Cheap Way to Ship Boxes
- 1). Organize your items by size and figure out the types of boxes you will need. Prices in shipping vary by the size and weight of boxes.
- 2). Shoot for flat-rate boxes. The United States Postal Service offers a small Priority Mail Flat Rate Box at $5.20, regardless of the package's weight or the travel distance in the U.S. They also offer a medium-sized Flat Rate Box for $10.95.
- 3). Use UPS for packages between 5 and 10 pounds. Rates vary at standard speed, but a 5-lb. box traveling 300 miles is estimated to cost nearly $10. FedEx Ground is usually quicker for standard-speed shipping, but a 5-lb. box traveling 300 miles is estimated to cost 50 percent more.
- 4). Use Postal Service Media Mail for shipping heavier boxes, such as packages containing books. Rates are based on weight and size and are as little as 1/3 the price of competitors. However, boxes usually take longer to ship. See the "Postage Price Calculator" in the Resources section to calculate the cost of your bulk package.
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