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Cost Guide

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a 5 Pounds Package? (2026)

Compare costs to ship a 5 lb package via USPS, FedEx, and UPS in 2026.

Cheapest Option
USPS Ground Advantage — From $6.50
Five pounds is a popular shipping weight for medium-sized items like small appliances, multiple clothing items, and hobby supplies. USPS Ground Advantage still leads on price at this weight, but FedEx and UPS Ground rates begin to close the gap. USPS Flat Rate boxes become increasingly valuable for longer shipping distances at this weight tier.

Carrier Rate Comparison for 5 Pounds

For a 5 lb package, USPS Ground Advantage is typically the cheapest option starting at From $6.50. Here's how all major carriers and services compare.
CarrierServiceCost RangeSpeed
USPS Ground AdvantageCheapest $6.50 - $12.50 2-5 days
USPS Priority Mail $13.50 - $21.75 1-3 days
USPS Flat Rate Medium Box $16.10 1-3 days
FedEx Ground $12.75 - $19.50 3-7 days
FedEx Express Saver $25.00 - $34.00 3 days
UPS Ground $13.25 - $20.00 3-7 days
UPS 3 Day Select $26.00 - $35.50 3 days

Common 5 Pounds Items

Items that typically weigh around 5 lb include: Small appliances, Large books or textbooks, Hobby supplies, Multiple clothing items, Boots and shoes with box.

Packaging Tips

  • A 14 x 12 x 6 inch box works well for most 5 lb shipments
  • USPS Medium Flat Rate Box ($16.10) is a great deal for cross-country Priority Mail at 5 lbs
  • Double-wall corrugated boxes are recommended for fragile 5 lb items

Pro Tips to Save Money

  • At 5 lbs, USPS Ground Advantage is still roughly half the cost of FedEx/UPS Ground
  • USPS Medium Flat Rate Box at $16.10 beats Priority Mail by weight for most 5 lb cross-country shipments
  • Commercial pricing through I'd Ship That can bring your 5 lb USPS Ground Advantage label under $7

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship a 5 lb package?

A 5 lb package costs $6.50 to $12.50 via USPS Ground Advantage, $12.75 to $19.50 via FedEx Ground, and $13.25 to $20.00 via UPS Ground. Rates vary based on distance, dimensions, and whether you use retail or commercial pricing.

What is the cheapest way to ship 5 lbs?

The cheapest way to ship a 5 lb package is USPS Ground Advantage with commercial pricing, starting at $6.50. If you need faster delivery, USPS Medium Flat Rate Box at $16.10 is often cheaper than weight-based Priority Mail for cross-country shipments.

How much does USPS charge to ship 5 lbs?

USPS charges $6.50 to $12.50 for Ground Advantage (2-5 days) and $13.50 to $21.75 for Priority Mail (1-3 days) on a 5 lb package. Flat Rate Medium Box is $16.10 regardless of distance. Commercial pricing through shipping platforms can reduce these rates by 40-60%.

Is a Flat Rate box worth it for 5 lbs?

It depends on the distance. For short distances (same region), USPS Ground Advantage at $6.50-$8.00 is cheaper. For cross-country shipments, the Medium Flat Rate Box at $16.10 often beats weight-based Priority Mail pricing at 5 lbs, plus you get 1-3 day delivery included.

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