Starting on July 10th, 2022, USPS will offer dimension-based cubic pricing tiers for Parcel Select Ground service on Pirate Ship! Here's everything you need to know about the new change:
You'll see rates for Parcel Select Ground Cubic whenever your package qualifies
In order for your package to qualify for these super-discounted rates, it'll need to meet the following criteria:
The length of any single dimension can't exceed 18"
The total weight of the package must be less than 20 pounds
The total size of the package cannot exceed 1 cubic foot
If your package qualifies for Cubic rates AND it's cheaper than the weight-based Parcel Select Ground rates, Pirate Ship will automatically quote this option for you 👍 You'll see "Parcel Select Ground Cubic" as a service in the Quick Rate Quote or when you open the Choose a Service drop-down menu after clicking the "Get Rates" button.
USPS Parcel Select Ground Cubic Rates
Effective July 10th, 2022
To calculate the Cubic Size of your package:
Measure your package’s outer dimensions
If any of the measurements exceed the nearest quarter inch, round down to the nearest quarter inch (for example, 5.6 inches turns into 5.5 inches)
Multiply Length x Width x Height, and divide the result by 1728
Round the result up to the next decimal point, so for example a result of 0.202 is in the 0.3 pricing tier.
Cubic Feet (Up To) | Local, Zones 1 & 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Zone 5 | Zone 6 | Zone 7 | Zone 8 |
0.1 | $6.86 | $7.11 | $7.29 | $7.42 | $7.64 | $8.09 | $8.45 |
0.2 | $7.26 | $7.60 | $7.87 | $8.08 | $8.98 | $9.57 | $10.12 |
0.3 | $7.31 | $7.70 | $8.06 | $8.55 | $10.48 | $11.01 | $11.64 |
0.4 | $7.40 | $7.87 | $8.42 | $9.53 | $11.47 | $12.14 | $12.76 |
0.5 | $7.51 | $8.08 | $8.81 | $10.23 | $12.16 | $12.93 | $13.66 |
0.6 | $7.63 | $8.40 | $9.26 | $11.72 | $12.68 | $13.45 | $14.15 |
0.7 | $7.99 | $9.09 | $9.73 | $12.56 | $13.01 | $13.91 | $14.84 |
0.8 | $8.21 | $9.73 | $10.93 | $12.91 | $13.48 | $14.40 | $15.50 |
0.9 | $8.87 | $10.21 | $11.68 | $13.14 | $13.90 | $15.09 | $16.42 |
1.0 | $9.39 | $10.74 | $11.92 | $13.54 | $14.33 | $16.10 | $17.68 |
Want to know which zone you're shipping to? Use our interactive zone map to find out!
These new rates apply to packages up to 1 cubic foot in volume
Unlike Priority Mail Cubic—which allows for a max package size of 0.5 cubic feet—Parcel Select Ground Cubic has 10 pricing tiers instead of 5, and allows packages to be up to 1 cubic foot in volume 📦
That means you can send much larger packages with Parcel Select Ground Cubic than would ordinarily qualify for the Priority Mail Cubic service!
Delivery speeds are the same as regular Parcel Select Ground
Other than introducing dimension-based cubic rates for packages under 20 pounds and up to 1 cubic foot in volume, USPS hasn't made any other changes to Parcel Select Ground service. Whether you're shipping with Parcel Select Ground Cubic or regular Parcel Select Ground, all packages come with an estimated delivery timeframe of 2-8 business days, with the exception of Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Since those destinations require transport via boat, it can take 2-3+ weeks for Parcel Select Ground shipments going to or from those locations, and we recommend upgrading to Priority Mail if that slow of a delivery speed is a concern.
That said, these new rates make shipping with Parcel Select Ground Cubic a fantastic way to save even more money when sending packages that contain hazardous materials, as well as packages that don't need to be delivered in a timely manner 🤑
You can use Parcel Select Ground cubic for "soft-pack" envelopes and poly mailers
Just like Priority Mail Cubic, you don't have to only use boxes; you can still qualify for Parcel Select Ground Cubic rates when shipping "softpack" envelopes and poly mailers 🙌 The same rules apply as regular Priority Mail Cubic Softpack (maximum single length of 18" and combined maximum Length + Width of 36"), but the Length + Width dimension tiers are different.
To determine which Cubic Tier your envelope will qualify for with Parcel Select Ground Cubic, take the empty envelope (don't put anything into it yet!) and measure the length and width with the flap closed. Round the measurements down to the nearest quarter inch, and add the two dimensions together, then use the cart below to see which pricing tier you'll be in.
Cubic Tier | Cubic Feet | Max Length + Width (inches) |
1 | 0.1 | 16 |
2 | 0.2 | 21 |
3 | 0.3 | 24 |
4 | 0.4 | 26 |
5 | 0.5 | 28 |
6 | 0.6 | 30 |
7 | 0.7 | 32 |
8 | 0.8 | 34 |
9 | 0.9 | 35 |
10 | 1.0 | 36 |
Note that if your envelope is expandable (pleated), technically you have a 3rd dimension just like if it were a box, so you'll need to call your envelope a box and use the standard way of calculating the cubic tier.
That's it!
Any questions? Click the blue chat button to get in touch with our Support Crew—we ARRrrr here to lend a hook anytime you need it 😃