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.
Carrier Rate Comparison for 5 Pounds
| Carrier | Service | Cost Range | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
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.
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.
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%.
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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