Guide
Let's talk shipping rates
Walk through everything you need to know about shipping mail rates to complete your customer requests successfully.
- By Stephanie from PilotoMail
- January 26, 2022
Not sure which mailing service you need?
Walk through everything you need to know about shipping mail rates to complete requests successfully as a mail operator or, as a mailbox renter, make informed decisions when requesting your mail to be forwarded.
In PilotoMail, a mail operator can configure their spaces in the platform to include various action requests for its mailbox renters, including mail forwarding. There are three major shipping carriers to choose from in the United States: USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Because each carrier provides numerous services, we thought it would be handy to compare each postal service and its shipping rates. Depending on what you and your team needs, one may be the best choice compared to the others. The main thing to know is that there are different fees, estimated delivery dates, and tracking numbers involved.
Okay? Let’s get into it.
USPS
USPS is the carrier built for the people. Literally. When it was founded in 1775, USPS built itself on the promise of universal services for all Americans at affordable rates.
USPS specializes in handling small, lightweight packages under 20 pounds — think packages containing items like apparel and books.
Priority: Includes USPS Tracking and up to $50 of insurance with most shipments (restrictions apply). Prices start at $8.70.
First Class: Does not include tracking number and insurance for loss or damage up to $5,000 for merchandise only.
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Letters
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Standard-sized, rectangular envelope stamps start at $0.58.
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Square, oversized, or unusually shaped envelope stamps start at $0.88.
Postcards
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Standard-sized, rectangular postcard stamps start at $0.40.
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Oversized postcards need letter stamps, which start at $0.58.
Large Envelopes/Small Packages
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Large envelopes (flats) start at $1.16.
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Small packages start at $4.50.
Compare USPS services and rates here.
UPS
UPS is the go-to carrier for large, heavier packages. Think products like televisions, pre-assembled furniture, and more. While USPS only allows for a maximum weight of 70 pounds per package, UPS has a maximum weight threshold of 150 pounds.
UPS also offers an abundance of express services at affordable rates for ecommerce packages, though they’re typically at slightly higher price points than USPS.
Guaranteed Ground
- Day-definite delivery in one to five days
- An economical choice for all of your routine shipments
- With guaranteed delivery, know in advance when your shipment will arrive
UPS Next Day Air
- Ideal service for shipments that must arrive the next business day
- Time-definite service—or your money back
- Free UPS packaging included for your convenience
- UPS Next Day Air serves more ZIP codes and more businesses by both 10:30 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. than FedEx Priority Overnight
UPS 2nd Day Air
- Economical option for shipments that do not need overnight service
- Guaranteed delivery to every address to and from the United States
- Free UPS packaging included for your convenience
Compare UPS services and rates here.
FedEx
FedEx specializes in express and overnight shipping, when you need to send something fast. FedEx is also the premier carrier for B2B ecommerce.
Ground
Ship with FedEx Ground for commercial delivery that delivers throughout all 50 states to all U.S. business addresses.
FedEx International First
Use FedEx International First for early morning delivery of time-sensitive shipments to the U.S. and major countries worldwide.
FedEx International Priority
FedEx International Priority includes time-definite delivery to the U.S. and around the world.
FedEx International Economy
Recommended for less time-sensitive shipments.
Compare FedEx services and rates here.