Being an eCommerce vendor, it is important to know the basic features and services of flat-rate shipping services. Here we are taking a look at two popular flat-rate shipping services offered by USPS and FedEx. Let’s compare the flat-rate services – FedEx One Rate vs. USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate.
Flat rate shipping helps to reduce shipping costs invariably. It helps to predict the shipping expenses easily, which is beneficial for eCommerce vendors to potentially reduce shipping costs. In the case of flat rate shipping, a single or a uniform fee applies to shipping the packages that meet the stipulations by the shipping carrier. The best part of flat rate shipping is that it is ideal for heavier items. The flat-rate shipping has uniform costs, but it again varies depending upon the envelope or box we use to send the package.
Let’s get started.
What is FedEx One Rate?
FedEx One Rate is a popular flat-rate shipping option provided by FedEx, which offers flat-rate shipping price for large volume shippers. FedEx One Rate or FedEx flat-rate shipping was introduced in 2013 by FedEx and is available to those users who are using FedEx Express packaging. This service is ideal for those who are frequently shipping packets that are generally of the same weight. This helps to avoid any surprise surcharges.
As long as the package weight is under 50 lbs and envelopes weigh under 10 lbs you need not spend your time weighing the packages. You need to ensure that the weight of the parcel is under the stipulated weight limit.
You get 12 different types of packaging available including boxes, tubes and envelopes.
| Packaging | Dimensions | Shipping cost | Shippable items |
| FedEx Envelope4 | 9-1/2″ x 12-1/2″
Reusable Envelope: 9-1/2″ x 15-1/2″ |
as low as $8.90 | a standard clipboard
or a file |
| FedEx Pak | 10-1/4″ x 12-3/4″,
12″ x 15-1/2″ Padded: 11-3/4″ x 14-3/4″ Reusable Sturdy Pack: 10″ x 14‑1/2″ (expands up to 1-1/2″) |
as low as $9.20 | an adult t-shirt
or a coffee mug |
| FedEx Small Box | 10-7/8″ x 1-1/2″ x 12-3/8″
8-3/4″ x 2-5/8″ x 11-1/4″ |
as low as $9.95 | a hardback book
or five magazines |
| FedEx Medium Box | 11-1/2″ x 2-3/8″ x 13-1/4″
8-3/4″ x 4-3/8″ x 11-1/4″ |
as low as $12.95 | a binder
or two adult t-shirts |
| FedEx Large Box | 12-3/8″ x 3″ x 17-1/2″
8-3/4″ x 7-3/4″ x 11-1/4″ |
as low as $20.00 | a board game
or a soccer ball |
| FedEx Extra Large Box | 11-7/8″ x 10-3/4″ x 11″
15-3/4″ x 14-1/8″ x 6″ |
as low as $32.35 | a toaster
or two pairs of shoes |
| FedEx Tube | 6″ x 6″ x 38″ | as low as $32.35 | a poster
or a golf club |
For example, consider the weight limit is 10 lbs for an envelope. So as long as the shipment weight does not exceed 10 lbs, you can ship using the same at the flat rate shipping price.
FedEx One Rate pricing is available for the following FedEx services:
- First Overnight
- Standard Overnight
- Priority Overnight
- 2Day AM
- 2Day
- Express Saver
What is USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate?
With the USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate, there is no need for weighing the package as long as it weighs less than 70 lbs. The shipping rate is constant and applies to any of the US states the shipment is sent to. However, for international shipments, the shipping cost varies with the distance. The farther you want to ship the package, the higher the cost will be. The shipping rates are as shown in the table below:
| Free Supplies | Shipping Price | Dimensions | Ideal For |
| Flat Rate Envelope | $7.40 Commercial Base
$7.95 at Post Office and Online |
12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ | Letters
Documents Manuscripts |
| Gift Card Flat Rate Envelope | $7.40 Commercial Base
$7.95 at Post Office and Online |
10″ x 7″ | Oversized Greeting Cards
Gift Cards |
| Window Flat Rate Envelope | $7.40 Commercial Base
$7.95 at Post Office and Online |
10″ x 5″
12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ |
Pre-addressed Envelopes |
| Small Flat Rate Envelope | $7.40 Commercial Base
$7.95 at Post Office and Online |
10″ x 6″ | Small Documents
Passports |
| Padded Flat Rate Envelope | $8.00 Commercial Base
$8.55 at Post Office and Online |
12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ | Clothing
Books Boxed Jewelry |
| Legal Flat Rate Envelope | $7.70 Commercial Base
$8.25 at Post Office and Online |
15″ x 9 1/2″ | Legal Documents |
| Small Flat Rate Box | $7.90 Commercial Base
$8.45 at Post Office and Online |
Outside: 8 11/16″ x 5 7/16″ x 1 3/4″
Inside: 8 5/8″ x 5 3/8″ x 1 5/8″ |
Brochures
Small Electronics |
| Medium Flat Rate Box — 1 (top-loading) | $13.75 Commercial Base
$15.50 at Post Office and Online |
Outside: 11 1/4″ x 8 3/4″ x 6″
Inside: 11″ x 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ |
Office Supplies
Shoes |
| Medium Flat Rate Box — 2 (side-loading) | $13.75 Commercial Base
$15.50 at Post Office and Online |
Outside: 14″ x 12″ x 3 1/2″
Inside: 13 5/8″ x 11 7/8″ x 3 3/8″ |
Office Supplies
Shoes |
| Large Flat Rate Box | $19.30 Commercial Base
$21.90 at Post Office and Online |
Outside: 12 1/4″ x 12 1/4″ x 6″
Inside: 12″ x 12″ x 5 1/2″ |
Laptop
Computers Gifts etc. |
| APO/FPO/DPO Flat Rate Box | $17.80 Commercial Base
$20.40 at Post Office and Online |
Outside: 12 1/4″ x 12 1/4″ x 6″
Inside: 12″ x 12″ x 5 1/2″ |
Sending Gifts to Troops |
| Large Flat Rate Board Game Box | $19.30 Commercial Base
$21.90 at Post Office and Online |
Outside: 24 1/16″ x 11 7/8″ x 3 1/8″
Inside: 23 11/16″ x 11 3/4″ x 3″ |
Board Games |
| Prepaid Forever Priority Mail Flat Rate Packaging | $7.95 at Post Office and Online | Various Sizes Available | Various Options |
Advantages and Disadvantages of FedEx One Rate
Like any other shipping options, FedEx One Rate also has its share of advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of FedEx One Rate
- They offer free packaging options for certain services.
- Better tracking options.
- Multiple options for packaging sizes.
- You get 24/7 online access.
- Provides end-to-end visibility.
- Free declared value up to $100.
- The service includes 45,000 drop-off locations.
- Also, money-back guarantee.
Disadvantages of FedEx One Rate
- The weight limit for envelopes is 10 lbs and for parcels is 50 lbs.
- The charges are based on the three zones of travel. So for every zone crossed the charges increases.
- The shipping service imposes restrictions on the quantity of package supply.
- Make sure the package’s content fits exactly in the package size or box you choose to ship with.
- There is no option for return shipments.
Advantages and Disadvantages of USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate
Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate.
Advantages of USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate
- You get free boxes.
- Priority delivery option.
- The rates are fixed.
- Zero surcharges.
- Law enforcement protection.
- You get the packages delivered to more addresses including PO Boxes, FPO, APO and DPO.
Disadvantages of USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate
- The package weight limit is 70 lbs.
- Tracking capability is less.
- Transit time is longer.
How to Include USPS and FedEx services on your WooCommerce Store?
The best way to include USPS and FedEx shipping services in your WooCommerce store is the ELEX EasyPost (FedEx, UPS, Canada Post & USPS) Shipping & Label Printing Plugin for WooCommerce.
Learn more about the plugin from the product page.
In the plugin, you can choose the flat rate boxes for USPS.
Once you choose the flat-rate boxes, you can use them for your shipment. Learn more about USPS flat-rate boxes from this detailed guide. Currently, FedEx One Rate is not supported by the plugin, but if you want to include the same, please feel free to connect with our Support team.
Using the plugin you can list the various shipping services with real time shipping rates and estimated delivery date on the Checkout page. With this approach, customers can choose the shipping method easily.
With the help of the plugin, you can easily streamline all the order processing related work.
You can learn about the USPS flat rate shipping and how it can be incorporated into your WooCommerce store.
To Conclude
When you are comparing the USPS Priority Mail flat rate and FedEx One Rate shipping options, it is hard to conclude as both have excellent features ideal for an eCommerce store. When you are choosing one over the other for shipping it mainly comes down to business needs, especially upon factors like desired delivery speed, budget and destinations to which they are being shipped. But again if your business needs flexibility in terms of box sizes, delivery speed and priority tracking options then FedEx One Rate is ideal. However, if you are looking for shipping heavier or larger parcels and want to save money on the packaging cost, then USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate can be a good choice.
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