How Much Does It Cost to Ship a 1 Pound Package? (2026)
Compare costs to ship a 1 lb package via USPS, FedEx, and UPS in 2026.
Carrier Rate Comparison for 1 Pound
| Carrier | Service | Cost Range | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Ground AdvantageCheapest | $3.50 - $5.75 | 2-5 days |
| USPS | Priority Mail | $8.25 - $11.75 | 1-3 days |
| USPS | Priority Mail Express | $28.00 - $33.50 | 1-2 days |
| FedEx | Ground | $8.50 - $12.00 | 3-7 days |
| FedEx | Express Saver | $16.50 - $22.00 | 3 days |
| UPS | Ground | $9.00 - $13.00 | 3-7 days |
| UPS | 3 Day Select | $17.00 - $23.50 | 3 days |
Common 1 Pound Items
Items that typically weigh around 1 lb include: Books, T-shirts, Small electronics, Phone cases, Jewelry boxes.
Packaging Tips
- Use a poly mailer for soft items to save on DIM weight
- USPS Flat Rate envelopes fit items up to 12.5 x 9.5 inches and cost a flat $8.70
- Padded envelopes work well for small, durable items under 1 lb
Pro Tips to Save Money
- USPS Ground Advantage is almost always the cheapest for packages at 1 lb
- Commercial pricing through I'd Ship That can save you 40-60% off retail USPS rates
- If your item fits in a USPS Flat Rate Padded Envelope, the rate is the same regardless of distance
Frequently Asked Questions
A 1 lb USPS Ground Advantage package costs $3.50 to $5.75 depending on distance and package dimensions. Priority Mail runs $8.25 to $11.75 for faster 1-3 day delivery. Commercial pricing through shipping platforms can reduce these rates by 40% or more.
The cheapest way to ship a 1 lb package is USPS Ground Advantage, starting at $3.50 with commercial pricing. For retail rates, expect around $5.00-$5.75. Using a poly mailer instead of a box can also reduce costs by avoiding dimensional weight surcharges.
USPS is significantly cheaper for 1 lb packages. USPS Ground Advantage starts at $3.50, while FedEx Ground starts at $8.50. FedEx only becomes competitive with USPS at much heavier weights, typically 10 lbs and above.
USPS Ground Advantage delivers 1 lb packages in 2-5 business days. USPS Priority Mail takes 1-3 days. FedEx and UPS Ground take 3-7 days depending on distance. For next-day delivery, USPS Priority Mail Express starts at $28.00.
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