I have a few small packages to send, biggest one is shoe box size. Was wondering if United Parcel was less that the Post office? Anyone have info? May in Jersey

I believe the post office the cheapest.

If the packages are heavy, then UPS or FedEx may be cheaper, otherwise the post office is probably best. If you have a scale and can weigh your packages, you can go online to usps.com, fedes.com or ups.com and get a free rate quote.

You will get better rates from UPS and FedEx if you make a free online account and print and pay for your label at home. The stores, charge a mark up for providing the service.

Typically, if the post office will cost over $10-$12, I use FedEx.

I use the post office and it is alway reasonably priced and less than the others.

I ship finished quilts via UPS or Fed Ex, and can get 15-18 lb. box for
around $18.... all other fabrics/tops/books I use old reliable Post Office
and still think they are most reasonable. Also all clerks in local P.O.
are exceptionally helpful .... and we have a beautiful, large, new building!

I used the pre priced boxes from usps and if your a good packer its amazing what can be put into them.

me too. i invested $20 bucks in a scale,and then i can weigh and check out the prices myself on line. and then you can print out the shipping labels too.

I have discovered that the post office is cheaper than UPS, even with heavy packages, or at least from here they are.

I have to agree that USPS is almost always cheaper, at least for me. The only items I've ever shipped UPS were a couple of chairs I had to send back east. Please be aware that different UPS stores may charge different prices to ship the same darn box-like a $20+ difference! Prices shown on the website may not be honored at the store nearest you. Make sure you call first before making the trip.

If it can fit it in a flat rate box that would be the cheapest especially if it's heavy. They start at $5 for the smaller flat rate envelope or a flat rate box about the size of a VCR tape. If you use click-n-ship and print your own postage label online then you get free delivery confirmation. Also if you are mailing to someone in the military with an APO or FPO address the post office will give you a $2 discount on the postage. If you are mailing overseas to military I suggest you send it asap. I think the cut off to guarantee it to arrive for the holidays is the 1st week of Nov.
Here is a link to the boxes. If you click on the + sign on the boxes it gives you the prices.

https://www.prioritymail.com/flatrates.asp]https://www.prioritymail.com/flatrates.asp[/url]

crafty_linda_b