Shipping packages to loved ones? These tips cut costs by up to 87%

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Start with USPS for most domestic packages International shipping without breaking the bank Shop around, pack smart — and save Bonus: How to get business-level discounts as a regular Joe The bottom line More stories about smart spending

If you’re like us, you’ve probably winced at postage costs that rival the actual price of what you’re sending — and that’s just for domestic shipping. Send something overseas? Those rates will make you weep.

To help you, we’ve done the legwork to find the best money-saving shipping tricks that actually work in 2025. Ready to keep more cash in your wallet? Let’s go!

Start with USPS for most domestic packages

🇺🇸 For most package shipments within the U.S., USPS Ground Advantage is your best bet, with rates starting at just $6.80. Ideal for lighter packages, this service handles packages up to 70 pounds and delivers in two to five business days. Items over 10 to 20 pounds may benefit from other shipping options.

📦 For heavier items of up to 70 pounds, USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes offer a weight-independent pricing option starting at $10.05 — you pay based on box size, rather than weight. However, UPS Ground Saver may provide better rates for heavy packages traveling longer distances, making it worth comparing both options before shipping.

📚 USPS Media Mail starts at just $4.47 for books, CDs, DVDs and other types of media. Sure, it’s slower (think two to eight business days), but when you’re sending a box of old records to your nephew, does it matter too much?

🔍 Read more: 20+ clever ways to save money: Earning, spending and boosting your bottom line

International shipping without breaking the bank

🌍 For international shipping to family and friends, USPS First-Class Package International Service starts at just $17.85 for lightweight packages up to 4 pounds, making it the cheapest option for small items like letters, photos or lightweight gifts.

Once you hit 4 pounds, international shipping gets expensive fast — expect to shell out at least $30 to $70 or more. At this weight, it pays to compare all three carriers instead of assuming USPS is cheapest — you might get a better rate with UPS or FedEx.

💰 Money-saving tip: AARP and AAA members save 5% off shipping and 15% off other services at UPS just by flashing a membership card at the time of purchase.

🔍 Read more: Is an AARP membership worth it? Why it just might be (and what to avoid)

Shop around, pack smart — and save

The shipping world isn’t one size fits all. The cheapest option depends on your package’s weight, dimensions and destination.

Here are five handy tips for saving money:

Compare domestic shipping rates. While USPS is generally cheapest for domestic shipping, UPS often beats it for heavier packages over longer distances. For example, a 40-pound package to “zone 8” (1,800+ miles away) costs $122.75 with USPS versus $98.29 with UPS via ground services.
Weigh international options. USPS typically offers the lowest prices, especially for packages under 4 pounds. However, if speed matters more than savings, UPS and FedEx usually deliver faster — you’ll just pay extra for the convenience.
Choose ground over expedited when possible. Ground shipping typically costs significantly less than air services like next-day or two-day delivery. So, if you plan ahead, ground shipping offers the best value.
Package like a pro. Use the smallest box that safely fits your items. Go too big, and you might hit dimensional weight pricing, where you pay based on the package size, rather than actual weight.
Consolidate shipments. Combine multiple items into one package to avoid per-package fees, but first confirm that one large box costs less than several smaller ones.
Factor in destination country fees. Many countries impose customs duties or taxes on incoming packages, meaning your recipient could face additional costs at delivery. Check the destination country’s customs website or ask your recipient about typical fees before shipping to avoid unpleasant surprises.

🔍 Read more: Online shopping is about to get more expensive: 10 simple workarounds

Bonus: How to get business-level discounts as a regular Joe

You know how big companies always seem to get better shipping rates? Well, you could too. These free platforms claim to give regular folks access to similar discounts that businesses get:

Pirate Ship is free and claims to cut UPS and USPS costs by up to 87%. You measure and weigh packages yourself and create shipping labels online, then drop them off or schedule a pickup. We haven’t tried it ourselves, but Redditors who have used it claim it’s legit.
ShipStation works similarly, offering discounted rates up to 87% from USPS, UPS, DHL and FedEx. Redditors who ship a lot — like those with Etsy stores — often say they use it (and like it).

💰 Money-saving tip: These platforms show rate comparisons across carriers, so you can skip the headache of hunting through multiple websites to find the best deal.

🔍 Read more: Is Costco or Sam’s Club worth it for empty nesters? We did the math

The bottom line

The cheapest way to ship packages — whether across town or across oceans — isn’t the same for each package. Depending on your needs, you might find the best deal with your local post office, carriers like UPS or FedEx or an alternative platform like Pirate Ship.

As a general rule of thumb, start with USPS for domestic packages of under 10 pounds and compare carriers for everything else. For even better savings, use discount shipping platforms that let you compare rates across carriers without going cross-eyed — and potentially unlock big discounts at the same time.