How To Ship A Cell Phone With USPS
Planning to ship a cellphone but not sure which carrier to use? Learn how to ship a cellphone with USPS, UPS and FedEx and get to know the best option in this article. Step by Step guide on how to ship a cellphone.
USPS is a carrier service that ships and delivers many types of packages daily. These packages carry different things starting from books to gadgets to forms. One of the things that USPS will ship for you without hesitation is a cell phone. If you have doubts about can you mail a cell phone through USPS? The answer is a definite yes. However, there are certain modifications to the USPS shipping process for shipping a cell phone.
You can ship multiple cell phones using USPS shipping too. However, the two most important things to pay attention to here are pricing and packaging. You have to be mindful of the packaging so that the cell phone does not go missing. Shipping a cell phone may look like a challenging task, given the value of the gadget. However, USPS has made it easy to send a cell phone using their services.
Related: USPS Flat Rate Boxes & Pricing: eCommerce Businesses
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Phone Through USPS?
Once you are sure of shipping your cell phone through USPS, you need to look into the cost of shipping for your gadget. So, how much does it cost to ship a phone through USPS? It depends on the package you want to send it with. The cheapest alternative you have to ship with is the USPS first class package service. USPS extends this class of service to packages that weigh below the benchmark of 1 lb. As a cell phone usually weighs around 1 lb, it is better to ship it with first-class package service.
When you choose to ship cell phones with the First Class package services, your package arrives at its destination within one to four business days. It also depends on the location you are sending the phone to. If it is near the shipping center you have chosen, even overnight delivery is possible. It will cost somewhere from $4 to $8 to ship a cell phone with USPS.
Related: What is FedEx Ground Economy (FedEx Smartpost) For Businesses?
Steps To Ship A Cell Phone Through USPS Services
When you are shipping through USPS first class package service, USPS does not provide any free packaging option for your shipment. Also, you have to arrange to package your cell phone. The packaging needs to be well-cushioned and secure so that there is no damage in transit to your phone.
Related: USPS Lost My Package: What Do I Do?
Choose a box or a padded envelope.
If you are shipping only one or two cell phones, choosing a padded envelope that protects your cell phone is better. If you are sending a couple of phones, choosing a sturdy box for outer packaging is better.
1. You can go for a flat rate shipping box provided by USPS for a minimal charge.
2. You can choose to buy it from the post office or order boxes online.
3. Wrap the phones with bubble wrap and paper packaging. Secure the wrap with tape.
4. If you put the phones inside a shipping box, cushion the box with loose packing materials like paper flakes, etc.
5. You can take the secured package out to the nearest USPS shipping center or post office.
6. Pay for the first-class package shipping service appropriate to the delivery location.
7. Affix the proper postage stamp on the top corner of the box after clearly mentioning the sender’s and receiver’s addresses.
8. Deposit it at the post office and note down the tracking number you get from the officials.
Related: What is FedEx Priority Overnight?
Conclusion
Shipping a cell phone with USPS is cheaper than sending a cell phone with UPS. The shipping rate of USPS for cell phones is cheaper than rates to Ship a Cell Phone with FedEx. Even eCommerce platforms use USPS services to ship cell phones to their customers.
Recommended: Cheapest Overnight Shipping Options for Retailers
Calculating Your Package's Cubic Tier
For Boxes and Rigid Packages:
- Measure the outer dimensions (length, width, height) in inches
- Round each measurement down to the nearest quarter inch
- Multiply length x width x height
- Divide the result by 1728 (cubic inches in a cubic foot)
- The result is your package's cubic feet measurement
Example: For a box measuring 12.3" x 9.5" x 3":
- Round down to 12.25" x 9.5" x 3"
- 12.25 x 9.5 x 3 = 349.125
- 349.125 / 1728 = 0.202 cubic feet
- This package falls into the 0.3 cubic feet pricing tier
Note: Maximum size for any single dimension is 18 inches
For Envelopes and Soft Packs:
- Measure the length and width of the empty envelope
- Round down to the nearest quarter inch
- Add the length and width together
- Use the total to determine the pricing tier:
- Tier 0.1: Up to 21"
- Tier 0.2: 21.01" to 27"
- Tier 0.3: 27.01" to 31"
- Tier 0.4: 31.01" to 34"
- Tier 0.5: 34.01" to 36"
Restrictions
- Tubes and rolls are not eligible for Cubic pricing
- Maximum combined length and girth is 84 inches
Benefits of Using Priority Mail Cubic
- Cost savings: Cheaper than weight-based pricing for small, heavy items
- Predictable pricing: Easy to calculate shipping costs based on box dimensions
- Fast delivery: 1-3 business day delivery to any US address, including PO boxes
- Free tracking: Monitor shipments at no extra cost
- Included insurance: $100 of coverage with every shipment
- No surcharges: Residential and fuel surcharges included in the price
Tips for Maximizing Savings
- Optimize packaging: Use the smallest box possible that safely fits your items
- Consider breaking up large orders: Sometimes shipping in multiple smaller boxes can be cheaper
- Use cubic feet calculators: Online tools can help quickly determine your package's tier
- Compare rates: Always compare Cubic rates with other shipping methods
- Use Commercial Pricing: Accessing Commercial Pricing rates can lead to even more savings
2024 USPS Priority Mail Cubic Rates
Accessing Priority Mail Cubic Rates
Priority Mail Cubic isn't available at regular Post Office counters. However, many online shipping platforms and 3PL providers offer access to these rates. By partnering with a fulfillment provider, you can easily access these discounted rates and streamline your shipping process. For small-scale sellers not yet ready for a 3PL, Pirate Ship offers free access to USPS Priority Mail Cubic rates with no monthly fees or minimums.