Pirate Ship Calculator
Calculate Pirate Ship discounted shipping rates for USPS Priority Mail, Cubic, Ground Advantage, and UPS Ground Saver. Access Commercial Plus Pricing (CPP) with up to 87% savings compared to retail USPS rates.
Package Details
Pirate Ship offers deeply discounted rates for both USPS and UPS
Package Dimensions
Package Weight
USPS max: 70 lbs
Zone is determined by distance between origin and destination. Use Zone 5 as average.
Select "All Services" to compare rates across all USPS options
Values over $50 require additional insurance fees
Pirate Ship Rates
Pirate Ship Savings
Total Savings: $0 vs. retail rates (5 services)
Best Value: USPS Ground Advantage at $0 (save $0)
Package Weight
0.00 lbs
Size: large
Package Volume
0.0 in³
0.375 cubic feet
Insurance Cost
Included
Up to $50 included
Cubic Pricing Eligible!
Your package qualifies for USPS cubic pricing, which charges by volume instead of weight. This often saves money on small, heavy packages. Pirate Ship automatically applies the best rate for you!
Service Rate Comparison - Retail vs. Pirate Ship
USPS Priority Mail
Save 13%1-3 business days
Retail Rate
$0
Pirate Ship Rate
$0
You Save
$0
- •Free tracking
- •$100 insurance included
USPS Priority Mail Cubic
Save 26%1-3 business days
Retail Rate
$0
Pirate Ship Rate
$0
You Save
$0
- •Free tracking
- •$100 insurance included
- •Cubic tier 0.4 cu ft
- •Dimension-based pricing (not weight)
USPS Ground Advantage
Best ValueSave 13%2-5 business days
Retail Rate
$0
Pirate Ship Rate
$0
You Save
$0
- •Free tracking
- •$100 insurance included
USPS Ground Advantage Cubic
Save 26%2-5 business days
Retail Rate
$0
Pirate Ship Rate
$0
You Save
$0
- •Free tracking
- •$100 insurance included
- •Cubic tier 0.4 cu ft
- •Dimension-based pricing (not weight)
USPS Priority Mail Express
FastestSave 13%Overnight to 2 days
Retail Rate
$0
Pirate Ship Rate
$0
You Save
$0
- •Free tracking
- •$100 insurance included
- •Money-back guarantee
Recommendations
- •Cubic pricing available! Your package is tier 0.4 cu ft - great for small, heavy items
Why Use Pirate Ship?
No Hidden Fees
100% free to use - no monthly fees, no markup, no minimums. Just the cheapest USPS and UPS rates available.
Pre-Negotiated Discounts
Access the same rates as high-volume shippers - up to 89% off retail. No need to negotiate or hit shipping minimums.
Simple & Fast
Buy labels in seconds, print at home, and schedule free pickups. No need to wait in line at the post office.
Trusted by Millions
Used by over 500,000 businesses and individuals. Rated 4.9/5 stars with thousands of reviews.
Retail vs Pirate Ship Rates
Pirate Ship Shipping Calculator: The Complete Guide to Saving Big on Shipping
What is Pirate Ship?
Pirate Ship is a free shipping platform that gives anyone access to the cheapest USPS and UPS rates available - the same deeply discounted rates previously reserved only for high-volume enterprise shippers. Unlike traditional shipping services, Pirate Ship charges absolutely no monthly fees, no markup, no minimums, and no hidden costs. You simply pay the discounted shipping rate, nothing more.
Founded in 2014, Pirate Ship has helped over 500,000 businesses and individuals save millions of dollars on shipping. The service is 100% free because Pirate Ship earns a small commission directly from USPS and UPS for bringing them business. This means they can pass the full savings to you without adding any markup or fees to your shipping costs.
How Much Can You Save with Pirate Ship?
The savings with Pirate Ship are substantial and immediate. Here's a breakdown of typical savings compared to retail rates:
- •USPS Priority Mail: Save 15-30% off retail post office rates. A package that costs $12.50 at the post office might cost just $9.95 on Pirate Ship.
- •USPS Priority Mail Cubic: Save up to 89% on small, heavy packages. A 5 lb package that costs $40 retail might cost just $8 with cubic pricing.
- •USPS Ground Advantage: Save 20-35% off retail rates. Perfect for non-urgent packages under 5 lbs.
- •UPS Ground: Save 28-35% off standard UPS rates. Especially valuable for heavier packages over 10 lbs.
- •UPS 2nd Day & Next Day: Save 30-40% on expedited shipping. What costs $50 at UPS might be $35 on Pirate Ship.
For an average small business shipping 100 packages per month, these savings can add up to $500-$2,000 annually. For high-volume shippers, savings can reach tens of thousands of dollars per year.
Understanding USPS Cubic Pricing (The Secret Weapon)
One of Pirate Ship's most valuable features is automatic access to USPS Priority Mail Cubic pricing - a special pricing tier that charges based on package volume (cubic feet) rather than weight. This can result in dramatic savings for small, heavy items.
When Cubic Pricing Applies
- •Package dimensions must measure 0.5 cubic feet or less (calculated as length × width × height ÷ 1,728)
- •Weight must be 20 lbs or less
- •Only available through Pirate Ship and similar shipping platforms (NOT at post office)
- •Automatically applied when it saves you money
Cubic Pricing Example: Maximum Savings
Let's say you're shipping a small box of books: 8″ × 6″ × 5″ weighing 5 lbs from California to New York (Zone 8):
- •USPS Retail Counter: $22.75 (Priority Mail weight-based)
- •Online Commercial Rate: $18.50 (standard discount)
- •Pirate Ship Cubic Rate: $9.23 (0.14 cubic feet)
- •Total Savings: $13.52 per package (59% savings vs. retail)
Cubic pricing is especially valuable for sellers of dense items like books, electronics, tools, cosmetics, and crafts. If you ship small, heavy packages regularly, cubic pricing alone can justify using Pirate Ship.
USPS vs. UPS on Pirate Ship: When to Use Each
Pirate Ship gives you access to both USPS and UPS at deeply discounted rates. Knowing when to use each carrier can save you even more money and improve delivery times.
When to Use USPS
Best For:
- •Light Packages (Under 2 lbs): USPS First-Class Package is unbeatable for packages under 1 lb, often costing $4-$6.
- •Small, Dense Items: Cubic pricing makes USPS the clear winner for compact, heavy packages under 0.5 cubic feet.
- •Residential Delivery: USPS delivers to every address daily with no surcharges for residential delivery.
- •PO Boxes & Military Addresses: Only USPS can deliver to PO Boxes and APO/FPO addresses.
- •Flat Rate Boxes: Priority Mail Flat Rate can be very economical for heavy items that fit in the box.
Limitations:
- •70 lb weight limit (compared to 150 lbs for UPS)
- •Slower tracking updates compared to UPS
- •Less reliable for time-sensitive shipments (except Priority Mail Express)
- •Limited delivery guarantees (only Express has money-back guarantee)
When to Use UPS
Best For:
- •Heavy Packages (Over 10 lbs): UPS Ground often becomes cheaper than USPS Priority Mail for heavier packages, especially with Pirate Ship discounts.
- •Large Packages: UPS accepts packages up to 150 lbs and 165 inches (length + girth), far exceeding USPS limits.
- •Guaranteed Delivery Times: UPS 2nd Day Air and Next Day Air come with delivery guarantees.
- •Business-to-Business Shipping: UPS excels at commercial deliveries with signature options and delivery notifications.
- •Better Tracking: UPS provides more detailed, real-time tracking updates.
Limitations:
- •More expensive for light packages (under 5 lbs)
- •Cannot deliver to PO Boxes
- •May charge residential surcharges (though Pirate Ship rates include this)
- •Fewer pickup locations compared to USPS post offices
The Sweet Spot Breakdown
- •0-1 lb: USPS First-Class Package (cheapest option)
- •1-5 lbs: USPS Priority Mail or Cubic (if package is small)
- •5-10 lbs: Compare both - USPS often wins for zones 1-5, UPS for zones 6-8
- •10-20 lbs: UPS Ground usually becomes cheaper
- •20+ lbs: UPS Ground is almost always the winner
How Pirate Ship Works: Step-by-Step
Using Pirate Ship is remarkably simple. Here's the complete process:
- 1.Create a Free Account: Sign up at PirateShip.com with your email. No credit card required, no trial period - it's permanently free.
- 2.Enter Package Details: Input the destination address, package weight, and dimensions. Pirate Ship instantly shows all available rates from USPS and UPS.
- 3.Choose Your Service: Compare rates and select the service that best fits your needs and budget. The system automatically applies cubic pricing if it saves money.
- 4.Buy and Print Label: Pay only the shipping rate (no markup, no fees) and print your label immediately. You can print to a regular printer or a thermal label printer.
- 5.Ship Your Package: Attach the label and drop off at any USPS location or UPS drop-off point. Or schedule a free USPS pickup from your home/office.
- 6.Track Everything: Monitor all your shipments in one dashboard. Pirate Ship sends automatic tracking updates to you and your customers.
Additional Pirate Ship Benefits You Should Know
Beyond the obvious cost savings, Pirate Ship offers several valuable features:
- •No Monthly Fees or Minimums: Pay per label only. Ship 1 package or 1,000 - the per-label price never changes.
- •Automatic Insurance: All USPS Priority Mail and UPS labels include $100 insurance at no extra cost. Additional coverage available at low rates.
- •Free Package Pickups: Schedule free USPS pickups from your location. No minimum packages required.
- •Batch Shipping: Import hundreds of orders via CSV and print all labels at once. Perfect for e-commerce sellers.
- •E-commerce Integrations: Direct integrations with eBay, Etsy, Shopify, WooCommerce, and more - import orders automatically.
- •Return Labels: Easily create return labels for customers with flexible payment options.
- •International Shipping: Access discounted USPS international rates and customs forms.
- •Outstanding Support: Real humans available via email with fast response times. Extensive help documentation and video tutorials.
Who Should Use Pirate Ship?
Pirate Ship is ideal for anyone who ships packages, but especially valuable for:
- •Small Business Owners: Save thousands annually without enterprise-level shipping volume. Perfect for businesses shipping 10-500 packages monthly.
- •E-commerce Sellers: eBay, Etsy, Shopify, Amazon, and marketplace sellers can dramatically reduce shipping costs and improve profit margins.
- •Subscription Box Services: Predictable savings on recurring shipments. Batch printing makes fulfillment efficient.
- •Occasional Shippers: Send gifts, sell items occasionally, or ship personal packages at steep discounts with no commitment.
- •Anyone Shipping Small, Heavy Items: Book sellers, electronics resellers, tool sellers - cubic pricing is a game-changer.
- •Nonprofits & Schools: Stretch limited budgets further with maximum shipping savings.
Even if you only ship a few packages per year, Pirate Ship's zero-fee model means you save money from your very first label with no downside.
Final Thoughts
Pirate Ship has democratized shipping discounts that were previously available only to large corporations. Whether you're shipping one package or thousands, you get the same deeply discounted rates with zero monthly fees, no markup, and no minimums. The platform is refreshingly transparent - what you see is what you pay.
The combination of USPS cubic pricing, UPS deep discounts, and features like batch shipping and e-commerce integrations makes Pirate Ship an essential tool for anyone who ships regularly. The time you save not waiting in post office lines, combined with the money you save on every label, delivers exceptional value.
Use this calculator to compare Pirate Ship's discounted rates against retail prices for your specific packages. See exactly how much you'll save on USPS and UPS services, and discover whether cubic pricing applies to your shipments. Start saving today - remember, Pirate Ship is 100% free with no commitments or hidden fees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pirate Ship
Is Pirate Ship really 100% free? What's the catch?
Yes, Pirate Ship is completely free with no monthly fees, no markup, no minimums, and no hidden costs. You only pay the actual discounted shipping rate. Pirate Ship makes money by earning a small commission directly from USPS and UPS for bringing them business, which allows them to pass the full savings to you without adding any fees. There's genuinely no catch - they've helped over 500,000 users save millions of dollars.
How much can I actually save compared to retail post office rates?
Savings vary by service and package size, but typical discounts are 15-30% on USPS Priority Mail, 20-35% on USPS Ground Advantage, and up to 89% on USPS Priority Mail Cubic for small, heavy packages. For UPS, expect 28-35% off UPS Ground and 30-40% off UPS 2nd Day and Next Day services. An average small business shipping 100 packages monthly can save $500-$2,000 annually compared to retail rates.
What is USPS cubic pricing and how do I know if it applies to my package?
USPS cubic pricing charges based on package volume (cubic feet) rather than weight, offering huge savings for small, dense items. Your package qualifies if it measures 0.5 cubic feet or less (length × width × height ÷ 1,728) and weighs 20 lbs or under. Pirate Ship automatically applies cubic pricing when it saves you money - you don't need to calculate or request it. This is especially valuable for books, electronics, cosmetics, and other compact, heavy items.
Should I use USPS or UPS through Pirate Ship?
For packages under 2 lbs, USPS is almost always cheaper (especially First-Class Package under 1 lb). For 2-10 lbs, USPS Priority Mail or Cubic usually wins, though UPS can be cheaper for distant zones. Over 10 lbs, UPS Ground often becomes the better value. UPS also handles heavier packages (up to 150 lbs vs. USPS's 70 lb limit) and provides better tracking. Use this calculator to compare both carriers for your specific package.
Can I use Pirate Ship if I only ship occasionally?
Absolutely! Since there are no monthly fees or minimums, Pirate Ship is perfect for occasional shippers. Ship one package a year or one thousand - you get the same discounted rates with no commitment. Many people use it just to ship gifts and personal items at steep discounts. You only pay when you actually buy a label, so there's zero cost to having an account.
How do I get my packages picked up? Do I have to go to the post office?
For USPS, you can schedule free package pickups directly through Pirate Ship - the mail carrier picks up from your home or business during regular delivery. No minimum packages required. Alternatively, drop off at any USPS location or blue collection box. For UPS, you can drop off at any UPS Store, UPS drop box, or authorized location. UPS also offers pickup service, though there may be fees depending on your location and volume.
Does Pirate Ship integrate with my e-commerce platform?
Yes, Pirate Ship integrates directly with major e-commerce platforms including eBay, Etsy, Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, Walmart, and many others. Orders automatically import with customer addresses, and you can print labels in bulk. You can also upload orders via CSV file for custom platforms. These integrations save enormous time for sellers shipping 10+ packages daily by eliminating manual address entry.
What if my package gets lost or damaged? Is it insured?
All USPS Priority Mail and UPS labels through Pirate Ship include $100 insurance at no extra cost. You can purchase additional insurance at low rates for higher-value items. If a package is lost, damaged, or stolen, you file a claim directly with USPS or UPS. Pirate Ship provides guidance and support throughout the claims process. Priority Mail Express includes up to $100 insurance, while First-Class Package includes $50.
Can I ship internationally with Pirate Ship?
Yes, Pirate Ship offers discounted USPS international shipping rates to over 190 countries. You get the same Commercial Pricing discounts on services like Priority Mail International and First-Class Package International. Pirate Ship makes customs forms easy - fill them out digitally and they print on your label. International savings aren't as dramatic as domestic (typically 10-20%), but you still save compared to retail post office rates with much greater convenience.
How does Pirate Ship compare to other shipping software like ShipStation or Stamps.com?
Pirate Ship's biggest advantage is zero monthly fees - ShipStation starts at $9.99/month and Stamps.com starts at $17.99/month plus startup fees. Pirate Ship's per-label rates are also typically cheaper since there's no markup. However, paid platforms may offer more advanced features like branded tracking pages, complex automation rules, and broader integrations. For most small to medium businesses shipping under 500 packages monthly, Pirate Ship's combination of free service and cheap rates is unbeatable. You can always upgrade to paid software later if you need advanced features.