All about Priority Mail Regional Rate [Updated with 2018 Rates]

Is USPS Priority Mail® a part of your e-commerce shipping strategy? With delivery to most domestic locations in just one to three days, Priority Mail is often the most affordable shipping option and also includes free USPS Tracking®, free Package Pickup, free USPS shipping supplies and up to $50 of insurance with most shipments.

If your e-commerce business ships small, dense packages over short distances, then you could save even more on shipping by using Priority Mail Regional Rate, both over private shipping carriers AND other USPS services.

Priority Mail Regional Rate postage pricing is based on box size and its destination. For instance, a shipment that’s going across town will cost significantly less than a shipment going across the country.

Priority Mail Regional Rate boxes come in four pre-defined sizes so shippers can select the size and shape that best suits their needs (click image to enlarge):

The boxes do have weight limits but are generous and tend to satisfy most shippers—both Box A options have a maximum weight of 15 pounds, while Box B options have a maximum weight of 20 pounds.

Here are current prices listed by box and Zone (click on image to enlarge):

If you’re looking for a quick way to visualize USPS Zones based on your location, this USPS Dynamic Zone Map lets you generate a color-coded map based on whatever ZIP Code you enter.

Regional Rate vs. Other Priority Mail Options

Wondering when you should use Priority Mail Regional Rate instead of Priority Mail Zone-based pricing or Priority Mail Flat Rate? To find out which option is right for your shipment, you’ll want to compare your box size and destination. For example, using Priority Mail Regional Rate Box A is cheaper, across all Zones, for packages weighing 3 pounds or more, but if your package weighs less you’re better using the Priority Mail Zone-based service. We’ve put together a comprehensive blog post to help you understand all Priority Mail options, including Regional Rate—find it here.

Regional Rate vs. Private Carriers

Priority Mail Regional Rate comes without the surcharges private carriers attach for services like residential delivery and fuel. As previously mentioned, you get the most savings out of Priority Mail Regional Rate when shipping short distances. But just because the name indicates a more local service, there’s still a potential for savings, no matter the Zone. Here you can see the cost savings per package when using Priority Mail Regional Rate Box A instead of UPS Ground—note that cost savings were found for Regional Rate packages up to 15 pounds going both short distances AND to nationwide destinations (click on image to enlarge):

So, if you ship items that weigh up to 20 pounds that can fit in one of the USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate boxes, now would be a great time to make the switch. It could end up saving you quite a bit of money on shipping during the upcoming holiday season and beyond.

About Endicia

Endicia is a leading provider of internet-based postage services that make it easier and more affordable to ship parcels through the U.S. Postal Service®. We know that shipping can be complex and our goal is to simplify your shipping operations so you can focus on doing what you do best. Visit us at endicia.com to learn more.