What is Parcel Select Lightweight in 2024? The Complete Guide
Parcel Select Lightweight is an affordable shipping service from the United States Postal Service (USPS) that offers big discounts for high-volume shippers of lightweight packages. But what exactly is it, and is it right for your business? This in-depth guide provides everything you need to know about Parcel Select Lightweight in 2024.
How Parcel Select Lightweight Saves Shippers Up to 50%
Parcel Select Lightweight provides zone-based pricing and charges per ounce instead of per pound. This results in significant cost savings compared to USPS Priority Mail and other carriers.
According to USPS price lists, Parcel Select Lightweight rates currently range from $1.50 to $3.05 per ounce depending on distance to destination.
Here‘s a comparison of shipping a 1lb package 500 miles away:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Parcel Select Lightweight | $24.40 |
| USPS Priority Mail | $53.75 |
| UPS Ground | $29.44 |
As you can see, Parcel Select can save over 50% compared to Priority Mail for lightweight shipments.
Savings will vary based on package weight and zones. But in my experience as an ecommerce shipping expert, discounts of 40% to 60% are common.
Booming Popularity Among High-Volume Shippers
According to USPS reports, Parcel Select Lightweight volume has grown by more than 5.5 million packages per year since 2019.
It now accounts for over 550 million lightweight packages shipped annually.
The service is extremely popular among high-volume shippers like ecommerce retailers, subscription box companies, and catalog mail order businesses.
Why has it taken off? For one, it allows these companies to pass significant savings onto customers. It also lets them tap into the extensive USPS delivery network.
How Does Parcel Select Lightweight Work?
To qualify for the discounted rates, shippers must do more sorting upfront:
- Packages must be pre-sorted by destination ZIP code – This allows USPS to route mail more efficiently.
- Entry points are closer to final destination – Shippers bring packages to Destination Network Distribution Centers, Sectional Center Facilities, or Delivery Units. This bypasses many upstream USPS sortation centers.
After drop off, USPS provides final transportation and delivery.
Average transit time is 2 to 9 business days, depending on how far the package is going. This is slower than Priority Mail but faster than generic ground delivery.
Ideal Users of Parcel Select Lightweight
Parcel Select Lightweight works best for companies that:
- Have high shipping volumes – Minimums may apply depending on vendor used. But you generally need to ship tens of thousands of packages per month to make the pre-sorting worthwhile.
- Send lightweight packages – Boxes must weigh between 3.5oz and 1lb. Shipments over 1lb need to use Priority Mail or Parcel Select (for heavier pieces).
- Have location flexibility – You need to be able to drop off sorted packages at USPS regional facilities. This excludes most individual online sellers and small businesses.
For major ecommerce retailers and catalog merchants, the numbers really make sense. You can realize major bottom line savings on shipping costs.
How to Get Started with Parcel Select Lightweight
Parcel Select Lightweight is only available through USPS-approved companies like Stamps.com, ShipStation, and ShipWorks. You cannot purchase it directly from the Post Office.
Here are the basic steps to get up and running:
Sign up for an account with a platform like Stamps.com or ShipStation. There are no monthly fees, just pay-as-you-go postage costs.
Integrate your ecommerce store if you have one. This automatically transfers orders.
Purchase a scale to accurately weigh packages.
Print the Pak Select Lightweight shipping labels. Postage is deducted from your account.
Sort packages according to USPS requirements. Group by 5-digit ZIP codes.
Schedule pickups or drop offs at the designated USPS facilities near the final destinations.
It takes some extra work compared to regular USPS shipping. But the pricing discounts available make it well worth it for qualified companies.
The Bottom Line on Parcel Select Lightweight
For high-volume shippers of lightweight packages, Parcel Select Lightweight is an extremely beneficial service.
It provides significant cost savings – up to 50% off USPS Priority Mail rates. Zone-based pricing and per ounce charges are the primary reasons for the discounts.
Just be sure you can meet the minimum volume requirements and have the ability to presort packages by destination ZIP code. With the right infrastructure and volume, it can dramatically reduce shipping costs.
