Are 2 pound USPS packages now cheaper than 9-15 ounces?
With the USPS recent pricing change with Ground, today I noticed on 2 packages that it was cheaper to ship 2 pound packages than if they were a 9-15 ounce package ... and I don't think it is because of dimensions.
Am I missing something? Is this a glitch? Are the eBay discounts messed up?
Anyway, we've bumped up some lighter weight packages to 2 pounds to enjoy cheaper shipping costs ... every penny helps, you know.
6 comments
shado-x
·2 weeks agoAs long as you put something in it to make it 2 lb or higher. Better to sleep when the rules are on your side.
fm2000
·2 weeks ago · EditedYes, the 1.01-2lb price tier can be cheaper than 12oz now, and yes that is totally illogical.
If you don't actually ship a package that matches the weight you declared you can be slammed with an adjustment. Some people have. If you say it is in the 1.01-2lb price tier, it better weigh at least 1.01lbs or you may be clobbered with an adjustment. Use packing material to make it weigh more, 12oz and 1.01 isn't too far apart, use cardboard scrap or packing paper to make it to 1.01 (don't use bricks, dirt, rocks etc. that is a burden for someone to dispose of, additional cardboard can even reinforce the package and make the item safer.)
What I wrote is lunacy, but the USPS is apparently controlled by lunatics now. All we can do is play along...
thriftyfiftyfifty
·3 weeks agoProbably the result of this:
eoma689485
·3 weeks ago"Anyway, we've bumped up some lighter weight packages to 2 pounds to enjoy cheaper shipping costs ... every penny helps, you know."
The USPS uses automated scales to check boxes. The system is programmed to flag discrepancies. You may or may not get caught, so don't be surprised when you discover that you owe postage.
Gaming the system to enjoy cheaper shipping costs - good luck with that.
orangehound
OP3 weeks agoAs far as I know, it is not "gaming the system" to declare a heavier or larger package than you actually ship ... we rarely list the actual weight or dimensions of a package, always something greater.
But if it makes you feel better, I'll start adding a brick to the package.
fm2000
·2 weeks agoTechnically it is, even if it also happens to be bonkers crazy. Logic does not apply in USPS world, or the government in general I suppose.