Shipping Cost Calculator
Compare USPS, UPS and FedEx Ground for your shipment. Enter package weight, service level, zone and packaging costs to see estimated carrier fee, fuel surcharge and total delivered cost. Prices are estimates based on 2026 rate tables; verify with the carrier for exact quotes.
Your shipment
Fuel surcharge is a variable that applies on top of base rates. Enter the current published percentage for your carrier.
These are order-of-magnitude estimates derived from publicly published 2026 rate tables. Actual price depends on exact dimensions, surcharges and discounts.
2026 reference rates used
| Carrier / service | Starting price (2026) |
|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage | from $7.90, 2–5 days |
| USPS Priority Mail | from $11.00 retail, flat-rate options |
| UPS Ground | zone × weight published annually (2026 rate guide) |
| FedEx Ground | zone × weight published annually (2026 rate table) |
Sources: USPS “Mail & Shipping Services” and 2026 holiday temporary price change; UPS 2026 Rate Guide; FedEx 2026 Standard List Rates.
Frequently asked questions
Is USPS generally cheaper than UPS or FedEx?
For small, light packages shipped short distances, USPS Ground Advantage is often the cheapest. As weight, dimensions or distance grow, UPS Ground and FedEx Ground can become competitive and are usually faster for heavier items.
What is the fuel surcharge?
Carriers publish a fuel surcharge percentage each week or month that is added to the base rate. For 2026 it has typically hovered in the high single digits; enter the current percentage for your carrier to get a realistic estimate.
How do I choose a zone?
Zone measures the distance between origin and destination. Zone 1–2 is local/very close; Zone 8 is the furthest. Enter the carrier's published zone between the two ZIP codes for a precise quote.
Does this include dimensional weight?
This estimator uses the actual weight you enter. If your package is very light but bulky, carriers use dimensional weight instead, which can raise the billable weight significantly.