971, after the Post Office Department was transformed into an independent agency.
It is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has more than 630,000 employees. It offers services worldwide and has a wide range of products and services, including shipping and delivery services.
Along with providing postal services, USPS also provides shipping services for ecommerce businesses. It offers different shipping options for businesses, depending on their needs.
3) Factors affecting the shipping costs of the package
Shipping cost is the amount of money charged by a company to deliver a product. The cost is usually calculated based on the weight and size of the product and the distance it needs to be shipped.
Here are the various factors that affect the shipping costs of the package:
3.1) package weight
The heavier the package, the higher the shipping cost. The weight of the package is usually directly proportional to the shipping cost. Heavier packages require more fuel to transport and are also harder to handle during transit.
3.2) Size of the package
The larger the size of your package, the higher its shipping cost will be. Larger packages require more space to transport and are harder to handle during transit.
3.3) Distance traveled
The farther a product needs to be shipped, the higher its shipping cost . Transportation costs (such as fuel costs) tend to increase with distance traveled. In addition, longer distances often require additional handling steps, increasing shipping costs.
3.4) Type of service used
Depending on your needs and preferences, you may opt for different shipping services that offer varying levels of speed and reliability. These can include express shipping services, overnight shipping services, and other options. Each of these service types typically has a different cost associated with it, so you will need to consider your budget and timeline before choosing one carefully.
Overall, if you are looking for the most affordable shipping rates possible, it is essential to consider these factors when comparing prices from different providers. However, with some careful research and planning, you can find the best deal for your needs and get your packages shipped quickly and efficiently.
4) Why choose USPS?
At this point, many businesses in India are turning to USPS for their shipping needs due to its competitive costs and reliable delivery times.
One of the most significant advantages that USPS has over other shipping providers is its wide range of options for shipment size and weight. Whether you are sending large or small items, USPS offers various services that make it easy to get your shipments picked up and delivered quickly.
For instance, if you need to send a package within India or abroad, you can choose from priority mail services, priority mail express, or global express guarantee.
5) What does USPS shipping cost?
USPS offers competitive shipping rates that are attractive to businesses and individuals alike. Whether you are sending a large package or an undersized item, USPS has a range of services that can meet your needs, including priority mail and priority mail express options.
The Postal Service offers a variety of shipping options, from First-Class Mail to Priority Mail Express. The prices for each option are listed on the USPS website. The cost of shipping with USPS varies depending on the weight and size of the package and the distance it needs to be shipped.
5.1) First-Class Mail:
It is the most popular and affordable option for shipping small packages. It includes letters, cards, flats, and parcels up to 360gm. The price range starts from Rs. 25 for a letter to Rs.60 for a package.
This service is perfect for small and light packages that need to be delivered quickly.
5.2) Priority Mail:
It is a faster shipping option offered by USPS. It includes letters, cards, flats, and packages up to 31 kg. The prices start from Rs. 50 for a small package and go up to Rs. 500 for a large container.
This service is ideal for larger packages that must be delivered within 2-3 business days.
5.3) Priority Mail Express:
It is the fastest shipping option offered by USPS, with delivery times of 1-2 days. The prices start at Rs 1,000 for a small package and Rs 5,500 for a large box.
This service is ideal for urgent shipments that need to be delivered quickly. It includes letters, flats, and packages up to 31 kg.
6) How to calculate USPS shipping cost?
Several factors can affect the shipping cost with USPS, including the weight and size of your shipment, how quickly you need it to be delivered, and the type of service you choose.
To get an estimate for your specific shipment, you can use the online shipping calculator on the USPS website or contact a representative directly for more accurate pricing information.
7) How to use the USPS shipping calculator?
Several tools are available on the USPS website to help you estimate shipping costs for your specific shipment. The most popular is the online usps shipping calculator , which can be found on the USPS homepage.
To use this tool, enter the weight and dimensions of your shipment in pounds and inches, select any additional services you need (such as insurance or signature confirmation), and click "calculate" to get an estimated cost for your shipment.
8) Things to keep in mind while shipping your product by USPS
You should keep in mind a few things when shipping your product by USPS.
- Be sure to measure the weight and dimensions of your shipment accurately. If your load is over the maximum weight or size limit for a particular service, you will need to use a different service or pay an additional fee.
- Be aware that some services (such as insurance) are unavailable for all destinations. It is essential to carefully review the list of available services and select the one that best fits your needs.
- If you need to ship a particularly valuable or fragile item, you may consider purchasing extra insurance coverage to ensure that it arrives safely at its destination.
- Confirm all necessary delivery details with the recipient before shipping your package. It will help avoid delays or missed deliveries due to incorrect information on the shipment label.
9) Takeaway
The cost of shipping with USPS largely depends on the weight and size of your package and the shipping method you select. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from Rs. 350 to Rs. 3500 for most shipments. Be sure to compare prices between different shipping companies before deciding, as some may offer cheaper rates than others.
When shipping with USPS, it is essential to be aware of all available services and carefully review the list of public services to choose the one that best fits your needs. You should also confirm all delivery details with the recipient before shipping your package to avoid delays or missed deliveries.