Lowest Cost Small Parcel Shipping Cheat Sheet (2025)

This resource outlines the lowest-cost shipping methods for small parcels originating in the United States, organized by weight class.

This resource is intended for e-commerce sellers comparing options for both domestic and international delivery. All information is carrier-agnostic and based purely on cost. The information below is presented without favor toward any specific carrier, focusing solely on identifying the lowest-cost shipping service.

Small Parcel Shipping Cheat Sheet

Lowest-Cost Shipping Methods by Weight Class

Shipping Consolidator Changes in 2025

In January 2025, USPS removed its discount program for national parcel consolidators. These are companies like UPS Mail Innovations, FedEx SmartPost, and DHL eCommerce that previously partnered with USPS to handle final-mile delivery. By shipping at high volumes, they were able to negotiate lower USPS rates and pass those savings onto businesses. With those discounts eliminated, the price advantage for using consolidators has largely disappeared. In many cases, USPS Ground Advantage is now the most affordable option for lightweight shipments.Yashar Novruz

With national parcel consolidators no longer an option, some regional consolidators have stepped in to fill the gap. These regional consolidators pass shipments between multiple local carriers to keep costs low. The extra handoffs extend delivery times. This setup is typically used by third-party logistics companies and high-volume brands. It’s not always practical for smaller retailers or low-volume shippers.

Final Tactics to Consider to Lower Small Parcel Shipping Costs

Use smart shipping software to automatically downgrade from express to ground shipping when delivery times are unaffected, reducing costs without impacting speed.
Leverage 3PL or freight aggregator rates to access lower shipping costs through consolidated volume, but assess their carrier agreements carefully for alignment with your needs.
Fulfill orders from bicoastal warehouses to enable fast ground shipping nationwide, minimizing reliance on costly express services.

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