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Flat rate shipping has become quite popular among e-commerce merchants. This is because it’s convenient and comes with predictable pricing even if you are shipping heavier packages across the U.S.
With flat rate box shipping, you get a fixed price to ship your boxed products. The term “flat rate” means the shipping costs are not connected to the item’s shape, size or weight. Instead, it’s based on the package size being shipped and sometimes the distance and speed of travel based on the shipping provider. Because of this, flat rate shipping is the one of the simplest shipping methods available.
Due to its predictability and ease of arranging shipments, flat rate shipping works for,
- Small businesses that need to ship packages to their customers because the costs are not based on the dimensional weight.
- Homeowners who want to ship large or heavier goods for long distances because the cost is not dependent on the height and weight.
Previously, flat rate shipping was only offered by FedEx and USPS, but now UPS have introduced their own service, known as UPS Simple Rate.
In this article, we’ll look at the UPS Simple Rate in detail, the benefits of using it, the costs, sizes of the UPS flat rate box sizes and how different it is from the FedEx and USPS services.
What is UPS Simple Rate?
Simple Rate is the latest shipping flat rate service provided by UPS. If you use this service, UPS allows you to deliver goods to any location within the U.S for a flat rate that’s calculated based on the size of your package. Simple Rate is ideal for most people because you get standardized pricing despite the size of your item.
Consumers and e-commerce businesses that have previously used FedEx One Rate and USPS Flat Rate to ship packages are already familiar with how this service works. However, the UPS service is a much simpler solution because you don’t need to consider multiple factors when calculating costs.
If you choose UPS Simple Rate, you can ship packages up to 50 pounds across the U.S. for a fixed fee that’s based on the size of the packaging. Currently, the company offers five flat packaging rates and four shipping speeds to choose from. Customers can also use their own packaging which is not allowed by USPS and FedEX.
How Much Does UPS Simple Rate Cost?
UPS Simple Rate costs start at $9.45 and depend on the following,
- Packaging size
- Destination (whether mainland or not)
- Delivery speed
UPS offers five different box sizes at different costs. These boxes range from Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large to Extra Large. If you use a bigger box, the higher the shipping cost.
Additionally, UPS Simple Rate prices also depend on your choice of delivery speed which is classified into four options.
- UPS Ground
- UPS 3 Day Select
- UPS 2nd Day Air
- UPS Next Day Air Saver
Here’s a breakdown of the costs.
| UPS Simple Rate Size | UPS Ground | UPS 3 Day Select | UPS 2nd Day Air | UPS Next Day Air Saver | Item Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Small | $9.45 | $16.10 | $18.60 | $27.35 | T-shirt, sunglasses, mug |
| Small | $12.40 | $19.50 | $22.15 | $34.85 | Tissue box, hardcover book |
| Medium | $14.95 | $27.70 | $28.35 | $39.05 | Three-ring binder, shoebox |
| Large | $19.60 | $37.10 | $50.55 | $58.60 | 14-inch laptop, regulation basketball |
| Extra Large | $24.30 | $46.60 | $65.50 | $75.75 | Tennis racket, small appliances |
Shipping prices also depend on delivery time, with options ranging from 4:30 PM the following day to 5 business days.Here’s how long the shipments take,
- UPS Ground: 1-5 business days
- UPS 3 Day Select: Within 3 business days
- UPS Second Day Air: By 12:00 PM of the second business day
- UPS Next Day Air Saver: By 4:30 PM the following day to commercial addresses; same-day delivery to residential addresses
Furthermore, delivery pricing is different between continental U.S. and Alaska or Hawaii. Therefore, consumers pay more if they wish to send a package to Alaska or Hawaii.
If you want to ship items to metro Alaska or metro Hawaii, here are the UPS rates you should expect to pay.
| Simple Rate Size | UPS Ground | UPS 2nd Day Air |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Small | $33.55 | $37.10 |
| Small | $36.10 | $39.85 |
| Medium | $44.60 | $48.75 |
| Large | $58.00 | $62.50 |
| Extra Large | $71.75 | $76.10 |
On the other hand, if you are shipping goods to remote areas of Alaska and Hawaii with UPS Simple Rate, the costs increase. Here’s how much it will cost.
| Simple Rate Size | UPS Ground | UPS 2nd Day Air |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Small | $43.80 | $68.55 |
| Small | $46.05 | $74.10 |
| Medium | $55.00 | $83.50 |
| Large | $67.40 | $97.10 |
| Extra Large | $82.10 | $115.25 |
What Are UPS Flat Rate Box Sizes?
UPS Simple Rate uses boxes of five sizes. They are also more flexible because they allow customers to use their own boxes or packaging if they prefer. The maximum size limit for this UPS flat rate box is 1,728 cubic inches and 50 pounds. Here are the common box dimensions if you want to ship with UPS.
| UPS Simple Rate Size | Cubic Inches | Common Box Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Small | 1-100 | 4x4x4, 6x4x4, 8x6x2 |
| Small | 101-250 | 6x6x6, 8x6x5, 12x9x2 |
| Medium | 251-650 | 8x8x8, 12x9x6, 13x11x2 |
| Large | 651-1,050 | 10x10x10, 12x12x7, 15x11x6 |
| Extra Large | 1,051-1,728 | 12x12x12, 16x12x9, 18x12x6 |
These dimensions are essential especially, if you plan to use your own packaging materials for Simple Rate shipping.
UPS has been adding new services to meet more customer needs. They recently acquired a healthcare logistics provider, to expand their operations over their close competitors FedEx and USPS. As the latest entrant in flat rate shipping, what sets them apart from the other carriers? Let’s take a closer look.
Packaging options
Unlike FedEx and USPS, UPS allows consumers to use their own packaging for flat rate shipping. In addition, qualifying UPS customers can order free Simple Rate packaging from UPS Customer Technology Program. While they don’t charge for the packaging, allowing customers to use their own branded packaging improves the customer experience.
As an e-commerce business, you can use your customized packaging to showcase your brand.
Lower maximum weight
UPS Simple Rate limits the maximum weight of shipments to 50 pounds. This limit is the same as FedEx One Rate but much lower compared to USPS Flat Rate which caps off the maximum weight at 70 pounds.
Multiple delivery options
UPS customers can choose between four delivery speeds; UPS Ground, UPS 3 Day Select, UPS 2nd Day Air, and UPS Next Day Air Saver. On the other hand, FedEx OneRate only offers express services, they don’t have ground options, while USPS Flat Rate only travels via Priority Mail which takes 1-3 business days.
Offers more volume
UPS shines over its competitors because they focus on volume and not weight. With UPS Simple Rate, you can ship boxes of up to 1728 cubic inches for a fixed fee. This is way higher compared to 900 cubic inches offered by USPS Flat Rate boxes FedEx’s 1452 cubic inches.
Shipping rates
UPS offers a national flat rate anywhere in continental U.S based on the package size alone, just like USPS. However, FedEx One Rate is not uniform,it varies depending on the size and destination. They factor in three destination zones, each with a different cost.
Delivery guarantee
UPS guarantees delivery of all the Simple Rate packages for the date quoted or you get your money back. FedEx also has a guarantee but USPS does not offer one. If your shipments are late, Betachon can help you get a refund from the carrier.
Package Insurance
UPS Simple Rate packages are automatically insured up to $100, same as FedEx One Rate packages. However, USPS Flat Rate will only insure your package up to $50.
What are the Advantages Of UPS Simple Rate?
Flat rate shipping has become a go-to for online merchants. But before you choose between UPS, USPS or FedEx flat rate shipping, you need to consider the pros and cons of each service. So, what are the benefits of UPS Simple Rate? Here’s what you need to know.
Custom packaging
UPS gives businesses a branding opportunity by allowing them to use their customized packaging. Branding is integral in e-commerce to help you compete with other companies, differentiate your brand and create a memorable experience for your customers. If you are not a well-known business, this is your chance to use your own materials. This will market and promote your company.Volume options
If your shipment is made up of large items, UPS is the best option than FedEx and USPS because they hold more volume. You can ship in larger boxes; therefore, if you are sending packages that are light but need extra space, UPS Simple Rate might be the best alternative.
Cost predictability
It’s helpful if merchants can predict their own shipping costs. Compared to other carriers like FedEx One Rate, UPS has a flatter price structure. This predictability helps you get an idea of exactly how much you are spending on shipping. Therefore, you can use these details to create a shipping budget and forecast your company cash flow.
Delivery options
UPS can get the delivery done much faster depending on the speed you prefer. You can choose the pricing based on the time you want the delivery to take.
UPS Simple Rate FAQs
Do I need an account to ship with Simple Rate?
You don’t need a contract or an account to use Simple Rate for your shipments.
Where can I ship to and from with Simple Rate?
If you use Simple Rate, you can ship domestically to all 50 U.S. states. Currently, Simple Rate does not support International shipments.
Are UPS Flat Rate boxes free?
You can order UPS flat rate boxes; however, qualifying customers can get them for free. However, UPS allows retailers to pack their goods using their own custom packaging.
What if my package exceeds the UPS Simple Rate limits?
UPS package limits the volume to 1,728 cubic inches and weight of 50 pounds. Therefore, if your package is above these limits, you can’t use the Simple Rate solutions, you’ll have to use standard UPS rates which are based on dimensional weight and zone.
Summary
UPS Simple Rate is a favorite for customers because the pricing is quite simple. Businesses and individuals chose it for flat rate shipping because it allows them to save time and energy using standard shipping.
If you have been using flat rate shipping services from UPS, we can conduct a freight audit to examine the costs you spend on delivery fees and determine if you are eligible for any refunds.