Shipping costs are fees charged by a carrier for delivery of a package. Calculating shipping costs is important to choose among different methods of delivery as well as between several shipping carriers. U.S. postal service (USPS) or United Parcel Service (UPS) are common options for the domestic package delivery.
Calculating USPS shipping costs
Step 1
Weigh your package on the scale.
Step 2
If you are shipping a box, measure its dimensions (length, height and width) using a ruler.
Step 3
Navigate to the USPS Postage Price calculator on the Internet.
Step 4
Select the type of your parcel, typically either "Large Envelope" or "Package." Note that if any of your box dimensions are larger than 12 inches, you must choose the "Large Package" option.
Step 5
Enter the parcel weight (pounds/ounces) and ZIP codes of your location and destination in the respective fields. For example, you are shipping a 9 pounds 5 ounces package from ZIP code 60602 to 90010. Click "Continue."
Step 6
Choose a desired method of delivery such as Express Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Post or Media Mail. Note that, for each such a service, delivery time and price are given. For example, you may select Priority Mail with 2-day delivery. Click "Add Extra Services."
Step 7
Select extra optional services such as package insurance or delivery confirmation. Click "Continue" to display the mailing summary. Shipping costs will be under "Total."
Calculating UPS Shipping Costs
Step 1
Weigh your package on the scale.
Step 2
Measure box dimensions (length, height and width) using a ruler.
Step 3
Navigate to the UPS Shipping calculator on the Internet.
Step 4
Enter city names and ZIP codes in the fields "Ship From" and "Ship To."
Step 5
Enter the package weight (in pounds) and its dimensions in the respective fields. Click "Submit" to display shipping costs for different delivery methods--for instance UPS ground or UPS 3 days.
Things You'll Need
Scale
Metric ruler