Shipping FAQ: 50 Most-Asked Questions Answered

These are short, sourced answers to the questions shippers ask most often. Prices are USPS retail prices as of October 2026 (USPS Notice 123, effective October 4, 2026, including temporary increases through January 17, 2027), plus FedEx’s published 2026 rates. Carrier policies change, so follow the links to confirm details before you ship.

Getting Started

1. How do I ship a package for the first time?

Pack the item in a sturdy box with cushioning.
Weigh and measure the packed box.
Buy postage at the counter or online.
Attach the label to the largest side.
Drop the package off or schedule a pickup.

Our step-by-step shipping guide covers each step.

2. Which carrier is cheapest for small packages?

Usually USPS Ground Advantage. As of October 2026 it started at $8.40 at a Post Office for up to 8 oz. Online commercial labels cost $7.33 to $8.95 for anything under 1 lb, depending on zone. FedEx Ground’s lowest 2026 retail price was $13.85 for 1 lb.

3. Which carrier is cheapest for heavy packages?

Compare every time, because USPS prices rise steeply above 25 lb. For a 25 lb box measuring 20 × 16 × 12 inches going cross-country, USPS Ground Advantage cost $135.30 at retail. That price includes dimensional weight and a $21 bulky-package fee. FedEx Ground’s 2026 retail price for the same box was $93.40. See best options for heavy packages.

4. How do I print a shipping label at home?

Buy the label online through USPS Click-N-Ship, a carrier website, or a label service such as Pirate Ship, which advertises no monthly fees. USPS says plain printer paper is fine: tape the label on with clear packing tape. A thermal printer is faster if you ship often. See best thermal label printers.

5. Can I ship without going to the post office?

Yes. USPS picks up eligible packages free during your regular mail delivery, including Ground Advantage, Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express. Pickup On Demand, which lets you choose a 2-hour window, costs $26.50. Packages with printed postage can also go in a blue collection box if they fit. UPS and FedEx offer pickups too, but fees depend on your account and the type of pickup.

6. What is the cheapest way to ship anything?

Run the numbers with your real weight, box size and ZIP Codes. Typically, light items go cheapest by USPS Ground Advantage, dense items going far are cheapest in a USPS Flat Rate box, and heavy, bulky boxes often cost less with UPS or FedEx. See our rate calculator guide.

7. How should I tape a box?

Tape every seam on the top and bottom. USPS asks for packing tape at least 2 inches wide and no string or twine. FedEx recommends tape at least 3 inches wide applied in an “H” pattern. See best shipping supplies.

Rates and Costs

8. How much does it cost to ship a 1 lb package?

As of October 2026, retail prices ranged from:

USPS Ground Advantage: $10.05 to $13.65 (Zones 1-8)
USPS Priority Mail: $11.50 to $17.95
FedEx Ground, 2026 retail rates including surcharges: $13.85 to $16.59

Online USPS labels are cheaper.

9. What is dimensional (DIM) weight?

It’s a price based on box size: length × width × height ÷ 139. You pay for whichever is greater, the DIM weight or the actual weight. FedEx applies it to all packages. USPS adopted the 139 divisor on July 12, 2026 and applies it only to boxes over 1 cubic foot.

10. Are USPS Flat Rate boxes really free?

Yes, the boxes and envelopes are free at Post Offices or from USPS online, and USPS says orders usually arrive in 7 to 10 days. The postage isn’t free. If you use Priority Mail packaging, you must pay for Priority Mail service. See the USPS Flat Rate vs Weight-Based guide.

11. When is Flat Rate cheaper than weight-based shipping?

When a heavy item is going far. At October 2026 retail prices, the Medium Flat Rate Box ($25.80) beat weight-based Priority Mail at:

Zone 8: 3 lb and up
Zone 5: 7 lb and up
Zone 4: 14 lb and up

See our Flat Rate vs weight-based comparison.

12. What are commercial shipping rates?

They’re the lower prices you get when you buy labels online, through USPS Click-N-Ship or approved label services. No business license is needed. In October 2026, commercial Ground Advantage prices were 16% to 44% below retail for packages from 1 to 20 lb. See Stamps.com vs PirateShip vs ShipStation.

13. Do UPS and FedEx charge extra for residential delivery?

Yes, for account shipments. FedEx’s 2026 Service Guide adds $6.45 per FedEx Home Delivery package, and UPS lists its own residential surcharge in its rate guide. USPS doesn’t charge a residential surcharge.

14. Is USPS Media Mail really that cheap?

Yes, for eligible items such as books, CDs and DVDs. It costs $4.39 for 1 lb and $7.34 for 5 lb, at any domestic distance. The trade-offs:

Delivery takes 2-8 days.
USPS can inspect the contents, and video games and computer drives don’t qualify.
USPS’s How to Send a Package page says Media Mail has to be brought to a Post Office counter, though some online postage services, including Pirate Ship, also sell Media Mail labels.

See the USPS Media Mail guide.

15. How much does overnight shipping cost?

USPS Priority Mail Express starts at $37.05 at retail for 1-3 day guaranteed delivery. FedEx Standard Overnight’s 2026 list rate starts at $40.82 for 1 lb in its nearest zone, before a fuel surcharge that was 32% for domestic express services the week of October 19, 2026. See our overnight shipping comparison.

16. How did USPS prices change in 2026?

Four times:

January 18: Ground Advantage rose about 7.8%, Priority Mail 6.6% and Priority Mail Express 5.1%.
April 26: A time-limited 8% increase was added to package services.
July 12: The Forever stamp rose from 78 to 82 cents, and the DIM divisor moved to 139.
October 4: A holiday surcharge was added.

Both temporary increases end January 17, 2027. See UPS, FedEx and USPS Rate Increases for 2027.

Tracking and Delivery

17. How do I track a USPS package?

Enter the tracking number in USPS Tracking on usps.com. USPS tracking and label numbers are 13 to 34 characters long. Informed Delivery, a free USPS service, also gives you a digital preview of incoming mail. See our USPS tracking guide.

18. What do common tracking statuses mean?

Wording varies by carrier, but generally:

“Label created” or “pre-shipment”: the label exists, but the carrier hasn’t scanned the package yet.
“In transit”: the package is moving between facilities.
“Out for delivery”: it’s on the local delivery vehicle.
“Delivered”: it was left at the address or handed over.

19. My tracking hasn’t updated in days. What should I do?

Check USPS Tracking first. USPS accepts Missing Mail search requests starting 7 days after the mailing date. Include addresses, a description of the box and contents, and the tracking number. If the package was insured, you may also be able to file a claim.

20. Can I redirect a package after it ships?

USPS Package Intercept costs $19.45 per piece and isn’t available for every package. FedEx Delivery Manager lets recipients request redirection to a FedEx retail location or set a vacation hold. UPS offers its own delivery-change tools. Availability depends on the service and how far the package has traveled.

21. Does USPS deliver on Sundays?

USPS delivers Priority Mail Express 365 days a year, and guaranteed Sunday or holiday delivery costs $12.50 extra. USPS also delivers some packages on Sundays in many areas. Regular mail isn’t delivered on Sundays.

22. How long does USPS Ground Advantage take?

USPS estimates 2-5 days in the lower 48 states. In a USPS Service Commitments lookup for a package mailed Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Ground Advantage was due:

Friday for regional routes
The following Monday coast to coast
Nearly two weeks later to Alaska and Hawaii

See USPS delivery speed by region.

23. What are USPS shipping zones?

Zones are price bands based on the distance between the origin and destination ZIP Codes. USPS prices use Zones 1-9, with Zone 1 the closest. FedEx uses its own zones, 2-8, within the contiguous U.S. See our Complete USPS Shipping Guide 2026.

Lost and Damaged Packages

24. What do I do if my package is lost?

Check tracking.
Submit a USPS Missing Mail search, which you can do starting 7 days after mailing.
If the package was insured, file a claim once the waiting period has passed, and within 60 days of mailing. The waiting period is 15 days after mailing for Priority Mail, Ground Advantage and insured mail, and 7 days for Priority Mail Express.

See how to file a shipping claim.

25. What do I do if my package arrives damaged?

Photograph the box and contents, and keep all the packaging and items. Then file within the carrier’s limit:

USPS: within 60 days of mailing
UPS: within 60 days of the scheduled delivery date
FedEx: within 60 calendar days of the ship date (U.S.)

See how to file a USPS insurance claim.

26. Does USPS insurance cover lost packages?

Yes, if the package was insured. Ground Advantage, Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express include up to $100 of insurance when the label has a tracking barcode, and you can buy coverage up to $5,000. First-Class Mail letters and Media Mail have no included insurance.

27. How long does a USPS claim take?

USPS says it usually sends decisions within 5-10 days and pays approved claims within 7-10 business days. You can appeal a denial within 30 days, and file a final appeal within 30 days after that.

28. Can I file a claim as the recipient?

Usually, yes:

USPS: either the sender or the recipient can file. For a lost package, you need the mailing receipt or label record.
UPS: recipients and third parties can file as a guest.
FedEx: FedEx tells recipients they can file on their own or ask the merchant to file.

29. Is third-party shipping insurance worth it?

It can be for frequent shippers of valuable items, but read the exclusions and claim rules. Marketplace options exist too. eBay, for example, sells ShipCover insurance in eBay Labels, with coverage up to $15,000. See our shipping insurance comparison.

30. How do I prevent package theft?

Add a signature requirement. USPS Signature Confirmation is $5.15 at retail ($4.15 electronic), and Adult Signature Required is $9.70.
Have packages held at a carrier location, or ship to a P.O. Box (USPS only).
Use delivery notifications.

See how to prevent package theft.

International Shipping

31. What is the cheapest way to ship internationally?

For small items, USPS First-Class Package International Service, which takes up to 4 lb and contents under $400. As of October 2026 it started at $19.40 to Canada and $23.05 to the United Kingdom. For heavier or valuable items, compare Priority Mail International with express carriers. See our international shipping guide.

32. Do I need to fill out customs forms?

Yes, for every package leaving the U.S., including gifts and military mail. The only exception is First-Class Mail International envelopes containing only documents and weighing under 15.994 oz.

USPS now requires a specific description of each item, such as “men’s cotton shirts,” not “clothes,” along with a value for each item. If you use its online tools, USPS assigns the HS code for you. At a Post Office counter, use PS Form 2976-R.

33. Who pays customs duties?

By default the recipient pays before delivery. Senders can prepay through USPS’s Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service for eligible countries, or bill duties to their UPS or FedEx account. Since July 1, 2026, EU countries apply a flat €3 duty per item type to parcels worth up to €150. See our USPS customs guide.

34. Can I ship food internationally?

Sometimes, but many countries restrict or ban food imports, and perishables need special handling. Check the destination’s rules in USPS’s Individual Country Listings, or with your carrier, before you pack.

35. How long does international shipping take?

USPS’s estimates:

Priority Mail International: 6-10 business days
Priority Mail Express International: 3-5 business days
First-Class Package International Service: varies by destination

Express carriers such as FedEx, UPS and DHL sell faster time-definite services. Customs clearance can add time with any carrier.

Packaging and Supplies

36. Where can I get free shipping boxes?

USPS gives away Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express packaging, but only for those services. FedEx provides complimentary packaging for its express services. For other shipments, buy boxes or reuse sturdy ones. See best shipping supplies.

37. Can I reuse Amazon boxes?

Yes, if the box is still sturdy and not crushed, torn or punctured. USPS asks you to cover or black out every old label, barcode, logo and address, because old barcodes can confuse scanners.

38. How do I ship fragile items?

Use a box large enough for 2 to 3 inches of cushioning on all six sides, as FedEx recommends. Wrap each item separately, and fill every gap so nothing moves. Don’t rely on “Fragile” or “This End Up” markings: FedEx says it can’t ensure compliance with them. See how to ship fragile items.

39. What type of tape should I use?

Pressure-sensitive plastic packing tape, water-activated paper tape, or reinforced water-activated tape, at least 2 inches wide for USPS and 3 inches per FedEx’s guidance. Never use string or twine. See best shipping labels and supplies.

40. Where do I buy shipping supplies?

Office-supply stores, big-box retailers, packaging distributors and carrier stores such as FedEx Office all sell boxes, tape and cushioning. Free USPS Priority boxes are the place to start. See our shipping supplies guide.

41. What are the size and weight limits?

USPS: 70 lb. Combined length and girth up to 108 inches, or 130 inches for Ground Advantage.
UPS: 150 lb, 108 inches long, and 165 inches in length plus girth.
FedEx: 150 lb and 165 inches in length plus girth. The maximum length is 108 inches for Ground and Home Delivery and 119 inches for Express.

Business Shipping

42. What is the best shipping platform for small businesses?

It depends on volume and integrations:

Pirate Ship: free, with USPS and UPS labels.
Stamps.com: subscription plans listed from $14.99 a month in October 2026.
Shippo: a free plan for up to 30 labels a month.
ShipStation: another option for multichannel stores.

See Stamps.com vs PirateShip vs ShipStation.

43. How do I set up shipping for my online store?

Connect a label platform to your store, add your carrier accounts, and set shipping rules and package presets for your common box sizes. See our small business shipping guide.

44. What is USPS cubic pricing?

It’s a commercial price based on box size and zone, not weight. The limits are:

Priority Mail Cubic: up to 0.5 cubic foot
Ground Advantage Cubic: up to 1 cubic foot

In both cases the package must weigh 20 lb or less and have a longest side of no more than 22 inches. Cubic pricing suits small, dense items. A 12 lb item in a 0.3-cubic-foot box going to Zone 8 cost $21.42 with Priority Mail Cubic in October 2026, against $50.10 by weight.

45. How do I offer free shipping without losing money?

Build an average shipping cost into the price, set a minimum order for free shipping, and buy discounted labels. Free shipping is easiest for light items, where the cost hardly changes with distance.

46. What is the best way to handle returns?

Use prepaid return labels from your platform or carrier. USPS offers Ground Advantage and Priority Mail return services, and both include $100 insurance. State in your policy who pays for return shipping.

47. Should I use a fulfillment center?

Consider one when packing and shipping take up more time than your margins can justify, or when you need faster delivery from warehouses in several regions. Compare its fees per order with your current costs. See our Amazon FBA shipping guide.

48. How do I ship in bulk?

Use a label platform for batch label printing. Ask UPS and FedEx for an account review once your volume is steady, and look at USPS’s Business Rate Card, which USPS says gives businesses additional savings. For pallet-size loads, see freight shipping for small businesses.

49. Do I need a business account to get discounts?

No. USPS commercial prices are available to anyone who buys labels online. FedEx says its business accounts are free to open. Negotiated UPS and FedEx discounts usually depend on volume.

50. What are peak-season surcharges?

They’re holiday price increases.

USPS: retail Priority Mail and Ground Advantage rise $0.50 to $9.10 per package from October 4, 2026 to January 17, 2027. Flat Rate products go up $1.00, or $2.10 for the Large box.
FedEx: demand surcharges include $0.50 to $0.80 per residential Ground package and $1.30 to $2.55 per overnight package through January 17, 2027.

See holiday shipping deadlines.