What is the cheapest way to ship a 10 lb package?

Finding the cheapest way to ship a package isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. Hidden costs, risks, and regulations can creep into your total price.

I’ve shipped thousands of 10 lb packages all over the world, from computer monitors to ergonomic crutches, and I’ve spent countless hours comparing shipping costs between different carriers.

In this guide, I’ll show you the cheapest way to ship a 10 lb package, break down the various factors that influence shipping costs, and cover a few best practices for keeping your total shipping price to a minimum.

What you’ll learn 

The main factors that impact shipping costs

Hidden charges to watch for and how to sidestep them

Cost-saving strategies including loyalty programs and packaging-size optimization

What is the absolute cheapest way to ship a 10 lb package?

FedEx Ground service is the cheapest way to ship a 10 lb package within the United States.

This option is usually about $5 cheaper than services available from other major carriers, including UPS and USPS. But the true cost of shipping 10 lb goods comes down to a variety of factors—including dimensional weight, delivery speed, and insurance. So it’s important to consider any hidden costs as well.

Bear in mind, the least expensive shipping option can cost you more in the long run, since bypassing features like tracking could leave you responsible for lost packages.

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Shipping a 10 lb package: Costs summary

I’ve compared the cost of shipping a 10 lb package from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Dallas, Texas, using three major carriers: FedEx, USPS, and UPS.

For consistency, I’ve calculated the costs for shipping a 10 lb bowling ball in packaging with 9” X 9” X 9” dimensions.

Here’s a summary of 10 lb shipping costs:

The cheapest way to ship a 10 lb package is with FedEx Ground flat-rate pricing, which costs $18.55.

The cheapest way to ship a 10 lb package using Express services is with USPS Priority Mail Express 1-Day, which costs $113.95.

The average cost to ship a 10 lb package using Ground services is $25.53.

The average cost to ship a 10 lb package using Express services is $148.83.

Comparing major carriers

For exact pricing based on the distance and dimensions of your shipment, use these online postage calculators:

USPS Retail Postage Calculator

FedEx Shipping Cost Calculator

UPS Shipping Cost Calculator

Flat rate pricing for shipping a 10 lb package

Flat-rate shipping options are typically cheaper than the alternative, but they require investment in flat-rate boxes (premade cartons purchased directly from the carrier) that come in a limited number of sizes. Flat-rate boxes typically have a maximum weight per box and are priced based on the type of box and your shipping dimensions.

For more flat-rate pricing information, read the official flat-rate pricing sheets available on each carrier’s website:

USPS Postal Explorer Flat Rate Pricing

FedEx Standard List Rates

UPS Rate & Service Guide

4 critical factors affecting 10 lb shipping costs

The weight of your package plays a key role in determining 10 lb shipping costs, but it’s not everything.

Here are four more considerations when seeking the most affordable option for your package.

Ground deliveries are almost always cheaper than express services. If you need your goods to arrive at their destination in 24 hours, for example, you’ll likely have to pay a premium for expedited shipping.

In many cases, the difference between shipping by ground versus using express services can be several hundred dollars. Unless your shipment is time-sensitive, you can likely reduce your shipping costs by a large margin by opting for ground services.

The further you need to ship your goods, the more your shipment is likely to cost. Shipping locally (within the same town or city) will probably cost much less than shipping internationally.

Shipping goods between different states or countries also comes with additional costs to consider, such as higher insurance fees, customs clearance fees, and special packaging.

Different carriers use different pricing structures. These prices frequently change, so it’s important to look for the most up-to-date pricing before you select your carrier.

If you’re shipping a 10 lb package, it’s currently cheaper to ship with FedEx for shipments that aren’t time-sensitive. But for expedited shipments, USPS’ Priority Mail Express 1-Day service is the cheapest option. In other words, the unique requirements of your package will often dictate which carrier is the most affordable option.

NOTE: Most carriers offer included and additional insurance options for every shipment. Added insurance rates may differ between carriers, so I’d recommend comparing insurance options between major carriers and third-party providers.

Packaging options for shipping a 10 lb package can be split into two categories: your packaging or a flat-rate box available for purchase from your carrier. While it may be cheaper to use your own carton, flat-rate shipping prices are typically lower than custom dimensions. A flat-rate box may also still require additional packaging materials to ensure your goods are secure inside the box.

Shipping 10 lb goods may also require extra durable packaging to avoid breakage during transit. Our bowling ball example could easily get damaged—or damage other packages—if not securely packed.

Some carriers may require “Fragile” or “Heavy Package” stickers for 10 lb goods—which may add a few cents to your total costs. Packaging also contributes to the total weight and dimensions of your package and should be included in any final calculations.

Additional costs and risks to consider

We’ve covered the main factors affecting 10 lb shipping costs, but let’s cover a few more hidden risks and costs you need to consider.

Other factors affecting 10 lb shipping costs:

Hazardous goods costs

Special handling fees

Carrier collection fees

Residential delivery fees

Tracking and Proof of Delivery fees

Insurance costs

Customs clearance costs

Peak season surcharges

PRO TIP: Some added shipping costs can be easily avoided. Try dropping off your package to the carrier’s depot (or picking it up yourself), comparing third-party insurance schemes, and shipping outside of peak season windows to reduce your total costs.

Best practices to reduce the cost of shipping a 10 lb package

To make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck, try these money-saving strategies. 

While shipping with a well-known carrier is the standard method for transporting 10 lb packages, it’s not the only option.

Alternative 10 lb shipping options include:

Local or regional carriers (Consider OnTrac in the Western U.S. and LaserShip in the Eastern U.S.)

Bus or train shipping (Amtrak, Greyhound Package Express, or BusFreighter offer package delivery services along their routes.)

Paying for extra luggage (If you’re also flying to your destination, most airlines charge $30-60 for a checked bag up to 50 lbs.)

Rideshare delivery services (Roadie and GoShare are solid options.)

Most major carriers offer loyalty programs of some sort.

The United Parcel Service has the UPS Savings Program, and FedEx offers the FedEx Advantage Program. These solutions provide regular shippers with volume-based discounts.

By shipping through an official carrier partner, such as a third-party logistics company, you can also benefit from higher loyalty discounts.

Leverage third-party tools like ParcelMonkey, Shippo, and Easyship to quickly compare shipping rates side by side for major carriers. By entering your package and delivery details, you can get exact quotes based on your unique shipping requirements.

The smaller and lighter your packaging, the less added costs to your total shipping price.

Opting for more compact and lightweight packaging is a handy solution for reducing your costs. Just be sure your packaging remains strong enough to keep the contents safe and secure during transit.