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The Daily Insight

Is SmartPost cheaper than USPS

Author

Isabella Browning

Updated on April 17, 2026

Overall cost savings: SurePost and SmartPost are cheaper than UPS and FedEx Ground. Saturday delivery: USPS handles Saturday delivery, so there’s no extra cost to deliver a package on Saturday with SurePost or SmartPost.

Why is SmartPost so cheap?

Cost Savings As is the case with FedEx SmartPost, by partnering with USPS, the shipper avoids the residential delivery fee and the destination area surcharge if they would otherwise apply. The end result? Cheaper “last mile” delivery with savings for everyone involved.

How much does SmartPost cost?

FedEx SmartPost rates include: For a one-pound package, rates range from $8.23 in Zone 2 to $9.96 in Zone 8. For a 10-pound package, rates range from $15.19 in Zone 2 to $21.25 in Zone 8. For a 30-pound package, rates range from $25.30 in Zone 2 to $56.38 in Zone 8.

Which postal service is cheapest?

US Post Office is the cheapest way to ship non-bulky items. They offer Flat Rate Priority for documents and merchandise, with 2 to 3 day delivery to almost all domestic locations, and free Flat Rate envelopes and standard-sized Flat Rate boxes (small, medium & large).

Is FedEx Smart Post cheaper than USPS?

UPS SurePost version of SmartPost. Both use the same model for last mile delivery via USPS. Both are cheaper options than each of the carrier’s ground deliveries.

Why is FedEx SmartPost so bad?

It is relatively slower compared to FedEx Ground because it involves one extra delivery of the package, from FedEx to your local post office. Normally, FedEx picks up the package you ordered from the seller’s location and forwards it to the destination city.

Can I use a USPS box for FedEx SmartPost?

It is not legally allowed to use a USPS box for FedEx and could result in problems for your shipment. Even so, it is technically possible by adding a FedEx shipping label. If you do decide to use a USPS box for FedEx, make sure you cover all of the USPS markings, old barcodes, or old addresses.

Is it cheaper to mail UPS or USPS?

UPS is often more expensive than USPS due to fees and surcharges, especially when it comes to shipping smaller packages. Generally, USPS offers much better rates when shipping smaller packages less than two lbs., though UPS typically is a better choice when shipping larger, heavier packages by offering superior value.

What is the least expensive way to ship a package?

The cheapest way to ship large, light packages is typically USPS Priority Mail with variable pricing. If you need faster delivery, parcel shipping is the cheapest option. UPS is typically slightly cheaper than FedEx.

What is the cheapest place to ship a package?

USPS will always be the cheapest way to ship compared to FedEx or UPS hands down. However as the weight creeps closer to 2 pounds, USPS shipping costs achieve pricing parity with UPS and FedEx Ground.

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What is USPS SmartPost?

SmartPost is a last mile final delivery partnership between FedEx and the United States Postal Service (USPS). This collaboration provides less expensive shipping costs with greater delivery coverage in the United States and territories, but at the expense of a slightly longer delivery window.

How do I figure out shipping costs?

  1. Navigate to the USPS Postage Price Calculator page. …
  2. Enter the details of your letter or package. …
  3. Select the shipment type. …
  4. Compare shipping options. …
  5. Add Extra Services. …
  6. Hit “Continue” for your result. …
  7. Pay for shipping and print postage for your shipment.

Does UPS SurePost go to the post office?

UPS SurePost is an economy service for non-urgent, residential shipments of low order value. UPS makes the shipment pick-up, delivers it to your nearest U.S. Postal Service® (USPS) and the USPS makes the final delivery, Monday through Saturday.

Is SmartPost the same as FedEx?

FedEx SmartPost is the previous name of our contractual, cost-effective shipping service for low-weight, nonurgent packages. We’ve changed the name of the service from FedEx SmartPost to FedEx Ground Economy. As a customer, you may receive preprinted labels that still have the FedEx SmartPost name on them.

Should I use USPS or FedEx?

For shipping packages less than two lbs., USPS is usually cheaper than FedEx. When it comes to shipping parcels greater than two lbs., FedEx can be more cost-effective than USPS, offering cheaper rates. However, if you can fit your item into a small, medium or large flat rate shipping box, USPS is cheaper than FedEx.

What is FedEx SmartPost on Mercari?

When you ship with a Mercari prepaid label, you’ll now have the option to use FedEx SmartPost. It’s just $7.99 to ship a package under 3 lbs, taking a couple extra days compared to other carriers. That means you’re saving over $2 on each package you ship.

Where do I drop off SmartPost returns?

Dropping it off at a staffed FedEx Office, FedEx World Service Center® or FedEx Authorized ShipCenter® location or including it with your regular scheduled FedEx Ground® pickup. 5. Keep a copy of the shipping label for your reference.

How do I ship SmartPost?

Go to the Shipping section of your listing, click on the current shipping option, and enter the shipping weight. This number should include the weight of your item and packaging. If your listing qualifies for SmartPost, you’ll see the option on the listing page.

How do I track my USPS SmartPost?

Track FedEx Smartpost Return by using our tracking service at parcelsapp.com or in our iOS/Android apps. Locate FedEx Smartpost Returns tracking number (it’s usually all digits like 02394653084833154920), enter it into package search field above and click Track Package.

Can you upgrade FedEx SmartPost?

Hello, this is LaShelia. Upgrades and service type charges are not features of service on SmartPost. We still offer an array of time sensitive services in which FedEx couriers make the final delivery to your door. Please discuss delivery options with your shipper for future shipments.

How reliable is FedEx SmartPost?

Based on our experience and data, while transit times are longer than Ground and Home Delivery, the reliability of SmartPost is quite good, meaning it consistently reaches its destination in the timeframe specified by FedEx.

Why did FedEx give my package to USPS?

When FedEx or UPS transfers your package to the local Post Office it is because that is just what the shipper paid for. FedEx-SmartPost and UPS-SurePost are products that FedEx or UPS does the long-haul transport, and then transfers the package to the Post Office for delivery.

Is it cheaper to ship USPS with your own box?

While Medium and Large Flat Rate boxes may be free, using your own packaging is often CHEAPER than shipping Priority Mail Flat rate, thanks to a “secret” USPS mail class called Priority Mail Cubic.

How much does it cost to ship a 15 lb box?

Parcel Select (wt. not over)Zones 1 & 2Zone 612 lb$12.40$33.5413 lb$13.07$35.5514 lb$13.77$37.6015 lb$14.32$39.40

How much does it cost to ship a 40 lb box?

Box sizeUPS*FedEx*Small$11.50-$24.50$9.50-$136.55Medium$15.50-$33.50$12.35-$148.95Large$21.00-$50.00$19.05-$165.10Extra large$25.00-$61.50$30.85-$212.95

How much does it cost to mail a package by weight?

USPS shipping costs are calculated based on weight and distance traveled. Packages weighing less than one pound start at $2.74 via USPS First Class Package Service. If your package weighs one pound, you’ll want to use USPS Priority Mail which starts at $7.02 with Shippo’s special Cubic pricing.

What is the cheapest way to ship a 10 lb package?

USPS Priority Mail offers a cost-effective option when sending items between 1-10 lbs, while FedEx and UPS Ground/Home delivery offer the lowest rates for heavy packages within the US.

Does USPS charge by box size or weight?

Postage price of the item is based on the actual weight or the calculated dimensional weight, whichever is greater. Dimensional weight may apply to: USPS Retail Ground (excluding Limited Overland Routes parcels)

How much does it cost to ship a 3 pound package?

How Much Does It Cost To Ship a 3lb Package? The shipping cost for packages weighing three pounds averages $7.61 to $13.78, depending on the carrier you use. Keeping shipping costs low is fairly easy at three pounds or less.

How much does it cost to ship a 50lb box?

Box sizeFlat rate priceMedium box (13 ⅝” x 11 ⅞” x 11” or 11” x 8 ½” x 5 ½”)$15.05Large box (23 11/16” x 11 ¾” x 12” or 12” x 12” x 5 ½”)$21.10

How much does USPS flat rate shipping cost?

Free Supplies8Shipping PriceLegal Flat Rate Envelope$7.70 Commercial Base $8.25 at Post Office & OnlineSmall Flat Rate Box$7.90 Commercial Base $8.45 at Post Office & OnlineMedium Flat Rate Box — 1 (top-loading)$13.75 Commercial Base $15.50 at Post Office & Online