How to Find the Cost of Shipping Through the United States Post Office
The United States Post Office picks up and delivers millions of letters and packages all over the country and from all over the world. It is used for business and personal shipping and delivery. The costs vary on items being shipped depending on the weight, the location being shipped to and the type of delivery class preferred. You can find out all of this information at the United States Post Office website USPS.com in a few minutes.
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Instructions
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Go online to the United States Post Office website. Click on "Calculate Postage" found near the top of the page.
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Click on either "Calculate Domestic Postage" for items being shipped within the United States or "Calculate International Postage" for items being shipped outside of the country. (These directions deal with domestic shipping.)
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Select the type of item being shipped under "Select a Shape." Choose from postcard, letter, large envelope, package or large package.
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Click on the "?" icon to learn more about each "shape" offered. This supplies specific details on the various item dimensions. Place a mark next to the one you need.
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Weigh the item you are shipping on a postal scale or other accurate scale. Enter the weight in the appropriate "Pounds" and "Ounces" boxes.
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Insert the zip codes of the "from" and "to" addresses in the boxes provided. Use the "Zip Code Lookup" link, if you are not sure of the zip codes.
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Choose a shipping (mailing) date for the item. The default setting will be the next day the post office is open for business.
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Click "Continue" to open the "Postage Price Calculator" showing various prices for shipping. Depending on your previous selection, you will see different delivery classes (Express, Priority, Parcel and others) and the estimated time of delivery along with the prices for each.
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Click on any of the "?" icons to learn more details. Look over the numerous selections to find the cost of shipping for your specific item or package.
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Click on "Add Extra Service" button found on bottom right if you need one or more extra services. Each service available is listed along with its price. This includes insurance, proof of delivery and other services.
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Choose any of the extra services you want and click "Continue" to add it to your total price of shipping. Check under "Summary" to verify all information (weight, zip codes, delivery class and services) is correct.
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Tips & Warnings
You can print your own postage label using the "Print Postage" button on the Postage Price Calculator" page after you calculate your shipping postage.
Always use an accurate weight to find the correct cost of shipping an item or the price will be calculated wrong. The item may be returned to you for additional postage if you printed your own postage and mailed it.
