As one of the largest courier shipping companies in the USA, United Parcel Service (UPS) was falling short when it came to Flat rates. So, UPS introduced a simple rate system that is akin to the flat rate of other shipping companies. In this system, you get to use your box for packaging and the flat free is dependent on the size of the box you used for shipping. For instance, an extra small box of 1-100 cubic inches has a starting price of $9.45 for shipping.
There are 5 box sizes available from extra small to extra-large. The price range for each size is below:
| BOX SIZE | DIMENSIONS* | STARTING PRICE | SIZE SAMPLES |
| Extra small | 1-100 | $9.45 | Nail paints, sunglasses, t-shirts, mugs, etc. |
| Small | 101-250 | $12.40 | Books, a small photo frame, an alarm clock, etc. |
| Medium | 251-650 | $14.95 | Flower vase, shoes, etc. |
| Large | 651-1050 | $19.60 | 14-inch laptops, basketball, a mixer, etc. |
| Extra large | 1051-1728 | $24.30 | Tennis rackets, small appliances like coffee machines, etc. |
Dimensions are in cubic inches.
The rates are slightly different in the cities of Alaska and Hawaii. The shipping prices there also depend on whether the item is shipped to a metropolitan area or not.
Shipping options provided by UPS
There are generally four shipping options provided by UPS:
- UPS® Ground
- UPS 3 Day Select®
- UPS 2nd Day Air®
- UPS Next Day Air Saver®
Advantages of UPS Simple rate of shipping
You might be thinking, “why should we use UPS simple rate shipping over others?”. Then, let us take a look at the advantages you’ll get over other shipping rates.
- Fast delivery: there are four delivery options available that deliver the items within 5, 3, 2, or 1 day.
- Constant rate: as you use your box for shipping, it becomes easier to calculate the price for shipping as it isn’t based on the weight or distance of the product. You can easily see the estimated price by checking the rates for different-sized boxes and choosing the perfect size for your product.
- Large package: as long as the parcel doesn’t exceed the maximum weight limit of 50 lbs, you can ship any large package up to the size of 1,728 cubic inches.
- Checking package: no need to check the weight or measure the package, as the price isn’t dependent on that.
- Different price options: the customer gets five options to choose their price from. As there aren’t too many options, it reduces the chances of confusion that might’ve occurred from calculating the price.
- Reuse: one of the main advantages of using this service is that it reduces the wastage of cardboard boxes. You can reuse an old cardboard box you own.
- Product marketing: if you’re a small business owner, this service is best for you to advertise your product. If you use a customized box for shipping your product, then the customer that receives the product will know more about your business. A right and good-looking packaging can make you gain more customers for the future.
A comparison between UPS simple rate VS FedEx and USPS flat rate
| criteria | Ups simple rate | FedEx flat rate | USPS flat rate |
Package and pricing | The size of the package decides the price | Price is decided by the distance of shipment destination | Constant price (sometimes depends on shipper’s location) |
| Shipping options | Options are available for five, three, two, and next-day delivery. | Options like 2-day, 2-day A.M., overnight, priority overnight, first overnight available. | Only sends flat rate parcels through priority mail |
| shipping heavy packages | max weight- 50 lbs(not suitable) | Max weight- 50 lbs(also, not suitable) | max weight- 70 lbs(most suitable one out of the three) |
| Shipping large packages | Allows boxes up to 1,728 cubic inches | Not suitable | Not suitable |
| Insurance and assurance | Packages are insured for up to $100, with a guaranteed refund if the product doesn’t arrive on time. | Insurance up to $100, also provides a guarantee of a refund if the package arrives late. | Insurance is available for up to $50 and no guarantee |
Conclusion
In conclusion, UPS’s simple rate is good for shipping small and medium-sized packages. If you’re a small business owner or someone who needs to frequently ship packages, you might not want to calculate the shipping price each time. So, in that case, simple rate shipping is the most suitable way of shipping packages for you.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do I need an account for shipping through the simple rate?
No, you don’t need an account for shipping through UPS’s Simple rate system.
Is Simple Rate available for international shipments?
No, you can’t ship worldwide at a Simple Rate. It is available for shipping in 50 U.S states.
Can I buy a box from UPS for shipping at a Simple Rate?
Yes, you can buy a box for shipping at a Simple Rate. Remember this, Simple Rate shipping allows you to ship packages using your boxes. This means, that if you don’t want to pay for the box, you can provide your own. You can also buy branded boxes at UPS for shipping.
What to do if my package exceeds the limits of Simple Rate shipping?
If your package exceeds the limits for Simple Rate shipping, then, you should use UPS’s standard rates for shipping. Here, the price of shipping will be decided by the weight of the package and the distance to the destination.