USPS offers various shipping options, and USPS Cubic Pricing is a cost-effective solution for small but heavy packages. Unlike traditional weight-based pricing, cubic pricing is charged by package volume, making it ideal for eCommerce businesses. Cubic pricing ensures fast and affordable shipping through USPS Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage services. Since cost is determined by size rather than weight, businesses can save significantly. This blog covers everything you need to know about USPS Cubic Pricing, including eligibility, pricing tiers, benefits, and how to integrate it into WooCommerce and Shopify for better shipping efficiency.
Blog Contains
- Eligibility Criteria for USPS Cubic Pricing
- Calculating Package Volume for Cubic Pricing
- USPS Cubic Pricing for Different Zones
- Benefits of Utilizing USPS Cubic Pricing
- Tips to Maximize Savings with USPS Cubic Pricing
- USPS Shipping for eCommerce
- FAQs
Eligibility Criteria for USPS Cubic Pricing
USPS Cubic Pricing is a discounted shipping rate available to businesses that meet specific criteria. Unlike standard USPS pricing, which is weight-based, cubic pricing is determined by package size and volume. To qualify, your shipments must meet the following requirements:
- Package Size and Weight Restrictions
- The package must be under 20 lbs.
- The total volume must not exceed 0.5 cubic feet (for priority mail) and 1 cubic feet (for ground advantage).
- The longest side cannot exceed 18 inches.
- Soft-pack or padded envelopes qualify if they conform to volume limits.
- Business and Shipping Volume Requirements
- Cubic pricing is not available at USPS retail locations.
- It is typically offered to businesses that ship at least 50,000 packages per year.
- USPS Services That Support Cubic Pricing
- Priority Mail Cubic
- Ground Advantage Cubic
If your business meets these criteria, USPS Cubic Pricing can provide significant cost savings while ensuring fast and reliable deliveries.
Calculating Package Volume for Cubic Pricing
To determine if your package qualifies for USPS Cubic Pricing, follow these steps:
- Measure Your Package Dimensions and Calculate the Cubic Volume
- Measure the length, width, and height in inches.
- Round down each measurement to the nearest quarter-inch (0.25″).
- Use the formula:
Cubic Volume (cu. ft.)= Length×Width×Height / 1728
Since 1 cubic foot equals 1,728 cubic inches, this formula converts cubic inches to cubic feet.
2. Determine the Pricing Tier
Once you calculate the cubic volume, compare it with the respective pricing tiers for Priority Mail Cubic or Ground Advantage Cubic (tables below).
USPS Priority Mail Cubic Pricing Tiers:
| Cubic Tier | Package Volume (Cubic Feet) | Maximum Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 0,10 | Up to 0.10 cu. ft. | 20 lbs |
| 0.20 | 0.101 – 0.20 cu. ft. | 20 lbs |
| 0.30 | 0.201 – 0.30 cu. ft. | 20 lbs |
| 0.40 | 0.301 – 0.40 cu. ft. | 20 lbs |
| 0.50 | 0.401 – 0.50 cu. ft. | 20 lbs |
USPS Ground Advantage Cubic Pricing Tiers:
| Cubic Tier | Package Volume (Cubic Feet) | Maximum Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 0.15 | Up to 0.15 cu. ft. | 20 lbs |
| 0.25 | 00.151 – 0.25 cu. ft. | 20 lbs |
| 0.35 | 0.251 – 0.35 cu. ft. | 20 lbs |
| 0.45 | 0.351 – 0.45 cu. ft. | 20 lbs |
| 0.50 | 0.451 – 0.50 cu. ft. | 20 lbs |
| 0.60 | 0.501 – 0.60 cu. ft. | 20 lbs |
| 0.70 | 0.601 – 0.70 cu. ft. | 20 lbs |
| 0.80 | 0.701 – 0.80 cu. ft. | 20 lbs |
| 0.90 | 0.801 – 0.90 cu. ft. | 20 lbs |
| 1.00 | 0.901 – 1.00 cu. ft. | 20 lbs |
Example Calculation
Let’s say you have a small but heavy package with the following dimensions:
- Length: 12.5″ (round down to 12.25″)
- Width: 9.8″ (round down to 9.75″)
- Height: 5.2″ (round down to 5.0″)
Step 1: Calculate Cubic Volume
12.25″×9.75″×5.0″=596.875 cubic inches
Convert to cubic feet:
596.875÷1728=0.345 cubic feet
Step 2: Find the Pricing Tier
- For Priority Mail Cubic: 0.345 cubic feet falls into Tier 0.40 (0.301 – 0.40 cu. ft.).
- For Ground Advantage Cubic: 0.345 cubic feet falls into Tier 0.35 (0.251 – 0.35 cu. ft.).
This means you can compare rates for both services and choose the most affordable option based on your shipping needs.
USPS Cubic Pricing for Different Zones
USPS shipping rates are based on zones, which range from Zone 1 (local) to Zone 9 (international U.S. territories). The farther a package travels, the higher the shipping cost. USPS Cubic Pricing follows this zone system, with rates varying based on package volume and destination.
Now, let’s explore the USPS Cubic Pricing for Different Zones, including rates for Priority Mail Cubic and Ground Advantage Cubic.
Priority Mail Cubic Pricing
| Cubic Ft. Range Up To: | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Zone 5 | Zone 6 | Zone 7 | Zone 8 | Zone 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | 8.10 | 8.21 | 8.34 | 8.52 | 9.89 | 10.46 | 11.03 | 11.99 | 25.59 |
| 0.2 | 8.44 | 8.57 | 8.82 | 9.07 | 10.65 | 12.06 | 13.47 | 14.96 | 31.93 |
| 0.3 | 8.85 | 8.96 | 9.55 | 9.96 | 11.87 | 14.44 | 17.00 | 19.52 | 41.66 |
| 0.4 | 9.18 | 9.27 | 10.09 | 10.66 | 12.84 | 16.97 | 21.10 | 24.33 | 51.91 |
| 0.5 | 9.46 | 9.53 | 10.55 | 11.24 | 13.90 | 19.69 | 25.48 | 29.60 | 63.17 |
Package Quality Noncompliance Fee or Unmanifested Free and 0.25 per piece
Live Animal and Perishable Handling Fee 15.00
Ground Advantage Cubic Pricing
| Cubic Ft. Range Up To: | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Zone 5 | Zone 6 | Zone 7 | Zone 8 | Zone 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | 8.10 | 8.21 | 8.34 | 8.52 | 9.89 | 10.46 | 11.03 | 11.99 | 25.59 |
| 0.2 | 8.44 | 8.57 | 8.82 | 9.07 | 10.65 | 12.06 | 13.47 | 14.96 | 31.93 |
| 0.3 | 8.85 | 8.96 | 9.55 | 9.96 | 11.87 | 14.44 | 17.00 | 19.52 | 41.66 |
| 0.4 | 9.18 | 9.27 | 10.09 | 10.66 | 12.84 | 16.97 | 21.10 | 24.33 | 51.91 |
| 0.5 | 9.46 | 9.53 | 10.55 | 11.24 | 13.90 | 19.69 | 25.48 | 29.60 | 63.17 |
Package Quality Noncompliance Fee or Unmanifested Free and 0.25 per piece
Live Animal and Perishable Handling Fee 7.50
Benefits of Utilizing USPS Cubic Pricing
- Cost Savings: By basing rates on package volume rather than weight, USPS Cubic Pricing can lead to significant cost reductions. This is particularly beneficial for shipping small, dense items.
- Fast Delivery Times: Packages shipped via Priority Mail Cubic are delivered within 1–3 business days, ensuring timely delivery to customers across the U.S. This speed is comparable to standard Priority Mail services, making it a reliable option for businesses that prioritize quick shipping.
- No Need for Special Packaging: Unlike Flat Rate shipping, USPS Cubic Pricing allows businesses to use their packaging, giving more flexibility in choosing cost-effective, brand-friendly shipping materials.
- Included Features: USPS Cubic Pricing comes with additional benefits that enhance the shipping experience:
- Tracking: All shipments include tracking at no extra cost, allowing both businesses and customers to monitor packages in real time.
- Insurance: Priority Mail Cubic shipments automatically include $100 of insurance coverage, providing peace of mind against potential loss or damage.
- Competitive Advantage Over Other Carriers: This service beats the rates of FedEx and UPS for small, heavy packages, making it a great choice for eCommerce businesses looking to reduce shipping costs while maintaining fast delivery times.
This is ideal for businesses like Beauty & Personal Care Products, Tools & Hardware (including small power tools, drill bits, and fasteners), Subscription Box Services, Handmade & Craft Supplies, and Electronics & Accessories.
Tips to Maximize Savings with USPS Cubic Pricing
Taking full advantage of USPS Cubic Pricing requires strategic packaging to stay within the lowest pricing tiers.
Here’s how you can optimize your shipments and save more:
- Keep It Compact: The smaller the package volume, the lower the pricing tier. Measure carefully to ensure your box stays within the limits of a lower tier.
- Use Flat, Square Boxes: Boxes with a lower height but a slightly wider base often fit better within cubic pricing limits than tall packages.
- Cut Down Excess Space: If possible, trim or fold excess cardboard to reduce box dimensions without compromising the package’s integrity.
- Lightweight, Sturdy Materials: Use corrugated boxes that protect without adding bulk. Padded mailers or poly bags can be excellent alternatives for non-fragile items.
USPS Shipping for eCommerce
USPS offers reliable and affordable shipping in eCommerce platforms such as WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, and BigCommerce. It provides real-time rates, label generation, and tracking, making fulfillment seamless. With discounted rates and international shipping, it’s a great choice for businesses of all sizes.
Now, let’s see how easy it is to integrate USPS shipping in WooCommerce and Shopify!
How to integrate USPS in Woocommerce?
WooCommerce does not support USPS shipping by default. However, using the USPS Shipping Plugin simplifies the process.
You can see the live USPS shipping rates at checkout by enabling the services as per your requirements.
This plugin also helps you generate shipping labels directly from your store.
To learn more about USPS shipping in WooCommerce, check out This video.
How to integrate USPS in Shopify?
Shopify users can do USPS Ground Advantage shipping with the Shopify USPS Shipping App, which automates rate calculations, label generation, and tracking.
To get started with USPS shipping in your Shopify store, visit the following link for a detailed guide: Shopify USPS Shipping Guide.
Select the service in the app’s settings and it will automatically display the live USPS rates on the Shopify checkout page.
This app also helps you generate shipping labels directly from your store.
To learn more about USPS shipping in Shopify, check out This video.
Conclusion
USPS Cubic Pricing is a cost-effective, volume-based shipping solution ideal for small yet heavy packages. By leveraging Priority Mail Cubic for faster delivery and Ground Advantage Cubic for affordability, businesses can significantly reduce shipping costs. With free USPS tracking, insurance, and no special packaging requirements, it offers flexibility and reliability. Integrate USPS and Optimize your packaging in WooCommerce or Shopify, and start maximizing your shipping savings today! For additional support or inquiries, reach out to PluginHive Customer Support.
FAQs
What is the USPS Cubic Soft Pack?
USPS Cubic Soft Pack is a cost-effective shipping option for flexible, non-rigid packages like polybags. Available for Priority Mail and Ground Advantage, it applies to shipments weighing 20 lbs or less, with a maximum length of 18 inches. However, rolls and tubes are not eligible.
What is the difference between USPS Priority Mail Cubic and Ground Advantage Cubic?
USPS Priority Mail Cubic offers faster delivery (1-3 days) with built-in tracking and $100 insurance but is limited to packages up to 0.5 cubic feet. USPS Ground Advantage Cubic is a more affordable option for larger cubic packages (up to 1.0 cubic foot) but has a slower delivery speed (2-5 days) and does not include automatic insurance.
What packaging can I use for Priority Mail Cubic?
Priority Mail Cubic allows shippers to use rectangular boxes, poly mailers, and padded envelopes, as long as they meet the size and volume limits. However, rolls, tubes, and oversized packages are not eligible.
How long does USPS cubic take to deliver?
USPS Priority Mail Cubic delivers packages within 1-3 days across the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and territories. However, Ground Advantage Cubic takes 2-5 days.
Can I use USPS boxes for Cubic Pricing?
Yes, you can use USPS Priority Mail boxes for Cubic Pricing if the package meets the size and weight requirements. However, Flat Rate and Regional Rate boxes require their designated postage and cannot be used for Cubic pricing.
