Shipping Cost Calculator
Calculate shipping costs for your packages across different carriers and service levels
Carrier & Service
Select shipping options
Package Details
For insurance calculation
Total Shipping Cost
$0.00
Economical Shipping
Estimated delivery: 0 business days
Cost Breakdown
Base Rate$0.00
Fuel Surcharge (12%)$0.00
Weight Analysis
Actual Weight2 lbs
Dimensional Weight0.00 lbs
Chargeable Weight0.00 lbs
Carriers charge based on the greater of actual or dimensional weight
Carrier Comparison Guide
Average rates and delivery times
USPS
✓ Most economical for small packages
✓ Best for under 10 lbs
✓ Flat rate boxes available
✗ Slower tracking updates
UPS
✓ Reliable for business shipping
✓ Good for heavy packages
✓ Excellent tracking
✗ Higher rates for residential
FedEx
✓ Fast express delivery
✓ Best for urgent shipments
✓ Strong international service
✗ Premium pricing
Cost-Saving Tips:
- • Use the smallest box that safely fits your items
- • Consider USPS flat-rate boxes for heavy, small items
- • Ship multiple items in one package when possible
- • Compare rates across carriers for each shipment
- • Use commercial rates (available through shipping software)
- • Schedule pickup instead of dropping off to save time
Understanding Shipping Costs
Dimensional Weight Explained
Dimensional (DIM) weight is a pricing technique for light but bulky packages. It's calculated by multiplying the package's length, width, and height, then dividing by a DIM factor (usually 139 for domestic shipments). Carriers charge based on whichever is greater: actual weight or dimensional weight.
The Formula
Dimensional Weight = (Length × Width × Height) / 139
Key Factors Affecting Cost
Primary Factors
- • Package weight (actual or DIM)
- • Shipping distance/zone
- • Service level/speed
- • Package dimensions
Additional Charges
- • Fuel surcharges
- • Residential delivery fees
- • Insurance/declared value
- • Special handling fees
Packaging Best Practices
- • Use appropriately sized boxes to avoid DIM weight charges
- • Protect items with bubble wrap or packing peanuts
- • Seal boxes securely with quality packing tape
- • Label packages clearly with complete addresses
- • Include return address on all shipments
- • Consider shipping insurance for valuable items