Cheapest Way to Ship Moving Boxes

How to ship moving boxes cheaply

The cheapest way to ship a few lightweight moving boxes for interstate moves is to use the shipping services available through the United States Postal Service (USPS). One service the USPS offers is domestic flat-rate shipping for small boxes starting at $14.65.

Another cost-efficient option is to ship through USPS Ground Advantage. At the time of publishing, prices start at $8.40 for a 4-ounce box, $16.75 for a 10-pound box and $20.90 for a 15-pound box, with final costs depending on size and weight.

The main difference between these two services is delivery speed: Flat Rate offers delivery in two to three business days, while Ground Advantage delivers in two to five business days.

For heavy, bulky moving boxes up to 150 pounds, both FedEx and UPS offer shipping services that typically deliver within one to five business days. These are good options if you have a few oversized boxes to ship, but for multiple boxes, you may want to consider freight shipping services.

Less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipping combines several smaller shipments into a single trailer, with average costs ranging from $120 to $300 per pallet.

In certain circumstances, shipping moving boxes via buses may be an economical choice. However, this service is limited, so you’ll need to check with a regional bus company near you for availability. If you’re already flying for the big move, another option is to take extra checked bags, though space will be limited to what you can fit in them.

If you’re moving most of your household, compare moving companies with the cost of shipping everything separately.

Moving box shipping options compared

The table below compares different ways to ship moving boxes.

» MORE: Cheap cross-country moving options

Shipping cost factors for moving boxes

Shipping costs shouldn’t be a surprise on moving day. You can use various online shipping calculators available on carriers’ websites to estimate these costs. For an accurate quote, you’ll need to measure and weigh each box.

Shipping costs depend on several key factors, including:

• Weight: With most carriers, the box or shipment weight significantly impacts the price. Even with two boxes of the same dimensions, the heavier box will cost more to ship.
• Box size: The dimensions of the box can also affect the price, especially with flat-rate shipping. Companies may give a range in cubic inches (length by width by height) to determine pricing for specific box sizes. 
• DIM weight: The dimensional (DIM) weight is calculated by taking the cubic size and dividing it by 139. For example, a box measuring 12 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches (1,728 cubic inches) has a DIM weight of 12.43 pounds. Companies will compare the DIM weight to the actual weight of the box and typically use the higher of the two to determine pricing.
• Distance zones: Instead of assigning a cost per mile, companies use geographic zones to assign a cost to the distance between the origin and destination. For instance, Zone 1 is for domestic shipments of 50 miles or less, while Zone 8 is for shipments of 1,801 miles or more. Boxes shipped in Zone 1 will cost less to ship than boxes in higher zones.
• Speed: Faster delivery dates come with additional costs. You’ll get the best shipping price if you aren’t in a rush and can wait for standard delivery times. 
• Surcharges: Added fees can sometimes raise the cost of shipping by 40% or more. Surcharges for fuel, residential delivery or oversized packages are some of the more common fees.  
• Insurance: Liability insurance adds 1% to 3% of the packages’ declared value to shipping costs. Check the carrier’s coverage limits and exclusions before paying for it.
• Pickup options: If you can pick up your boxes at the carrier’s facility, you can save on residential delivery fees. Also, you may be able to collect them sooner than the scheduled delivery date to your home.

Cheapest carriers for large moving boxes

At the time of publishing, UPS Simple Rate starts at $24.85 for a large box. FedEx One Rate costs $32.05 for a large box with two-day delivery, and a USPS Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box costs $36.10. These services have different box sizes, packaging rules and delivery speeds, so the listed prices don’t necessarily establish which carrier will be cheapest for your shipment.

Shipping rates for a large, heavy box (50 pounds) are similar between FedEx and UPS, and are lower than USPS rates. However, keep in mind that FedEx and UPS charge a residential delivery fee per box, whereas USPS does not.

For comparison, shipping costs on a 50-pound box are as follows in Zone 3 at the time of publishing (151 to 300 miles):

• FedEx: $36.44 with a $6.45 residential delivery fee
• UPS: $36.60 with a $6.50 residential delivery fee
• USPS (Ground Advantage): $67.90 with no additional delivery fees

Packing tips to cut shipping costs

Planning ahead can reduce shipping costs. Representatives from The UPS Store told us that its staff can help customers choose box sizes and pack fragile or high-value items. Ask about packing fees before deciding whether to use the service.

Other tips for cutting down on shipping costs include:

• Declutter your belongings, and get rid of anything you don’t need or use before packing. Reducing your overall inventory will lower your moving costs.
• When packing for a move, choose the right box size to avoid oversize fees and unnecessary dimensional weight charges.
• Weigh boxes before sealing to stay under weight tier thresholds. As little as one pound can make a difference in pricing.
• Split heavy boxes into multiple lighter boxes to avoid oversized surcharges. 
• Use USPS Media Mail to bundle books and educational materials. Prices start at $4.39 compared to around $8 for Ground Advantage.
• Source free or low-cost packing materials and boxes from grocery stores and retail stores. You can also check neighborhood social media sites for free moving supplies.
• Label boxes clearly to prevent delivery delays and additional fees. 
• Plan your move or shipping timeline carefully to avoid high-demand periods, such as holidays, when shipping companies may charge extra fees.

» MORE: Furniture shipping tips

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