Shipping a package doesn’t have to break your budget. Whether you’re mailing a gift, fulfilling an order, or returning a product, there are ways to keep costs low without sacrificing speed or reliability. From choosing the right carrier to maximizing cashback apps, here’s how to ship smarter and save money every step of the way.
Compare Carriers Before You Commit
The first rule of affordable shipping is to compare rates across multiple carriers. USPS, UPS, and FedEx each offer different price structures depending on weight, speed, and distance. A 2-pound package going across the country might cost $12 with one carrier and $8 with another.
Use rate calculators to compare options:
For light items under 1 lb, USPS First-Class Mail is often the cheapest option. For heavier packages or time-sensitive shipments, FedEx Ground or UPS Ground may provide better value.
Use Free Packaging from Carriers
Don’t waste money on boxes when you can get them free. USPS offers priority mail boxes you can order online or pick up at your local post office. UPS and FedEx also provide free packaging for certain services when you ship using their labels.
Be sure to match the packaging to the service—using a USPS Priority Mail box with UPS, for example, is not permitted.
Buy Postage Online to Skip Extra Fees
Post offices and carrier stores often charge higher prices than what you can get online. Use USPS Click-N-Ship, Pirate Ship, Shippo, or EasyPost to print your own shipping labels at discounted commercial rates. These platforms work with multiple carriers and are free or low-cost depending on your shipping volume.
Leverage Cashback Apps and Gift Card Platforms
If you buy supplies or ship from stores like Office Depot, Staples, or Walmart, you can lower your total cost by using cashback and rewards platforms. For example, you can earn cashback with an Office Depot gift card or get rewards with a Walmart gift card through Fluz. Many of these gift cards are digital and can be used for exact checkout totals.
For online supply purchases, stack savings by activating browser extensions from cashback platforms like Rakuten or Ibotta.
Reuse Boxes and Packaging When Possible
Recycling shipping materials isn’t just eco-friendly—it’s cost-effective. If you receive packages frequently, save sturdy boxes and cushioning materials like bubble wrap or packing paper. Just be sure to remove or cover any old labels and barcodes before reusing.
Avoid Dimensional Weight Surprises
Carriers don’t just charge by weight—they also charge by size. Known as “dimensional weight pricing,” this practice means a large but lightweight box could cost more to ship than a smaller, denser package. Measure your boxes carefully and keep the dimensions as tight as possible to avoid unexpected fees.
Use Retail Drop-Off Locations to Save Time
You can drop off prepaid packages at many local retail stores—no need to wait in line at the post office. CVS, Walgreens, Staples, and select grocery stores accept packages for UPS, FedEx, or USPS, depending on your label. It’s a convenient way to get your package moving without a special trip.
Final Tip: Batch Shipments to Save on Volume
If you ship multiple packages per week, try batching them to take advantage of better rates. Shipping platforms like Pirate Ship and Shippo often offer additional discounts for higher volume, and you’ll also save time by printing multiple labels at once.
Whether you’re a casual sender or a frequent shipper, these strategies can help reduce your shipping expenses and make the process more efficient.
