Is it cheaper to send a 20 lb box UPS or USPS?

Mar. 07, 2024

We’ll tell you. In this blog, we will provide you with rates for different parcel shipping carriers, as well as tips on how best to ship your 20 lb package.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a 20 LB Box?

It is hard to say which carrier or service has the cheapest way to ship a 20 lb package since the cost relies on many factors and the rates are constantly changing. As you can see in the charts below, individual services can range by hundreds of dollars.

UPS Rates for Shipping a 20 LB Box

Shipping Service

Cost Range for a 20 lb package

UPS Express Critical

Get a quote (The fastest and most expensive UPS service).

UPS Next Day Air Early

$101.67-$336.20

UPS Next Day Air

$71.67-$334.89

UPS Next Day Air Saver

$66.49-$244.25

UPS 2nd Day Air A.M.

$48.68-$204.68

UPS 2nd Day Air

$44.45-$185.36

UPS 3-Day Select

$32.24-$131.10

UPS Ground

$16.10-$166.06

We can see that UPS rates get cheaper as delivery times get slower. UPS Express Critical is the fastest with same-day delivery, but also the most expensive. If your 20 lb package doesn’t need to arrive urgently, and you want to save money on shipping, then go for UPS Ground.

FedEx Rates for Shipping a 20 LB Box

Shipping Service

Cost Range for a 20 lb package

FedEx First Overnight

$106.55-$280.16

FedEx Priority Overnight

$75.55-$249.16

FedEx Standard Overnight

$71.75-$241.82

FedEx 2Day A.M.

$52.29-$206.09

FedEx 2Day

$47.62-$176.30

FedEx Express Saver

$44.21-$149.10

FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery

$16.21-$36.17

FedEx's fastest service, FedEx First Overnight, has prices starting at $106.55, while its slowest service, FedEx Ground, costs between $16.21 and $36.17.

USPS Rates for Shipping a 20 LB Box

Shipping Service

Cost Range for a 20 lb package

Priority Mail Express

$69.30-$221.95

Priority Mail

$23.15-$177.55

USPS Retail Ground

$22.20-$68.60

USPS rates for shipping a 20 lb package can be over $200 if shipping priority, while using ground will keep you under $70. In the section below, we will discuss the USPS retail calculator, which you can use to get exact shipping cost estimates based on your shipment’s unique details.

USPS Shipping Cost Calculator

USPS has an online shipping cost calculator known as Retail Postage Price Calculator. It is a valuable tool that allows customers to estimate the cost of shipping a package before deciding on a specific USPS service. To use the USPS shipping cost calculator, a customer needs to:

-Enter the destination country (For domestic shipping, just select the United States).
-Enter the ZIP Code you are mailing from.
-Enter the ZIP Code you are mailing to.
-Enter the Date you plan to mail the item.
-Enter the time you plan to mail the item
-Check the appropriate box if you are shipping special items (e.g., cremated remains, day-old poultry, etc.)
-Check the appropriate box if your shipment requires ground transportation.
-Choose from the following price estimation methods:

-Calculate Postcard price
-View Flat Rate Envelopes
-View Flat Rate Boxes
-Calculate the price based on Shape and Size

Once the required information is entered, the USPS shipping cost calculator generates a list of available shipping options along with their respective prices. Customers can choose the shipping option that best suits their needs and budget.

The USPS shipping cost calculator is particularly useful for small business owners who need to minimize shipping costs. By using the USPS cost calculator, and other carriers’ calculators, small business owners can compare the costs of different shipping options and choose the most cost-effective one. Doing so helps them not only to save money on shipping costs but also to provide affordable shipping rates to their customers.

How Shipping Rates Are Calculated for Your 20 LB Box

Carriers like FedEx and UPS take several factors into consideration when coming up with shipping rates. The two main factors are weight and distance, as described below:

The weight of your box - Carriers
- Carriers charge shipping by weight since package weight directly affects the operational costs of the carrier. For instance, if two trucks are carrying 160 sq ft of goods, but one has heavier goods, the one with heavier goods will consume more fuel. In this case, the actual weight, that is, the weight on a scale, of your box is 20 lbs. Sometimes, especially for large, light packages, a different weighing system is used called dimensional weight. The advantages of dimensional weight are that it ensures fair pricing for packages that take up more space than their weight suggests, and it encourages shippers to use efficient packaging practices to reduce package size and weight.
Destination - The destination of your package tells the carrier how much distance will need to be covered to deliver the package. More distance = more fuel. This is why carriers charge based on the destination zone of your package.

What Is The Cheapest Way to Ship a 20 Pound Package?

If you're simply looking for the cheapest way to ship a single 20-pound package, USPS Priority Mail is generally one of the cheapest options. The cost to ship the 20-pound package depends on travel distance and typically ranges from around $13 to $50.

How ShipSigma Can Help

At ShipSigma, we are specialists in optimizing your small parcel shipping spend — our average customer enjoys savings of 25% on their shipping costs. Want to be our next success story? Contact us today!

Cheapest Way to Ship a 20 lb Package: If you’re looking to ship a 20 lb package, you’re probably wondering what the cheapest way to do so is. In this article, we’ll explore the different shipping options available and provide tips on how to save money on shipping costs. As a leading stand-alone shipping platform, ParcelPath offers substantial discounts on shipping rates for businesses and individuals alike. Read on to learn more about the cheapest way to ship a 20 lb package!

Introduction to Cheapest Way to Ship a 20 lb Package

When it comes to shipping a 20 lb package, there are several options available. The cost of shipping will depend on a variety of factors, including the shipping speed, distance, and carrier. Here are some of the most common shipping options:

USPS Priority Mail
USPS Priority Mail Express
UPS Ground
FedEx Ground

Each carrier has its own pricing structure and delivery timeline. In general, USPS Priority Mail is the cheapest option for domestic shipping, while UPS and FedEx tend to be more expensive but offer faster delivery times.

Cheapest Way to Ship a 20 lb Package: USPS Priority Mail

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to ship a 20 lb package, USPS Priority Mail is your best bet. The cost of shipping a 20 lb package via Priority Mail will depend on the distance it needs to travel. However, the cost typically ranges from $13 to $50.

One of the benefits of USPS Priority Mail is that it includes free tracking and insurance up to $50. Priority Mail also includes free packaging, which can save you money on shipping supplies. Additionally, Priority Mail has a delivery timeline of 1-3 business days, making it a reliable option for time-sensitive packages.

Cheapest Way to Ship a 20 lb Package: UPS Ground

While UPS Ground is typically more expensive than USPS Priority Mail, it can be a cheaper option for packages that need to travel long distances. The cost of shipping a 20 lb package via UPS Ground will depend on the distance it needs to travel and the weight of the package. However, the cost typically ranges from $18 to $50.

One of the benefits of UPS Ground is that it includes free tracking and insurance up to $100. UPS Ground also offers faster delivery times than USPS Priority Mail, with most packages arriving within 1-5 business days.

Cheapest Way to Ship a 20 lb Package: FedEx Ground

FedEx Ground is another option for shipping a 20 lb package, but it is typically more expensive than USPS Priority Mail and UPS Ground. The cost of shipping a 20 lb package via FedEx Ground will depend on the distance it needs to travel and the weight of the package. However, the cost typically ranges from $20 to $60.

One of the benefits of FedEx Ground is that it includes free tracking and insurance up to $100. FedEx Ground also offers faster delivery times than USPS Priority Mail, with most packages arriving within 1-5 business days.

How to Save Money on Shipping Costs

While shipping costs can add up quickly, there are several ways to save money on shipping costs. Here are some tips:

Use a shipping platform like ParcelPath to access discounted rates. ParcelPath works with UPS and USPS to provide substantial discounts over what you would pay by walking into a FedEx Office/UPS Store or Post Office. For businesses, ParcelPath provides a single location to manage different storefronts like Etsy, Shopify, eBay, etc. By integrating stores with ParcelPath, businesses can handle all shipments in one place, while also receiving analytical insights and reporting that can enhance their overall effectiveness.
Take advantage of free packaging. USPS Priority Mail includes free packaging, which can save you money on shipping supplies. Additionally, some carriers offer free packaging for certain shipping options, so be sure to check for any available options.
Compare shipping rates. Be sure to compare rates from multiple carriers to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Shipping rates can vary depending on the carrier, shipping speed, and distance, so it’s important to shop around.
Use a scale to accurately weigh your package. Shipping costs are based on the weight of the package, so it’s important to accurately weigh your package to avoid overpaying on shipping costs.
Opt for slower delivery times. While expedited shipping may be necessary for time-sensitive packages, opting for slower delivery times can save you money on shipping costs.
Take advantage of discounts. Some carriers offer discounts for certain types of packages or for shipping in bulk. Be sure to check for any available discounts before shipping your package.

FAQs

Q: Does ParcelPath offer discounted shipping rates for individuals and families?

A: Yes, ParcelPath offers discounted shipping rates for both businesses and individuals. Our platform allows clients to ship from any phone, computer, or tablet, no matter where they are located. By using ParcelPath, individuals and families can save 50-89% by printing their label at home and dropping it off at the Post Office or UPS Store.

Q: Can I use ParcelPath to ship frozen items?

A: While ParcelPath does not allow people to ship with dry ice, we do offer priority shipping for packages that need to be shipped frozen. Priority shipping ensures that your package arrives quickly and with minimal handling.

Q: How does ParcelPath make money if its platform is free to use?

A: ParcelPath is paid by the carriers based on the total shipping volume that comes through our platform. Unlike many of our competitors, we have chosen to eliminate any apprehension or friction by making our offering free to everyone.

Conclusion: Cheapest Way to Ship a 20 lb Package

When it comes to shipping a 20 lb package, USPS Priority Mail is typically the cheapest option. However, carriers like UPS and FedEx may offer faster delivery times or better rates for certain packages. By using a shipping platform like ParcelPath, businesses and individuals can access discounted rates and manage all their shipments in one place. With these tips and tricks, you can save money on shipping costs and get your packages delivered on time.

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