What is USPS Cubic Rate

When shipping small but heavy packages, finding an efficient and cost-effective method is crucial. USPS Cubic Rate provides a solution tailored for such needs. In this article, ShipSaving will explore what USPS Cubic Rate is, its benefits, how to calculate it, and how to make the most of it.

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What is USPS Cubic Rate?

USPS Cubic Rate calculates shipping costs based on the package's dimensions and shipping distance rather than its weight, making it more cost-effective than traditional weight-based pricing. 

It applies to USPS Ground Advantage and Priority Mail services, ideal for small but relatively heavy packages. This rate also includes free tracking and basic insurance, enhancing shipping security and transparency.

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How to Qualify for USPS Cubic Rate

USPS Cubic Rate is a hidden service with specific qualifications. To determine if you can take advantage of this rate, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Annual Shipping Volume: Must ship over 50,000 packages per year.
• Package Weight: Weigh no more than 20 pounds.
• Package Dimensions: Longest dimension does not exceed 18 inches.
• Cubic Feet: For USPS Ground Advantage, the cubic feet must not exceed 1.0. For Priority Mail, it must not exceed 0.5 cubic feet.

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✨ Fortunately, ShipSaving offers this secret service to all ShpiSaving users. Whether you're shipping one package or thousands, sign up for a ShipSaving account and automatically access USPS Cubic Rate prices!

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How to Calculate USPS Cubic Rate

USPS Cubic Rate is calculated based on the package's volume rather than its weight. Priority Mail includes five pricing tiers based on cubic feet (0.1 - 0.5), and USPS Ground Advantage includes ten tiers (0.1 - 1.0).

• To calculate the cubic rate, use the following formula: Length×Width×Height/1728=Cubic Feet

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Let's take Priority Mail as an example, once you have the cubic volume value, you can match your package to the appropriate pricing tier:

• Tier 0.1: Packages up to 0.1 cubic feet
• Tier 0.2: Packages more than 0.1 and up to 0.2 cubic feet
• Tier 0.3: Packages more than 0.2 and up to 0.3 cubic feet
• Tier 0.4: Packages more than 0.3 and up to 0.4 cubic feet
• Tier 0.5: Packages more than 0.4 and up to 0.5 cubic feet

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📦For example, if your package measures 8″ x 8″ x 6″ and weighs 20 pounds, shipping from Los Angeles to New York using USPS Priority Mail would cost $92.55 at retail rates based on weight and distance. 

However, with a cubic feet of 0.22, your package falls into the Priority Mail cubic pricing tier 0.3, costing only $17.46.

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Considerations When Using USPS Cubic Rate

Cubic Feet Limits: Packages exceeding specific cubic feet cannot use Cubic Rate.

• USPS Ground Advantage: Cubic feet must not exceed 1.0.
• Priority Mail: Cubic feet must not exceed 0.5.

Pricing Tiers: Both Ground Advantage and Priority Mail have distinct pricing tiers.

• USPS Ground Advantage: Ten pricing tiers from 0.1 to 1.0.
• Priority Mail: Five pricing tiers from 0.1 to 0.5.

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Conclusion

USPS Cubic Rate is an economical shipping method for small, heavy packages. This article aims to help you better understand and utilize USPS Cubic Rate to optimize your shipping solutions.

Sign up for a ShipSaving account now to save up to 89% off on USPS shipping costs. Whether you're an individual shipper or an e-commerce seller, ShipSaving provides the best logistics solutions for your needs!