USPS Cubic pricing is a cost-effective shipping option for high-volume shippers and eCommerce businesses could benefit from it. Here we look at how USPS customers qualify to ship using this program and what USPS cubic pricing is.
Usually, cubic pricing is closely connected to the volume you ship. Hence some retailers cannot go for it. Vendors can keep a check on the load they ship regularly and can see if USPS cubic options that are available through the USPS Priority Mail service might suit their business. In this article, we look at how to save on shipments using the USPS cubic pricing option.
What is USPS Cubic Pricing?
If you are shipping over 50,000 packages a year, then you can make use of this service.
USPS cubic pricing is a program offered by USPS Priority mail that is accessible for those businesses who are shipping more than 50,000 packages a year. The USPS cubic pricing is determined by package size and distance traveled as opposed to the weight of the package. Hence this option is best suited for companies that ship smaller, heavier items.
The best part of the USPS cubic pricing is that, unlike other shipping carriers who are charging based on the weight of the shipment, this service decides the rate based on the size and the distance to ship. Hence, with cubic pricing, smart businesses can make a huge profit.
How to Qualify for USPS Priority Mail Cubic Pricing- Packaging requirements
It is important to note that all shipments do not qualify the criteria for cubic pricing. Here are some specific criteria that you need to meet when you have to use USPS Priority Mail cubic pricing. They are:
- Shipping over 50,000 small, heavy packages each year.
- Packages should weigh less than 20 pounds.
- Packages should be only 0.5 cubic feet.
- All package dimensions should be less than 18 inches.
How Do You Calculate the Cubic Rate?
So if you are planning to use cubic pricing, you need to know how to calculate it. For example, if you are using subscription boxes, you can use the below calculation method.
Steps to calculate your package’s cubic feet are as follows:
- Measure its length, width, and height
- Round down to the nearest quarter inch, which should fall under 18 inches (if applicable).
- Multiply these three measurements (length, width, and height) and then divide by 1,728
The formula looks like this:
Length x width x height/1728
This gives your package’s cubic feet size.
Is the measurement less than 0.5?
If so, it passes that requirement for using the USPS Cubic rates for shipping.
How Does USPS Cubic Pricing Work?
You can see 5 different pricing tiers in the USPS cubic pricing program. You need to pick the right tier that suits your need:
- 0.1: up to.10 cubic feet
- 0.2: more than 0.10 and up to 0.20 cubic feet
- 0.3: more than 0.20 and up to 0.30 cubic feet
- 0.4: more than 0.30 and up to 0.40 cubic feet
- 0.5: more than 0.40 and up to 0.50 cubic feet
Features of USPS Cubic Pricing
- Cheapest pricing for smaller packages.
- Delivery within 1 to 3 business days.
- Free package tracking included with the service.
- $100 insurance included for free for all packages.
Cubic Pricing vs. Flat Rate USPS
If you want to go for cost-effective shipping, USPS Priority mailing is the right choice. The only requirement is, the weight of the item must be within the size limit and the weight limit mentioned by the carrier. Hence it appeals to many online vendors who are looking for economical shipping options. But flat-rate pricing can be expensive when compared to cubic pricing for certain vendors who are shipping over 50,000 packages a year. Still, you can go for flat rate shipping for certain kinds of items that you intend to send.
The choice clearly depends on what you are shipping and how frequently.
Know more about USPS Flat rate Shipping.
Save Money on Shipping with USPS Cubic Pricing
USPS Cubic pricing available via USPS Priority Mailing can be the most cost-effective option if you ship over 50,000 small, heavy packages each year. This program allows eCommerce companies of all sizes to benefit from some of the lowest shipping rates applicable for all packages that fit in the size parameters mentioned above.
Further Reading:
- USPS Priority Mail vs USPS Flat Rates: Which Is Best In eCommerce Shipping?
- 8 Strong Reasons to Consider USPS Flat Rate Shipping
- A detailed guide on USPS flat rate boxes
- USPS Flat Rate Box Shipping Sizes and Price Breakdown – How to Enable Flat Rate Boxes on WooCommerce
- USPS Flat Rate Boxes, Prices and Sizes & WooCommerce Shipping
- All about Tracking USPS Shipments
