Shipping Label Templates by Carrier
Choose your carrier to get a pre-configured label template with the correct formatting, barcode areas, and service type options. Every label is free to create and download. Not sure which carrier to use? The comparison guide below breaks down UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHL by weight, destination, and cost.
UPS Labels
Create UPS-compatible shipping labels with proper formatting for UPS Ground, 2-Day Air, and Next Day Air shipments.
USPS Labels
Create USPS-compatible shipping labels for Priority Mail, First Class, and Flat Rate shipments.
FedEx Labels
Create FedEx-compatible shipping labels with routing barcode areas and service type indicators.
DHL Labels
Create DHL-compatible shipping labels for international and domestic express shipments.
PayPal Labels
PayPal discontinued their shipping label service. Create shipping labels with our free alternative that works just like PayPal's old tool.
Amazon Labels
Create shipping labels formatted for Amazon seller shipments, FBA prep, and general Amazon marketplace orders.
How to Choose the Right Carrier
No single carrier is cheapest for every shipment. Use this weight-and-destination guide to find the right starting point, then compare exact rates via Pirate Ship or your preferred shipping platform before purchasing postage.
| Package Weight | Best Carrier |
|---|---|
| Under 1 lb (15.99 oz) | USPS First Class Package |
| 1–2 lbs | USPS Priority Mail or Flat Rate |
| 2–5 lbs, Zones 1–4 | USPS Priority Mail |
| 2–5 lbs, Zones 5–8 | UPS Ground or FedEx Ground |
| 5–70 lbs, domestic | UPS Ground or FedEx Ground |
| Any weight, international | DHL Express (fast) or USPS Int'l (budget) |
Carrier Feature Comparison
Key differences at a glance — before you commit to a carrier for your shipments.
| Carrier | Best For |
|---|---|
| USPS | Under 1 lb, Flat Rate, PO Boxes |
| UPS | 2–70 lbs, commercial B2B |
| FedEx | 3–30 lbs, residential, One Rate |
| DHL | International express, 1–10 lbs |
Rates and surcharges change frequently. Always verify current pricing directly with your carrier or via a rate comparison tool before purchasing postage.
Carrier Quick Facts for Sellers
USPS — The lightweight champion
- Only carrier delivering to PO Boxes and APO/FPO addresses
- First Class Package: cheapest option for under 15.99 oz ($4–$6)
- Free Flat Rate boxes ship up to 70 lbs at a fixed price
- No residential surcharge — unlike UPS and FedEx (~$5)
- Free scheduled home pickup — no post office visit needed
- Media Mail: books/CDs/DVDs for $3–$5 (slowest, cheapest)
UPS — Commercial heavyweight
- Sweet spot: 2–70 lbs, long-distance domestic (Zones 5–8)
- 1Z tracking format — 18 characters, real-time updates
- UPS Access Points cut residential surcharges for pickup orders
- Dimensional weight (L×W×H ÷ 139) applies to all packages
- Residential surcharge ~$5/pkg at retail; lower with Pirate Ship
- B2B commercial deliveries: typically $3–$6 cheaper than USPS Priority
FedEx — Residential and flat-rate specialist
- Home Delivery includes Saturday delivery at no extra charge
- FedEx One Rate: fixed prices for Express boxes regardless of weight (up to 50 lbs)
- 60,000+ drop-off locations including Walgreens and Dollar General
- Ground Economy (formerly SmartPost): budget option for lightweight, non-urgent shipments
- Same DIM weight formula as UPS (L×W×H ÷ 139)
- Compare FedEx vs UPS on every shipment — usually within $1–$2
DHL — International express leader
- 1–3 day international delivery to 220+ countries and territories
- Dedicated in-country customs brokers in major destinations
- USPS International is cheaper but takes 7–21 days with limited tracking
- Declare accurate customs values — under-declaring risks seizure
- Each country has its own prohibited items list — check before shipping
- Not for US domestic shipments — DHL does not offer domestic US ground
Frequently Asked Questions
Which carrier is cheapest for small packages under 1 lb?
USPS First Class Package is the cheapest option for packages under 15.99 oz — typically $4–$6 for delivery anywhere in the US. No other carrier comes close at that weight. Once you go over 1 lb, compare USPS Priority Mail, UPS Ground, and FedEx Ground for your specific zone.
Does USPS deliver to PO Boxes?
Yes — USPS is the only major carrier that delivers to PO Boxes, APO/FPO military addresses, and most rural routes. UPS and FedEx do not deliver to PO Boxes. If your recipient has a PO Box address, USPS is your only option among the major carriers.
When does UPS Ground beat USPS Priority Mail?
UPS Ground typically wins once your package exceeds 2 lbs and crosses 4+ shipping zones. For a 5 lb package going coast-to-coast, UPS Ground with a third-party discount (Pirate Ship, ShipStation) is often $2–$5 cheaper than USPS Priority Mail. For packages under 2 lbs or going to PO Boxes, USPS almost always wins.
Is FedEx or UPS cheaper for residential delivery?
They're usually within $1–$2 of each other, and neither is consistently cheaper — it depends on your specific origin-destination pair. Both charge a residential delivery surcharge (roughly $5 per package at retail rates). FedEx Home Delivery includes Saturday delivery at no extra charge; UPS charges extra for Saturday. Always compare both carriers via Pirate Ship or EasyPost for each shipment.
Which carrier is best for international shipments?
DHL Express is the gold standard for international shipping — 1–3 day delivery to most countries with dedicated customs brokers that dramatically reduce clearance delays. For budget international shipping where the buyer can wait 1–3 weeks, USPS First Class Package International is significantly cheaper ($15–$25 vs DHL's $40–$60 for a 1–2 lb package). FedEx International Priority is a strong alternative to DHL for destinations where DHL service is limited.
What is dimensional weight and how does it affect carrier pricing?
Dimensional (DIM) weight is a pricing technique used by UPS, FedEx, and DHL that charges based on package volume rather than actual weight when the DIM weight exceeds the actual weight. The formula is: length × width × height (inches) ÷ 139. For example, a 12×12×12 inch box has a DIM weight of ~12.5 lbs — so even if your item weighs 3 lbs, you pay for 12.5 lbs. USPS does not use DIM weight for most domestic retail services. Using the smallest box that safely fits your item is the most effective way to avoid DIM weight charges.