USPS Ready Post Rates Calculator
Estimate shipping costs and packaging fees for USPS ReadyPost products.
I have my own box ($0.00)
ReadyPost Bubble Mailer (~$1.79)
ReadyPost Cushion Mailer (~$2.29)
ReadyPost Photo/Doc Mailer (~$1.99)
ReadyPost Small Box (~$2.89)
ReadyPost Medium Box (~$3.59)
ReadyPost Large Box (~$4.99)
ReadyPost Mailing Tube (~$12.50)
Cost of purchasing the container at the Post Office.
Zone 1 (Local / < 50 miles)
Zone 2 (51 – 150 miles)
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)
USPS Ground Advantage (Cheapest)
Priority Mail (Faster)
Priority Mail Express (Fastest)
Understanding USPS Ready Post Rates
When shipping via the United States Postal Service (USPS), customers often encounter "ReadyPost" products in the lobby. It is crucial to understand that ReadyPost is not a flat-rate shipping service. Unlike the "If it fits, it ships" Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes, ReadyPost items are simply packaging materials (boxes, envelopes, bubble mailers, and tubes) that you must purchase separately.
The Two Costs of ReadyPost
Using the USPS Ready Post system involves two distinct costs calculated above:
- Packaging Cost: This is the retail price you pay to buy the box or envelope at the Post Office. These prices typically range from $1.50 for mailers to over $5.00 for large boxes.
- Postage Cost: Once packed, you must pay for shipping based on the weight of the package, the dimensions, and the destination zone (distance).
How Zones Affect Your Rate
USPS calculates postage based on "Zones." Zone 1 represents a local shipment (within 50 miles), while Zone 8 and 9 represent shipments across the country or to territories. As you can see in the calculator, the further the destination (higher Zone number), the higher the postage rate, especially for heavier ReadyPost boxes.
ReadyPost vs. Priority Mail Flat Rate
Many customers confuse the brown ReadyPost boxes with the red and white Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes. Here is the difference:
- ReadyPost (Brown/Generic): You pay for the box. You pay postage based on weight/distance. Best for light items going short distances.
- Flat Rate (Red/White): The box is free. You pay a fixed postage rate regardless of weight (up to 70 lbs). Best for heavy items going long distances.
Tips for Lowering Shipping Costs
If you are using a ReadyPost box, consider using USPS Ground Advantage for the most economical shipping rates. While slower than Priority Mail, it offers significant savings for packages weighing between 1 lb and 20 lbs. Ensure you weigh your package accurately, rounding up to the nearest ounce, to avoid postage due upon delivery.
Packaging Cost (ReadyPost):
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Estimated Postage (${serviceName}):
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TOTAL ESTIMATED COST:
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*Estimates based on retail rates. Actual postage may vary at the counter based on exact dimensions.
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