Priority Mail Cubic: A Guide to Shipping Savings

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The Priority Mail Cubic is a game-changer for online sellers and small businesses looking to save on shipping costs.

It allows you to calculate the cost of shipping based on the volume and weight of your packages, rather than their dimensions.

To take advantage of the Priority Mail Cubic, you'll need to know your package's weight and dimensions in inches.

The cubic calculation is based on these measurements, which are then used to determine the shipping cost.

By using the Priority Mail Cubic, you can save up to 50% on shipping costs compared to the traditional dimensional weight pricing.

This can add up to significant savings, especially for businesses that ship a high volume of packages.

Take a look at this: Priority Mail to Canada

Eligibility and Qualification

To qualify for USPS Priority Mail Cubic pricing, you can use Shippo, which allows you to save up to 89% on this service.

Packages eligible for Priority Mail Cubic must weigh more than one pound but less than 20 pounds.

Credit: youtube.com, Subscription Catalyst talks Priority Mail Cubic & Pirate Ship

Small packages with a volume of up to 0.50 cubic feet are perfect for this service, which includes any measurement equal to or less than 0.50 cubic feet.

The package dimensions cannot exceed 18 inches in any measurement.

By using Shippo, you can bypass the traditional volume requirements of shipping at least 50,000 packages per year.

Benefits and Savings

You can save up to 89 percent on your shipping costs per package with Priority Mail Cubic, making it a super-saving alternative to other shippers like UPS and FedEx.

Businesses shipping over 50,000 packages a year at an average of $20 per package could save as much as $110,000 a year with Priority Mail Cubic.

To maximize your savings, it's essential to understand how to figure out the cubic feet of your packages versus their weight, as this is how Priority Mail Cubic bases its costs.

Cost Savings

You can save a significant amount of money with Priority Mail Cubic. Estimates suggest that it can reduce your shipping costs per package by 89 percent.

Delivery Boxes Near the Door
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To give you a better idea of the potential savings, let's look at the numbers. If you ship more than 50,000 packages a year at an average of $20 per package, you could save as much as $110,000 a year with Priority Mail Cubic.

The pricing tiers for Priority Mail Cubic are based on the parcel's size, with five different tiers to choose from. Here are the tiers and their corresponding size ranges:

Packing your shipment in the smallest package possible can help you save the most money, as it will fall into the lowest pricing tier.

Other Benefits of Using

Using Priority Mail Cubic can be a game-changer for businesses that ship small but heavy items. With this service, you can ship a variety of items, such as subscription boxes, antique reference books, and personalized stones, without breaking the bank.

One of the most significant benefits of using Priority Mail Cubic is the up to $100 of free insurance on each package. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your shipments are protected against loss or damage.

Free package tracking is another perk of using Priority Mail Cubic. You can easily keep tabs on your shipment and ensure it arrives safely at its destination.

Package Details and Measurement

Delivery Man delivering a Parcel
Credit: pexels.com, Delivery Man delivering a Parcel

Priority Mail Cubic is a special rate for smaller packages, and to qualify, your package must have a maximum weight of 20 pounds and a size no bigger than 0.5 cubic feet.

To determine the pricing tier for your package, you need to measure its cubic feet. This can be done by multiplying the length, width, and height of the package. The five tiers for USPS Cubic pricing are based on the cubic feet measurement of your package, ranging from Tier 1 for packages up to 0.10 cubic feet to Tier 5 for packages up to 0.50 cubic feet.

Here's a breakdown of the tiers and their corresponding price ranges for each zone:

Using Your Own Box

You can use your own box for Priority Mail Cubic shipping as long as it meets the eligibility requirements. This means your box must have dimensions that make it eligible for the service.

You're not limited to using special Cubic boxes, just make sure your own box fits the bill. According to the USPS, you can use your own box as long as it meets the size requirements.

Container ships docked at Tollerort Terminal, Hamburg during sunset.
Credit: pexels.com, Container ships docked at Tollerort Terminal, Hamburg during sunset.

To give you a better idea, here are the key requirements for your own box:

  • Weigh less than 20 pounds
  • Measure up to 0.5 cubic feet
  • Have sides that are less than 18 inches

Keep in mind that you'll still need to calculate the cubic feet of your package using the formula: Length x Height x Width divided by 1728. This will help you determine if your package qualifies for Cubic shipping.

Other Envelope Options

You can use almost any envelope with Cubic mail, but it will affect how your package is priced and which tier it falls into. Poly soft packs or padded envelopes are options, but be aware that they'll change your cubic space.

One thing to keep in mind is that no dimension in any direction can be longer than 18 inches to use Cubic mail with soft packs. USPS has "soft pack Cubic rates" based on cubic feet and 20-pound weight limits.

Soft packing rates are figured by measuring the length and width, adding the two together for tiered pricing. There are five tiers depending on the size of the envelope.

It's a good idea to measure your envelope before filling it to get the proper measurement for soft-padding pricing. You can also put a box into an envelope and get the soft padding rate if it still has the envelope shape.

Shipping Rates and Tiers

A Deliveryman Carrying Package and Mails Looking Lost and Confused
Credit: pexels.com, A Deliveryman Carrying Package and Mails Looking Lost and Confused

Shipping rates for Priority Mail Cubic are based on the package's size, not its weight. The pricing tiers start at .10 cubic feet and go up to .50 cubic feet.

To calculate your package's size, measure the length, width, and height in inches and round down to the nearest quarter inch. Then, multiply the length by the width by the height, and divide the result by 1728.

The resulting number is the size of the package in cubic feet. You can use the USPS Priority Mail Cubic pricing rate chart to determine the pricing, rounding up to the next tier if necessary.

Here are the five pricing tiers for Priority Mail Cubic:

  • Tier 1: up to .10 cubic feet
  • Tier 2: more than .10 and up to .20 cubic feet
  • Tier 3: more than .20 and up to .30 cubic feet
  • Tier 4: more than .30 and up to .40 cubic feet
  • Tier 5: more than .40 and up to .50 cubic feet

The cheapest rate for the smallest package would be one going to Zones 1 and 2, costing $7.54. The most expensive package would be one in Tier 5 going to Zone 9, costing $51.21.

Commercial and Private Shipping

Pirate Ship offers Priority Mail Cubic rates below commercial pricing, which is the deepest discount publicly available from USPS. You can access these discounts without minimum volume requirements or monthly fees.

Credit: youtube.com, USPS Cubic Rate Shipping Explained [Cheapest Way to Ship]

To give you an idea of the savings, here's a comparison of the two:

Note that Pirate Ship's rates are based on the outer dimensions of your package, not its weight, which can lead to significant cost savings for small but heavy packages.

Get Commercial Rates

To get Commercial Rates, you'll want to consider using a service that offers access to Priority Mail Cubic. This sub-service of Priority Mail allows you to pay based on the size of your package instead of the weight.

Pirate Ship, for example, offers Priority Mail Cubic rates below Commercial Pricing, with no markup, per-label costs, or monthly fees. You can ship up to 20 pounds for no extra cost, making it one of the cheapest shipping services available for small boxes.

To qualify for Commercial Pricing, you'll need to access a product like FP Parcel Shipping or Pitney Bowes software. These services give lower-volume shippers access to USPS Priority Mail Cubic rates.

Here's a quick rundown of the requirements for Priority Mail Cubic:

  • Maximum weight: 20 pounds
  • Maximum size: 0.5 cubic feet
  • Dimensions: Must be 18" or less in any dimension

You can calculate the size of your package in cubic feet by multiplying the length, width, and height, then dividing by 1728.

Can I Use Private Shipping Companies?

Red and Black Mail Box on a Concrete Wall
Credit: pexels.com, Red and Black Mail Box on a Concrete Wall

You can use private shipping companies for Priority Mail Cubic, but you need to compare rates with the USPS chart to ensure you're getting the official rate and service.

Some private shipping companies offer their own version of Priority Mail Cubic, but you'll need to check with them specifically to see if they offer this service.

It's worth noting that you can use your own box for Priority Mail Cubic, as the service doesn't require special boxes. Just make sure the box has dimensions that make it eligible for the service.

USPS and Service Comparison

The US Postal Service (USPS) offers a range of services, but Priority Mail Cubic is a standout option for businesses and individuals alike.

One of the key benefits of USPS is its reliability, with 99.4% of Priority Mail Cubic packages being delivered on time, according to USPS data.

USPS also offers a cost-effective alternative to other shipping carriers, with average savings of 20% compared to FedEx and UPS.

Credit: youtube.com, PhiConnect Cubic Shipping for USPS Priority Mail for eBay and Amazon

With Priority Mail Cubic, you can send packages up to 19 inches on each side, making it a great option for larger items.

USPS has a strong network of locations, with over 40,000 post offices and 230,000 self-service kiosks across the country.

This extensive network makes it easy to drop off or pick up packages, and many locations are open on weekends and holidays.

USPS also offers a range of tracking and insurance options to ensure your packages arrive safely and on time.

What's the Difference?

The main difference between USPS Priority Mail and Priority Mail Cubic lies in who can use them and how shipping is calculated. Priority Mail can be used by anyone, but Priority Mail Cubic is offered to businesses that ship in higher volumes.

There are two key distinctions between these services. One is eligibility, the other is how shipping is calculated. Priority Mail bases its shipping price on weight and destination, while Priority Mail Cubic bases its price on the size of the package and the destination.

Businesses that ship frequent, smaller, heavier packages would greatly benefit from using Priority Mail Cubic over standard Priority Mail. This is because it could save them a significant amount, anywhere from 30 percent to 89 percent on each package.

Service Safety Comparison

Credit: youtube.com, USPS making safety changes for your mail and its carriers

Priority Mail Cubic offers the same safety and security as other USPS services, including Priority Mail.

You'll have peace of mind knowing that your packages are well-protected, just like with other USPS services.

General Information

Priority Mail Cubic is a lesser-known service of the USPS.

It falls under a sub-category of Priority Mail services, which can be confusing for those who are not familiar with it.

The pricing for Priority Mail Cubic is unusual for the industry, which might be why people often ask if it's real.

Kristin Waelchi

Senior Writer

Kristin Waelchi is a skilled writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in research and analysis, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, delving deep into complex topics and shedding light on the intricacies of the world around us. Kristin's expertise lies in crafting engaging articles that inform and educate readers on a wide range of subjects, including industrial facilities.

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