Shipping Cost Calculator
Compare shipping rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL
Package Details
Enter your package information to compare rates
About Shipping Cost Calculator
Compare shipping rates from major carriers including USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. Get accurate shipping cost estimates based on package weight, dimensions, and destination.
How to Use
- Enter your package details including weight, dimensions, and origin/destination ZIP codes. Click 'Compare Shipping Rates' to see estimated costs from all major carriers sorted by price. Each option includes delivery time and features to help you choose the best shipping method.
Understanding Dimensional Weight
- Carriers charge based on the greater of actual weight or dimensional weight. Dimensional weight is calculated as (Length × Width × Height) / 166. Our calculator automatically compares both to give you the billable weight used for pricing.
Carrier Comparison
- USPS is often most economical for lightweight packages and offers free Saturday delivery
- UPS and FedEx provide robust tracking and guaranteed delivery times with money-back guarantees
- DHL offers competitive rates for business shipments
- Each carrier has strengths depending on your specific needs
Why Use This Tool?
- ✓ True Cost Visibility: See side-by-side pricing with delivery speeds so you can choose the best balance of cost and urgency.
- ✓ Dimensional Weight Ready: Avoid billing surprises by previewing how oversized boxes affect charges.
- ✓ Multi-Carrier Strategy: Quickly spot when USPS is cheaper for light parcels or when couriers are better for guarantees.
- ✓ E-commerce Friendly: Estimate margins before listing shipping-inclusive prices in your store.
- ✓ Operational Planning: Export options for team discussions or procurement approvals.
Common Questions
- Q: Why is my light package expensive?
Large but light boxes trigger dimensional weight pricing. Try smaller packaging or flat-rate boxes to reduce costs. - Q: Do prices include surcharges?
Quotes include base shipping; some carriers add residential, fuel, or delivery area surcharges. Use them as planning estimates and verify at purchase. - Q: How accurate are delivery times?
Transit times are estimates. Weather, customs, and carrier backlogs can extend delivery—build a buffer for critical shipments. - Q: Can I compare international shipments?
Yes. Input destination country codes; note that duties/taxes are not included and vary by destination. - Q: When should I choose insurance?
Insure fragile or high-value items. Compare insurance costs to item value and consider carrier liability limits.
Pro Tips & Best Practices
- 💡 Measure Twice: Even one extra inch can change dimensional weight tiers—measure boxes carefully.
- 💡 Flat-Rate Hacks: For dense items, USPS flat-rate boxes can beat weight-based pricing—test both in the calculator.
- 💡 Pickup Windows: Schedule pickups when possible to save time and consolidate shipments.
- 💡 Label Timing: Buy labels close to ship date so rates and surcharges reflect current pricing.
- 💡 Document Contents: For international packages, prepare commercial invoices and HS codes early to avoid customs delays.
When to Use This Tool
- E-commerce Fulfillment: Quoting shipping during checkout or planning bundled shipping promotions.
- Marketplace Selling: Pricing items on resale sites while accounting for carrier fees.
- Corporate Operations: Selecting carriers for recurring B2B shipments or sample deliveries.
- Personal Shipping: Comparing options for gifts, returns, or moving boxes.
- Event Logistics: Budgeting shipments for conferences, pop-ups, or trade shows.
Related Tools
- Need to share rate options? Export details alongside the Cheatsheet Builder notes.
- Coordinating delivery around holidays? Pair with the Holiday Countdown to set cutoff dates.
- Sending gifts from a Secret Santa? Generate assignments with the Secret Santa Generator first.
- Budgeting international trips? Use the Currency Converter to understand carrier charges in your currency.