How Much Does It Cost to Ship a 3 Pounds Package? (2026)
Compare costs to ship a 3 lb package via USPS, FedEx, and UPS in 2026.
Carrier Rate Comparison for 3 Pounds
| Carrier | Service | Cost Range | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Ground AdvantageCheapest | $5.00 - $9.25 | 2-5 days |
| USPS | Priority Mail | $10.75 - $16.50 | 1-3 days |
| USPS | Priority Mail Express | $33.00 - $41.00 | 1-2 days |
| FedEx | Ground | $11.00 - $16.75 | 3-7 days |
| FedEx | Express Saver | $21.50 - $29.00 | 3 days |
| UPS | Ground | $11.50 - $17.25 | 3-7 days |
| UPS | 3 Day Select | $22.00 - $30.00 | 3 days |
Common 3 Pounds Items
Items that typically weigh around 3 lb include: Kitchen gadgets, Multiple books, Packaged food items, Small toys, Candles.
Packaging Tips
- Keep your box as small as possible -- dimensional weight charges kick in for oversized boxes
- USPS Medium Flat Rate Box ($16.10) is great if your item fits and is going a long distance
- Wrap fragile items individually and fill void space to prevent damage
Pro Tips to Save Money
- At 3 lbs, USPS Ground Advantage saves you $6+ over FedEx/UPS Ground
- DIM weight pricing means a lightweight item in a large box can cost as much as a heavier item in a small box
- Shipping platforms like I'd Ship That offer commercial rates that bring 3 lb USPS shipments close to $5.00
Frequently Asked Questions
A 3 lb package costs $5.00 to $9.25 via USPS Ground Advantage, $11.00 to $16.75 via FedEx Ground, and $11.50 to $17.25 via UPS Ground. USPS remains the cheapest ground option at this weight, especially with commercial pricing.
The cheapest way to ship a 3 lb package is USPS Ground Advantage with commercial pricing, starting at $5.00. For retail customers, expect $7.00-$9.25. Using a shipping platform like I'd Ship That gives you access to commercial rates without a business account.
USPS is significantly cheaper for 3 lb packages. USPS Ground Advantage starts at $5.00 (commercial) vs. UPS Ground at $11.50+. That's more than a 50% savings with USPS. UPS becomes more competitive at heavier weights around 10-15 lbs.
The ideal box size depends on your item, but a 12 x 10 x 5 inch box works well for most 3 lb shipments. Avoid using an oversized box, as carriers charge based on dimensional weight (box size) if it exceeds the actual weight. A smaller, snug-fitting box can save you several dollars.
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