A box up to 70 lb going anywhere in the U.S. ships Ground Advantage unless it has to arrive faster. The price depends on the weight, the box size and the distance, and buying postage online beats the counter on every row we quoted.
The rules on one table
| Rule | What USPS says |
|---|---|
| Where it goes | All 50 states, U.S. military bases (APO/FPO/DPO, customs form required), territories, possessions and the Freely Associated States |
| Maximum weight | 70 lb |
| Maximum size | 130 inches, length plus girth combined |
| Under 1 lb | Priced in four tiers: up to 4 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz and 15.999 oz, rounded up to the next tier |
| 1 lb and over | Priced by the pound, rounded up (8.3 lb pays the 9 lb price), and by zone |
| Large, light boxes | Over 1,728 cubic inches: length × width × height ÷ 139, each side rounded up to the inch; the higher of that and the real weight is billed |
| Delivery | 2–5 days; slower to Alaska, Hawaii, offshore destinations and for hazardous materials |
| Included | USPS Tracking, 100 USD of coverage for loss or damage (more can be bought, up to 5,000 USD), forwarding and return to sender |
| Long or bulky boxes | Add 4.50 USD for 22–30 in long, 10.00 USD over 30 in, 21.00 USD over 2 cubic feet; 4.00 USD for tubes, rolls, cans, wooden or metal boxes |
| Live animals and perishables | A 7.50 USD handling fee |
| Hazardous materials | The primary USPS option for items that may only travel by ground |
| Counter price | Starts at 8.40 USD at a Post Office; online postage pays lower Commercial prices |
The dimensional rule only starts above one cubic foot, so most shoe boxes and book mailers are priced on their real weight. A light box that crosses 1,728 cubic inches is where the bill jumps.
What it cost today
| Box | To | Online here | Post Office | Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paperback book 9 × 6 × 2 in, 1 lb | Philadelphia, PA | $8.68 | $10.45 | 2–3 business days |
| Paperback book 9 × 6 × 2 in, 1 lb | Chicago, IL | $10.27 | $11.70 | 5–6 business days |
| Paperback book 9 × 6 × 2 in, 1 lb | Los Angeles, CA | $11.28 | $13.65 | 5–6 business days |
| Pair of sneakers 14 × 10 × 5 in, 3 lb | Philadelphia, PA | $8.68 | $12.50 | 2–3 business days |
| Pair of sneakers 14 × 10 × 5 in, 3 lb | Chicago, IL | $10.27 | $15.70 | 5–6 business days |
| Pair of sneakers 14 × 10 × 5 in, 3 lb | Los Angeles, CA | $14.29 | $23.15 | 5–6 business days |
| Cast iron skillet 16 × 13 × 4 in, 9 lb | Philadelphia, PA | $8.68 | $16.20 | 2–3 business days |
| Cast iron skillet 16 × 13 × 4 in, 9 lb | Chicago, IL | $12.05 | $22.80 | 5–6 business days |
| Cast iron skillet 16 × 13 × 4 in, 9 lb | Los Angeles, CA | $17.26 | $37.10 | 5–6 business days |
Distance moves the price more than weight on short hops: from Newark to Philadelphia all three boxes came back at $8.68, while the 9 lb skillet cost $17.26 to Los Angeles. The counter gap widens with weight: $37.10 at the Post Office for that same skillet.
When to pick something else
It has to be there sooner
Priority Mail is the faster USPS service. For the 1 lb book to Los Angeles it quoted $16.47 and 4–5 business days, against $11.28 and 5–6 business days on Ground Advantage.
It weighs more than 70 lb
Ground Advantage stops at 70 lb. A heavier box needs UPS or FedEx, and the calculator shows which of their services take your weight.
Another carrier is cheaper
UPS Ground Saver and FedEx Ground Economy beat it on some of today’s rows. A quote that lists all three carriers side by side settles it for your box.
Common questions
What is USPS Ground Advantage?
It is the Postal Service’s everyday package service inside the U.S.: packages up to 70 lb and 130 inches in length plus girth, tracking included, priced by weight and zone. USPS calls it its affordable option for packages, and it is the main ground option for hazardous materials that cannot fly.
How long does USPS Ground Advantage take?
USPS states 2–5 days, slower to Alaska, Hawaii and offshore destinations and for hazardous materials. The quotes on this page estimated 2–3 business days from Newark to Philadelphia and 5–6 business days to Chicago and Los Angeles.
What is the weight and size limit?
70 lb, and 130 inches in length plus girth combined. A box larger than 1,728 cubic inches is also checked against its dimensional weight: length times width times height divided by 139, inches rounded up.
Is it cheaper online than at the Post Office?
In every quote on this page, yes. The same box and route cost $8.68 to $17.26 online here, against a Post Office retail price that was higher on all nine rows.
Is Ground Advantage always the cheapest option?
No. On 2026-10-21 the 3 lb sneakers to Los Angeles quoted $13.22 on FedEx Ground Economy against $14.29 on Ground Advantage, and the 1 lb book to Chicago quoted $9.73 on UPS Ground Saver against $10.27. Compare the carriers for your own box.