shipping costs?
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I think a first class letter or a flat rate priority box are the same no matter the destination. All other packages are weighed and adjusted for how far they travel.
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shipping rates
Ak and HI are much more expensive because you have to send via AIR. USPS, UPS, Fed EX, all the carriers you have to send via AIR.
USPS First class mail is sent via a GROUND (won't make it to HI or AK). When things get shipped GROUND (UPS, USPS, FedEx, almost all carriers) they just use the weight of the package to charge you the fee to deliver. That is, up to a certain size (I don't remember size limits currently, previously, it was anything over 108" for L+W+H of your box).
When you ship AIR (AK or HI or down the street), they charge you based on the Dimensional weight (L+W+H), not just the weight of the package. GROUND shipping charges for actual weight, unless it is over a certain size.
For example, if you have a surfboard that weighs 5 lbs, but is 7' long, its way more expensive to ship than just a 5 lb box, or even a 30 lb box for that matter, via GROUND or AIR.
SO, that being said, shipping to AK and HI is higher, because it HAS to get shipped via AIR, which, the cheapest way to do that via USPS is through Priority Mail. Their flat rate boxes would be the cheapest way to send something to AK or HI. Next cheapest, would be to package yourself, as small as possible.
Ak and HI are much more expensive because you have to send via AIR. USPS, UPS, Fed EX, all the carriers you have to send via AIR.
USPS First class mail is sent via a GROUND (won't make it to HI or AK). When things get shipped GROUND (UPS, USPS, FedEx, almost all carriers) they just use the weight of the package to charge you the fee to deliver. That is, up to a certain size (I don't remember size limits currently, previously, it was anything over 108" for L+W+H of your box).
When you ship AIR (AK or HI or down the street), they charge you based on the Dimensional weight (L+W+H), not just the weight of the package. GROUND shipping charges for actual weight, unless it is over a certain size.
For example, if you have a surfboard that weighs 5 lbs, but is 7' long, its way more expensive to ship than just a 5 lb box, or even a 30 lb box for that matter, via GROUND or AIR.
SO, that being said, shipping to AK and HI is higher, because it HAS to get shipped via AIR, which, the cheapest way to do that via USPS is through Priority Mail. Their flat rate boxes would be the cheapest way to send something to AK or HI. Next cheapest, would be to package yourself, as small as possible.
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And the configuration of the package.
fae
Roger on using one of their boxes, but if you need a 'special wrap/odd size' you will pay a fee based on weight, package measurements as well as destination. Cost is not 'huge,' usually on a dollar or two depending upon the package. Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada all will cost 'extra.' Shipping to Europe/UK will really kick up the cost.
fae
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3,488 Posts
I send and receive priority Mail packages all the time and have always wondered why people think mailing to AK. is different than mailing to Washington State. I am grateful that there are no additional charges for those of us here in AK and I assume Hawaii is the same, just takes a little longer maybe............
I've sent boxes to AK when doing trips, and considering how far it's going, find it pretty reasonable. I don't' have dimensions, but last time was like 35 lbs, and it cost about that many dollars. More than sending something from NY to OR, but not crazy unreasonable.
But give it some time. 10 days or more to be safe.
But give it some time. 10 days or more to be safe.
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Yup!
Priority Mail or not, post/package is going into the same mail bag if under a few hundred miles. Long hauls PM's will probably see an airplane ride rather than all ground.
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88 Posts
USPS set up "zones" and there are only so many... from NY to AK is no more than NY to the West Coast.
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Sorry, totally incorrect. First ground with UPS is available. Second, much of the slow boat stuff comes literally by boat. Third Priority USPS is exactly the same price no matter where in the US it goes. Fourth, we get Fisrt Class USPS mail all the time.
Yes, shippers do calculate volume and charge by the higher, weight or volume, but not both. But they do it for all classes of mail and packages.
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Last map I looked at had Alaska right there on the North American Continent! Imagine that! Won't they be surprised when the US Post Office corrects them!
I love it when folks say they only ship to the Continental US and exclude AK... Anybody that dumb has nothing I need!
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"USPS First class mail is sent via a GROUND (won't make it to HI or AK)."
Incorrect. First-Class travels air. It is weight limited with a 13 ounce maximum. I've received many First-Class shipments from Oregon - Washington in only two days. It might take a day extra but Alaska is not excluded. One of the best bargains out there with only one catch. You have to provide your own packaging or box. The old "Parcel Post" traveled ground and could take a long time, distance dependent.
"Priority USPS is exactly the same price no matter where in the US it goes."
That is true with "Flat Rate" Priority which cost's more than regular Priority. There are two types of USPS Priority service
The Advantage with "Flat Rate" is it's unlimited weight, whatever you can get in the box goes. There are multiple size boxes cost rising with size of the box. Box has "Flat Rate" in bold script on it.
Regular Priority and First-Class take into account box size, weight, and continental "zone" (as mentioned by someone above) Post office supplies box for regular Priority or you can use your own.
Incorrect. First-Class travels air. It is weight limited with a 13 ounce maximum. I've received many First-Class shipments from Oregon - Washington in only two days. It might take a day extra but Alaska is not excluded. One of the best bargains out there with only one catch. You have to provide your own packaging or box. The old "Parcel Post" traveled ground and could take a long time, distance dependent.
"Priority USPS is exactly the same price no matter where in the US it goes."
That is true with "Flat Rate" Priority which cost's more than regular Priority. There are two types of USPS Priority service
The Advantage with "Flat Rate" is it's unlimited weight, whatever you can get in the box goes. There are multiple size boxes cost rising with size of the box. Box has "Flat Rate" in bold script on it.
Regular Priority and First-Class take into account box size, weight, and continental "zone" (as mentioned by someone above) Post office supplies box for regular Priority or you can use your own.
I have a solution to make this easier for everyone.
Due to the obvious confusion caused by Canada seperating Alaska from the lower 48, Canada will gladly take over the state of Alaska, and turn in into the Alaskan territory.
From there, it will be able to keep local government and you will not have to worry about shipping anymore as you will not be part of the US. Instead you will be served by Canada post and conus will definetly not apply.
Due to the obvious confusion caused by Canada seperating Alaska from the lower 48, Canada will gladly take over the state of Alaska, and turn in into the Alaskan territory.
From there, it will be able to keep local government and you will not have to worry about shipping anymore as you will not be part of the US. Instead you will be served by Canada post and conus will definetly not apply.
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USPS Calculator
Here is an easy calculator to determine costs.
http://postcalc.usps.com/
And, yes, it would be frustrating to have people not ship to AK, just because they don't want. It doesn't make sense to not ship to someone willing to pay for the shipping to wherever they live. Getting it to the post office is the same no matter where they are sending the package.
Here is an easy calculator to determine costs.
http://postcalc.usps.com/
And, yes, it would be frustrating to have people not ship to AK, just because they don't want. It doesn't make sense to not ship to someone willing to pay for the shipping to wherever they live. Getting it to the post office is the same no matter where they are sending the package.
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