What's the cheapest non sucky shipping service?

[Default Prophet]

I gotta mail a package, about 4 pounds ish. Fairly small.

[Archtaku]

Well, DHL had reasonable prices, but they've discontinuing domestic shipping.

I've had problems with both FedEx and UPS, so IMO either one is a crapshoot, really.

[deathbytray]

I use my indefatigable legion of carrier pigeons for all of my shipping needs.

[gwensdad2003]

I gotta mail a package, about 4 pounds ish. Fairly small.

behold! The USPS cost calculator:
http://postcalc.usps.gov/Default.aspx

(not in no way to be seen as an actual add from the USPS, even though they write me checks and will be paying me this Friday and I even have a pass to get me into a "secure facility")

[Default Prophet]

Hm. Bout the same as UPS, 10 bucks ish

[snacktime]

I think if the stuff would fit in a priority flat-rate box you'd be better off with USPS. faster than UPS and the box won't get tossed around so much.

[Chuck]

My (brief) experience: USPS is the cheapest, but will take quite a while. UPS is next cheapest and provides some tracking -- but won't do squat to help you get a package if anything goes wrong unless a) you're a business address, and b) you pay for premiere service. (For example, if you miss the delivery, you wait 'till tomorrow -- can't re-deliver, can't even pick it up -- even if you paid for overnight. But if you're shipping cheap items requiring no signature, they'll do the knock-n-run, so you're OK -- as long as no one steals yours stuff off your doorstep.) FedEx is often the most expensive, but offers good tracking and will re-deliver/help.

FedEx Ground is like UPS, but with better tracking.

Be sure to check all the rates because sometimes FedEx 3-Day will be in the same price range as UPS 2-day -- and I'd go for that, etc.

[Gryper]

UPSP's Priority Mail is probably cheapest for 2-3 day delivery. Boxes are free at the post office.

http://www.usps.com/prices/priority-mail-prices.htm

[Starfire]

UPSP's Priority Mail is probably cheapest for 2-3 day delivery. Boxes are free at the post office.

http://www.usps.com/prices/priority-mail-prices.htm

I to almost always use USPS but they are raising their rates soon, though I'm sure it'll still be cheaper. I've never had an issue with them and have shipped over seas with them also.

Boxes are free some though are flat rate as in it's 10.00 bux to ship anything that you can fit inside the box wether it's feathers or hammers. But I also think they have some that are just marked priority but not flat rate so then weight will factor into cost, also distance, west coast shipping from me (Chicago) is the most expensive for the Continental US. I'v always had Priority arrive in 2 or 3 days so pretty quick.

Also note that UPS factors package size in to the price, while the USPS doesn't.

[Aset]

Honestly it depends on what your sending it for. if it is just a private package you are sending, USPS is probably your best option. If you are returning something to a company for credit/service, DO NOT USE THE POST OFFICE. Companies do not care what the USPS does, if you can't track it, you didn't send it, period.