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ShippingEasy Cubic Rates | FAQs

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ShippingEasy Content Team

Updated

ShippingEasy offers volume-based cubic pricing. These are highly discounted rates for small, heavy packages typically reserved for shippers with a volume in excess of 50,000 shipments a year. We are able to make these rates available to shippers of all sizes.

Which shipments qualify for cubic pricing?

Packages must meet the following criteria to be eligible for cubic pricing:

  • Shipped using USPS Domestic Priority Mail service

  • Weighs less than 20 pounds

  • Measures 0.50 cubic feet or less

  • Longest dimension does not exceed 18 inches

How is the cubic price calculated?

The cubic feet measurement for the package is calculated by: [ Length x Width x Height ] / 1728 = Cubic Feet

All measurements should be rounded down to the nearest 0.25 inch.

The package will then be assigned one of five tiers:

  • Tier 1: Packages up to 0.10 cubic feet

  • Tier 2: Packages more than 0.10 and up to 0.20 cubic feet

  • Tier 3: Packages more than 0.20 and up to 0.30 cubic feet

  • Tier 4: Packages more than 0.30 and up to 0.40 cubic feet

  • Tier 5: Packages more than 0.40 and up to 0.50 cubic feet

The appropriate USPS zone will be assigned to the shipment.

For example, here are the cost savings for a 6" x 6" x 6" (Tier 2) package weighing 6 pounds and being shipped to Zone 6:

  • Priority Mail Commercial rate = $19.09

  • Priority Mail Flat Rate Green = $12.13

That's a 36% savings!

How do I select cubic pricing on a shipment?

All you need to do is enter the dimensions for your shipments. With your package dimensions, ShippingEasy will automatically evaluate your shipments to determine which rate is less: weight-based or volume-based (cubic) rates. The lower of the two will appear as your postage cost.

Do I need to use a special box to get cubic pricing?

No, you may use any box that meets the dimensional requirements:

  • Equal or less than 0.50 cubic feet

  • The longest dimension not exceeding 18 inches

Flat Rate Packages

USPS Flat Rate boxes must be used with the designated package type selected when creating a label. This is the only exception to cubic packaging requirements.

How should I enter package dimensions?

Dimensions must be rounded down to the nearest 0.25 inch. You can enter these dimensions on the ORDERS page or the READY TO SHIP page.

You can save even more time when configuring your shipment by using a saved custom package.

How do I use cubic with a soft pack or padded envelope?

The tier for a soft pack or padded envelope is calculated from only the length and width. Measure the mailer before adding anything to it by: [Length + Width] = Square Feet. Round the measurements down to the nearest .25 inch.

The package will then be assigned one of five tiers. The appropriate zone will be assigned to the shipment.

  • Tier 1: Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 0" up to 21"

  • Tier 2: Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 21" up to 27"

  • Tier 3: Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 27" up to 31"

  • Tier 4: Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 31" up to 34"

  • Tier 5: Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 34" up to 36"

Using Soft Pack Cubic

Consider that to qualify for USPS Soft Pack Cubic, the shipment must weigh less than 20 pounds and the longest dimension must be shorter than 18 inches.

Be sure to select the Soft Pack Cubic package type on the READY TO SHIP page.

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