USPS rates chaos (TLDR - 2lbs cheaper than 10oz)

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  • mercpb
    mercpb
    • Oct 2021
    • 923
    • midwest

    #1

    USPS rates chaos (TLDR - 2lbs cheaper than 10oz)

    For those not keeping up - USPS released new rate tables a couple weeks ago, where 2lbs+ is dramatically reduced, probably to shield from UPS

    This means 2,3,4lb packages are cheaper to ship than 10oz packages


    You might say to yourself -- self, I'll just buy 2lb labels no biggie right? No sir! USPS' automated audit mechanisms aren't programmed to manage inverse gaps. If your package is rate audited you will be charged the difference.

    The answer here, as so many problems in life, is complimentary rocks.
    Enjoy them!
  • Hobbes
    dodgy
    • Jul 2020
    • 1228
    • NH

    #2
    Sand just became a packing material, baby.

    Comment


    • Iseeo_0you
      Iseeo_0you commented
      Editing a comment
      I like your style lol. Sand and pebbles it is.

    • Cdn_Cuda
      Cdn_Cuda commented
      Editing a comment
      Does kitty litter count? It's sandy-ish.
  • Reflex0283
    Professional Idiot
    • May 2025
    • 630
    • Connecticut

    #3
    Two free expired 20oz CO2 tanks with every order! While supplies last!

    Comment


    • Carp
      Carp commented
      Editing a comment
      Two free DIY windchime starter kits, while supplies last.

    • mercpb
      mercpb commented
      Editing a comment
      that's a great idea, I have a box of 'em! (co2 tanks)
  • Ecapnation
    MCB Member
    • Jul 2020
    • 4209
    • South Central Long Island

    #4
    No joke I basically only use flat rate boxes now and I do not care what I've been using for packing materials.

    Even simple packages have become ridiculously expensive to ship and if it fits I'm using flat rates.

    I do quite a bit in Lego sales on eBay and Bricklink and I've actually used unsellable pink and purple Legos as packing material for single pieces that are higher value
    Last edited by Ecapnation; 07-10-2026, 08:15 PM.

    Comment

    • Daltech
      Electro<Mech<Pump
      • Feb 2022
      • 872
      • West Coast

      #5
      Why does everyone hate the USPS? I mean everyone.

      It’s almost like people are spoiled.

      “The USPS has operated at a massive deficit almost every year since 2007, accumulating over $109 billion in net losses. The structural mismatch exists because the Postal Service must deliver​“

      I always thank the postal workers for putting up with everyone’s unrealistic demands and expectations. Hearing people’s complaints are hilarious to me.

      Comment


      • XEMON
        XEMON commented
        Editing a comment
        USPS was never expected to make money or even break even ... It's was not a company it was a service provided by the government and financed by tax revenue. Charging for the service was only ment to prevent abuse and soften the blow of the cost.

        It's not worth it to any company (for profit) to send a 30ct letter in the middle of nowhere ...

      • AaronM
        AaronM commented
        Editing a comment
        I wouldn't say that I hate USPS per say, but I never had issues until this year.

        One of my packages went missing at the local distribution center nearly two months ago despite being scanned twice before disappearing.
        I have also found that it takes considerably longer have anything delivered than it used to.
    • flyweightnate
      MCB Member
      • Jul 2020
      • 1851
      • Dallas, TX

      #6
      The key issue with USPS is the carriers aren't incentivized properly. I knew a guy who was a carrier for a bit, and instead of being paid per route or load, they got overtime at 3x base during crunch periods. So if you just walk slower...

      Now, this is a single anecdote. Maybe it's changed. But people are pretty good at maximizing incentive capture.

      Regardless, I'll be checking some numbers and sweeping my garage into little plastic baggies if needed, although most things I ship are right around 21oz.
      Feedback
      www.PhrameworkDesigns.com < Nelspot, Sterling, and Phantom parts, plus the occasional big project.

      Comment

      • MrKittyCatMeowFace
        MCB Member
        • Jul 2020
        • 2386
        • Glen Ellyn Illinois

        #7
        Your local USPS is only as good as the people working it. .

        Comment

        • tunaman5
          MCB Member
          • Jul 2020
          • 307

          #8
          Pirateship.com

          Comment


          • Hobbes
            Hobbes commented
            Editing a comment
            I use a similar service but it's the same deal. Shipping a phone this morning its $3 cheaper if I add weight to the package to get it over 2lbs.
        • Daltech
          Electro<Mech<Pump
          • Feb 2022
          • 872
          • West Coast

          #9
          It’s funny to me that people care about driving electric vehicles, the environment, the homeless, and the poor little baby seals until it costs them $3 more dollars.

          Comment


          • mercpb
            mercpb commented
            Editing a comment
            Adds up when you ship 500-1000 packages/yr!
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