Determining the most affordable way to ship 20 lb goods requires special consideration. Whether you’re shipping a weighted blanket, a patio table, or a car tire, there are hidden costs and requirements that will likely affect your total shipping price.
I’ve worked in the logistics sector for over a decade, shipping hundreds of goods across states and international borders using all major carriers.
In this guide, I’ll help you determine the cheapest way to ship a 20 lb package, explore the various factors that affect the price of your shipment, and offer a few best practices for minimizing your shipping costs.
What is the absolute cheapest way to ship a 20 lb package?
The cheapest way to ship a 20 lb package within the United States is with the FedEx Ground service.
This option is usually $1–10 cheaper than services available from other major carriers, including UPS and USPS. However, many factors influence the cost of shipping 20 lb goods—such as distance, dimensional weight, and time sensitivity—so it’s important to consider these additional costs as well.
The cheapest option can often be the least reliable. Neglecting to insure your package, for example, can result in higher costs should the goods get damaged or lost in transit.
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Shipping a 20 lb package: Costs summary
To answer the question, “What is the cheapest way to ship a 20 lb package?” I’ve compared the costs of shipping a standard 20 lb package from Chicago, Illinois, to Boston, Massachusetts, using three major carriers: FedEx, USPS, and UPS.
To keep things simple, I’ve calculated the costs for shipping a 20 lb sledgehammer. The packaging dimensions for this item are typically around 36” X 3” X 5”.
Here’s a summary of 20 lb shipping costs:
The cheapest way to ship a 20 lb package is with FedEx Ground flat-rate pricing, which costs $24.22.
The cheapest way to ship a 20 lb package using Express services is with USPS Priority Mail Express 1-Day flat-rate pricing, which costs $164.55.
The average cost to ship a 20 lb package using Ground services is $34.71.
The average cost to ship a 20 lb package using Express services is $236.28.
NOTE: Shipping costs can vary based on the size and contents of your package. If you’re shipping hazardous goods or an item much larger than a sledgehammer—such as an outdoor table—it’s likely your costs will be a different rate.
Comparing major carriers
| Carrier | Service Comparison | Ground | Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx | FedEx Ground vs. FedEx Priority Overnight | $37.10 | $324.02 |
| UPS | UPS Ground vs. UPS Next Day Air | $38.52 | $275.81 |
| USPS | USPS Ground Advantage vs. Priority Mail Express 1-Day | $39.15 | $182.55 |
To determine the exact cost of shipping your 20 lb package, use these online postage calculators available on the carriers’ websites:
Flat rate pricing for shipping a 20 lb package
| Carrier | Service Comparison | Ground | Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx | FedEx Ground vs. FedEx Priority Overnight | $24.22 | $233.03 |
| UPS | UPS Ground vs. UPS Next Day Air | $38.52 | $237.72 |
| USPS | USPS Ground Advantage vs. Priority Mail Express 1-Day | $30.75 | $164.55 |
For more flat-rate pricing information, check out the official flat-rate pricing sheets for each major carrier:
Factors affecting 20 lb shipping costs
When it comes to shipping your 20 lb package, weight is just one of several factors that affect your final pricing. Let’s break down some of the other costs you must consider when calculating the cheapest possible shipping option.
Delivery speed
Slower deliveries are typically cheaper than Express services. The more time-sensitive your shipment, the more it’s likely to cost to ensure it arrives when you need it to.
As demonstrated in the carrier cost comparisons above, the difference between Ground and Express services can be several hundred dollars—so be sure to only select an expedited option if your goods have a strict delivery deadline.
Distance
How far your goods are traveling—from origin to destination—plays an important role when calculating shipping costs.
Local shipments will typically cost a lot less than international deliveries. Shipping to another country or state can also incur hidden fees you need to be aware of, such as freight forwarding and higher insurance costs.
Carrier
Every carrier uses a unique pricing structure that’s subject to change at any time. When shipping a 20 lb package using Ground services, FedEx’s flat-rate pricing is cheaper—but if you require Express services, you’ll be financially better off with USPS’s Priority Mail Express 1-Day flat-rate option.
Additionally, most carriers offer insurance options for every shipment. This varies between providers and could affect your total 20 lb shipping costs.
PRO TIP: Compare insurance options between major carriers and third-party providers to find the best option for your shipment.
Packaging
There are two packaging options for shipping a 20 lb package: using your packaging or purchasing a flat-rate box from your carrier. Both options come with added costs to your total shipping price, so it’s worth comparing the price of packaging before committing to any option.
20 lb goods may also require extra durable packaging to avoid breakage during transit. A pair of 10 lb dumbbells, for example, can easily tear through thin paper packaging if mishandled.
Key packaging considerations for 20 lb shipments:
Carriers may require “Fragile” or “Heavy Package” stickers for specific goods—which may add a few cents to your total costs.
Packaging contributes to the total weight and dimensions of your package and should be included in any final calculations.
Hazardous goods often require specific packaging and extra documentation for a carrier to accept the delivery request.
Additional costs and risks to consider
I want to make sure you fully understand the cost of shipping your 20 lb package, so let’s cover a few hidden costs and risks that add to the total price.
Additional considerations for shipping a 20 lb package include:
Carrier collection fees
Residential delivery fees
Insurance costs
Delivery method (Express vs. Ground)
Hazardous goods costs
Special handling fees
Customs clearance costs
This is not an exhaustive list.
There are several minor costs, such as added tracking and Proof of Delivery, that all add up. The level of tracking also affects the risk of your goods being lost, damaged, or stolen. Cheaper shipping services typically come with riskier delivery methods and less responsible drivers.
By mitigating the risks of shipping your package, you may end up saving money in the long run (should something bad happen during the delivery).
Minimizing the cost of shipping a 20 lb package
Once you’ve found the most affordable option that meets your requirements, there are some steps you can take to further reduce the cost of shipping a 20 lb package. Here are some of my best tips for minimizing shipping costs.
Leverage third-party tools to compare carrier rates
01
Websites like ParcelMonkey, Shippo, and Easyship are great for comparing up-to-date rates between different carriers. By entering your package and delivery details, you can use these tools to view side-by-side costs for your shipment.
Minimize your packaging
02
More compact packaging will help you reduce the total weight and size of your shipment—resulting in more affordable shipping costs. If the carton you’re using is significantly larger than the items being shipped, you can cut it down to the right size for a handy cost reduction.
Break your shipment down into smaller packages
03
In some cases, it may be cheaper to split your package into smaller shipments. If you’re shipping multiple items or goods that can be dissembled into smaller parts, separate shipments can help you avoid added costs for shipping heavy goods.
Apply carrier discounts
04
Most major carriers offer loyalty programs, such as UPS’s Savings Program or FedEx’s Advantage Program, that provide frequent shippers with handy discounts. You can also benefit from volume discounts and long-term partnerships—or by shipping through an official partner of your chosen carrier.
Consider less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping
05
It’s possible to reduce shipping costs by opting for LTL shipping (rather than the full truckload method). This method involves sharing truck space with other shippers to spread the costs of delivery between each party.
