Updated June 17, 2026
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USPS uses zones 1 to 9 (zone 1 is local, zone 9 is the farthest), while UPS and FedEx use zones 2 to 8. Zone assignment is based on the straight-line distance between origin and destination ZIP codes. A package shipped across town may be zone 1 or 2; one shipped coast to coast is typically zone 7 or 8. Zone 1 is geographically close but not, unfortunately, cheap enough to make everyone happy.
How zones are assigned
Each origin ZIP code has a zone chart that maps every destination ZIP code to a zone number. Carriers publish these charts and make them available online. Enter your origin ZIP and a destination ZIP, get a zone number, and that number determines the applicable rate in the carrier's tariff. Simple in theory; slightly tedious in practice.
Zone impact on cost
A 5 lb package shipped USPS Priority Mail at zone 1 costs around $8 to $10. The same package at zone 8 costs $20 to $25. At UPS Ground, the zone 1 to zone 8 spread on the same package can run $10 to $25. Zone is typically the second biggest cost driver after weight (and DIM weight).
Zone skipping
Zone skipping is a strategy used by high-volume shippers to reduce zone-based costs. Instead of shipping each order from a single location, they distribute inventory to fulfillment centers close to their customer base, reducing the average zone for outbound shipments. A zone 7 shipment becomes zone 2 or 3 when fulfilled from the right regional warehouse.
Flat-rate options bypass zones
USPS flat-rate boxes are priced identically regardless of zone. A USPS medium flat rate box costs the same whether it goes from Boston to Providence or from Boston to Los Angeles. For packages going to distant zones, flat-rate options can be significantly cheaper than zone-based pricing.
Compare carrier rates for your package
Enter weight and dimensions for side-by-side ballpark rates from USPS, UPS, and FedEx.