What is USPS Priority Mail Cubic in 2024? The Complete Guide
If you run an ecommerce business or frequently need to ship packages, you‘re probably always evaluating ways to reduce postal expenses. One shipping service that offers major discounts for high-volume shippers is USPS Priority Mail Cubic.
But what exactly is Priority Mail Cubic, and could it save your small business money? This in-depth guide has everything you need to know about Cubic rates for 2024.
Who is Eligible for USPS Priority Mail Cubic Pricing?
Priority Mail Cubic provides discounted shipping rates up to 89% off regular Priority Mail prices. However, it is only available to shippers who meet annual volume minimums:
- 50,000+ parcels per year shipped via USPS
- Qualifying for a separate Cubic shipping contract
Small businesses that fall short of that threshold still have options to access discounted Cubic rates, which I‘ll cover shortly.
First, let‘s look at the package size requirements to qualify for Cubic pricing:
Priority Mail Cubic Package Requirements
To ship a package via Priority Mail Cubic, it must meet these conditions:
- Weigh 20 pounds or less
- Measure 1/2 cubic foot or less in combined dimensions
- No longer than 18 inches on its longest side
- Total of its two longest sides must be 36 inches or less
Boxes, envelopes, tubes, rolls, and irregular shapes may be eligible if they fall within the size and weight limits above.
How is USPS Priority Mail Cubic Priced and Rated?
Priority Mail Cubic uses a two-tiered pricing model based on:
- Destination zone: The further a package travels, the higher the rate
- Cubic rate tier: Determined by the parcel‘s volume in cubic feet, rounded down
For example, let‘s say you have a package that measures:
- 10 x 7 x 5 inches (L x W x H)
- Weighs 15 pounds
- Going to Zone 6
To determine the cubic rate tier:
- (10 x 7 x 5)/1,728 = 0.203 cubic feet
- Round down to the nearest tenth = 0.2 cubic feet
- Look up the price at the intersection of Zone 6 and the 0.2 tier
Based on the latest 2023 USPS Cubic pricing, that package would cost $7.56 to ship.
Compare that to $19.95 for regular Priority Mail at the same weight and zone. That‘s over 60% off!
Priority Mail Cubic vs. Other USPS Shipping Options
How does Priority Mail Cubic compare to other USPSShipping methods like Priority Mail Flat Rate and Retail Ground? Here‘s a quick overview:
| Service | Pricing Basis | Transit Time | Discounts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cubic | Size + zone | 1-3 days | Up to 89% off Priority Mail |
| Priority Mail | Weight + zone | 1-3 days | None |
| Flat Rate | Box type only | 1-3 days | Only if package fits designated boxes |
| Retail Ground | Weight + zone | 2-8 days | Lower rates for heavy packages |
Cubic stands out for providing the fastest service alongside the biggest discounts. No other USPS option can match those combined benefits for high-volume shippers.
How Can Small Businesses Get USPS Cubic Pricing?
If your business doesn‘t meet the 50,000 package minimum for Cubic yet, partnered shipping platforms provide alternative access:
- Shippo: Offers Cubic rates to all users
- ShipStation: Available for stores shipping 5,000+ parcels/year
- Stamps.com: Access with Multi-Carrier software subscription
These approved USPS providers can save you time and money versus directly contacting USPS to apply.
Conclusion
Priority Mail Cubic offers some of the steepest USPS discounts available for high-volume ecommerce shippers. It combines fast 1-3 day delivery times with size-based pricing up to 89% off standard rates.
Smaller businesses that don‘t meet annual volume requirements still have options to access Cubic and save. Fulfilling over 50,000 shipments per year directly via USPS unlocks the full Cubic rate schedule.
If exploring ways to reduce postal expenditures this year, Priority Mail Cubic is absolutely worth investigating further!
