USPS delivers up to 20 million packages or more every day. That’s more shipments than any other mail carrier in the world. It’s hard to imagine that they could even get half of those parcels to their destination on time. However, they’ve gained a positive reputation for cost-effective shipping, on-time delivery, and secure transportation. Choosing USPS shipping for your US-based eCommerce business is a smart decision.
Having a basic understanding of the multiple shipping rates that USPS charges are important for your eCommerce business. It will help you decide whether your budget and requirements align with an express delivery option or if you have a smaller budget and less-urgent delivery need that better aligns with Ground shipping.
Let’s take a look at the different shipping options provided by USPS. Of course, if you’re using the PluginHive application, your customers will have the choice between multiple shipping options from USPS or other companies. If they prefer to receive their shipment as quickly as possible, they will be able to see the cost immediately at checkout.
Commercial Base from USPS is the standard discounted rate offered to business customers. Buying and printing shipping labels are done online via an integrated USPS app (done via a plugin or application) or through Click-N-Ship services.
Commercial Plus from USPS is offered to business clients who meet a volume threshold each month. These discounted postal rates are higher than those offered to Base customers.
USPS Domestic Shipping Rates
| USPS Priority Mail Express® | |
|---|---|
| At the Post Office™ | From $26.35 |
| Commercial Base® | From $22.75 |
| Commercial Plus® | From $22.75 |
USPS Priority Mail Express promises either next day delivery or by the second day at 6 PM. Sunday and holiday delivery are also available in most areas for an extra fee. The maximum weight of a Priority Mail Express parcel is 70 pounds. Flat-rate envelopes are also available.
| USPS Priority Mail® | |
|---|---|
| At the Post Office™ | From $7.70 |
| Commercial Base® | From $7.16 |
| Commercial Plus® | From $7.16 |
USPS Priority Mail promises delivery within 1-3 business days. Flare rate options allow you to ship to any state within the United States for the same low price of about $7.40. Parcels must be under the maximum weight of 70 pounds.
| USPS First-Class Package Service® | |
|---|---|
| Commercial Pricing | From $3.01 |
| Retail Pricing | From $4.00 |
USPS First-Class packages promise a delivery in three business days or less. Packages must be within a smaller size limit as well.
| USPS Retail Ground® | |
|---|---|
| At the Post Office™ | From $7.70 |
USPS Retail Ground is a great option when parcels being shipped don’t fall within the maximum weight or size limits of those listed above. Delivery is expected anywhere between 1 and 8 days after shipment, depending on distance and location. There aren’t typically as many business options or perks when it comes to USPS Ground.
USPS International Shipping Rates
Shipping internationally is easy with USPS and is one of the cheapest options for getting purchases to your global customers with a guarantee of arrival within a set number of days.
| USPS Global Express Guaranteed® | |
|---|---|
| At the Post Office™ | From $67.80 |
| Commercial Base® | From $64.41 |
| Commercial Plus® | From $64.41 |
USPS Global Express promises 1-3 business day delivery to about 180 countries worldwide – with transportation taken care of via FedEx Express. Most Canadian destinations arrive by the next business day. Packages must be under 70 pounds.
| USPS Priority Mail Express International® | |
|---|---|
| At the Post Office™ | From $45.95 |
| Commercial Base® | From $42.85 |
| Commercial Plus® | From $42.85 |
USPS Priority Mail Express parcels arrive within 3-5 business days to 180 countries with flat rate prices available.
| USPS Priority Mail International® | |
|---|---|
| At the Post Office™ | From $37.60 |
| Commercial Base® | From $35.72 |
| Commercial Plus® | From $35.72 |
The arrival of USPS Priority Mail International parcels is within 6-10 business days to 180 countries including Australia and Mexico. Flare rate options are available as well and are highlighted below.
| USPS Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes | |
|---|---|
| At the Post Office™ | From $28.50 |
| Commercial Base® | From $27.10 |
| Commercial Plus® | From $27.10 |
| USPS Small Flat Rate Boxes | |
|---|---|
| At the Post Office™ | From $29.55 |
| Commercial Base® | From $28.10 |
| Commercial Plus® | From $28.10 |
| USPS Medium Flat Rate Boxes | |
|---|---|
| At the Post Office™ | From $54.65 |
| Commercial Base® | From $51.90 |
| Commercial Plus® | From $51.90 |
| USPS Large Flat Rate Boxes | |
|---|---|
| At the Post Office™ | From $71.05 |
| Commercial Base® | From $67.50 |
| Commercial Plus® | From $67.50 |
| USPS First-Class Package International Service® | |
|---|---|
| At the Post Office™ | From $14.25 |
| Commercial Base® | From $13.54 |
| Commercial Plus® | From $13.54 |
PluginHive allows eCommerce merchants to streamline their shipping process right from cart to customers’ doorstep through real-time shipping prices, tracking options, automation of shipping labels and more. Learn more about integrating PluginHive into your Shopify, WooCommerce, or another eCommerce platform by reaching out to our customer support team.
