USPS Ground Advantage (2-5 Days)
USPS Priority Mail (1-3 Days)
Priority Mail Express (Next Day)
Zone 1 & 2 (Local / Nearby)
Zone 3 (151 – 300 miles)
Zone 4 (301 – 600 miles)
Zone 5 (601 – 1000 miles)
Zone 6 (1001 – 1400 miles)
Zone 7 (1401 – 1800 miles)
Zone 8 (1801+ miles)
Zone 9 (Freely Associated States)
Estimated Shipping Cost
$0.00
Understanding USPS Shipping Rates
Calculating USPS shipping rates requires looking at several variables. This tool provides a high-level estimation based on the current 2024 retail pricing structures for Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, and Express services.
1. Weight vs. Dimensional Weight
USPS calculates postage based on the heavier of the two: actual weight or Dimensional (DIM) Weight. DIM weight is calculated for packages larger than 1 cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches) using the formula: (L x W x H) / 166. If the resulting DIM weight is higher than the scale weight, you are charged the DIM rate.
2. Shipping Zones
The United States is divided into zones. Zone 1 is usually local to your post office, while Zone 8 or 9 represents the furthest distance (e.g., New York to Hawaii). The further the zone, the higher the cost, especially for heavier items.
3. USPS Service Types
Ground Advantage: The most affordable option for items up to 70 lbs, replacing the old First-Class Package and Parcel Select Ground.
Priority Mail: Offers faster delivery (1-3 days) and includes $100 of insurance and tracking.
Priority Mail Express: The fastest domestic service with a money-back guarantee for overnight delivery to most locations.
Example Calculation
Suppose you are shipping a 5 lb box with dimensions 12″ x 12″ x 12″ (1 cubic foot) to Zone 5 via Priority Mail.
Since it's exactly 1 cubic foot, DIM weight doesn't apply. The base rate for 5 lbs at Zone 5 would typically fall between $18.00 and $24.00 depending on retail vs. commercial pricing.
function calculateUSPS() {
var lbs = parseFloat(document.getElementById('usps_lbs').value) || 0;
var oz = parseFloat(document.getElementById('usps_oz').value) || 0;
var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('usps_length').value) || 0;
var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById('usps_width').value) || 0;
var height = parseFloat(document.getElementById('usps_height').value) || 0;
var service = document.getElementById('usps_service').value;
var zone = parseInt(document.getElementById('usps_zone').value);
// Convert total weight to decimal pounds
var actualWeight = lbs + (oz / 16);
if (actualWeight === 0) actualWeight = 0.1; // Minimum weight
// Calculate Dimensional Weight (L*W*H / 166)
var volume = length * width * height;
var dimWeight = 0;
if (volume > 1728) { // If larger than 1 cubic foot
dimWeight = volume / 166;
}
// Determine billable weight (Round up to nearest pound)
var billableWeight = Math.ceil(Math.max(actualWeight, dimWeight));
var baseRate = 0;
var perLbRate = 0;
var zoneMultiplier = 1 + (zone * 0.12);
// Logic logic for service rates (Estimated 2024 retail approximations)
if (service === "ground") {
if (actualWeight <= 1 && volume <= 1728) {
// Under 1lb pricing
baseRate = 5.40;
if (actualWeight <= 0.25) baseRate = 4.75;
else if (actualWeight <= 0.5) baseRate = 5.00;
} else {
baseRate = 7.50;
perLbRate = 1.10;
}
} else if (service === "priority") {
baseRate = 9.25;
perLbRate = 2.40;
} else if (service === "express") {
baseRate = 28.50;
perLbRate = 5.50;
}
var totalCost = 0;
if (service === "ground" && actualWeight actualWeight) {
breakdownText += "(Dimensional weight applied) ";
}
breakdownText += "shipping to Zone " + zone + ".";
document.getElementById('usps_breakdown').innerText = breakdownText;
}