I've written this guide to explain the least expensive way to ship packages of various sizes to U.S. locations. 

If you find this information helpful, please vote at the bottom of this page.

The least expensive U.S. shipping methods:

1 – 13 ounces - - USPS first class
14 – 32 ounces - - USPS Priority mail**
3 pounds - - Usually USPS parcel post (depending on distance from sender to recipient)
Books, CDs, etc. – USPS Media mail, regardless of weight
Over 3 pounds – Check rates of alternative carriers (Fedex, DSL, UPS)

**The cost of priority mail is less than or virtually the same as parcel post for packages in this weight range.

NOTE:  If you ship relatively heavy small items that will fit into one of the 4 USPS priority flat rate boxes (see dimensions below), you can mail anything up to 70 pounds at reduced rates.  This is the best bargain in shipping IF your item weighs over 3 or 4 pounds AND will fit into the standard boxes (which must be used to get this rate).

PRIORITY FLAT RATE BOXES:

• Small - 8 5/8" by 5 3/8" by 1 5/8" (video tape size) - - $4.95
  
• Medium - 11 7/8" by 3 3/8" by 13 5/8" OR 11" by 8 1/2" by 5 1/2" - - $10.35
  
• Large - 12" by 12" by 6" - - $13.95
  

The calculator at the USPS web site gives the exact cost of all USPS mail classes as well as the expected delivery time.  Similar information is available at private carrier sites (Fedex, UPS, etc.).

Carol Hearn
Ebay ID:  wanderingcreekantiques