Rates discrepancy
If the USPS shipping costs shown in your WooCommerce checkout seem inconsistent with the official USPS prices, use the instructions below to double-check and troubleshoot.
Verification
Before concluding that the plugin is at fault, first make sure the rates really differ. USPS often applies special rules, extra charges, or package requirements that may raise or lower the total. The easiest way to verify is to compare WooCommerce results directly with the USPS Calculator.
1. How to verify Shipments with USPS Rates Calculator?
- Log in to the USPS online calculator at: https://postcalc.usps.com/
- Replicate the same shipment that you are attempting to set up in your WooCommerce store.
- Ensure that you are logged in and that the shipment details, particularly the dimensions and weight, match exactly what you have entered in WooCommerce.
Important: Keep in mind that carrier live rates calculators, including USPS, work based on estimation. Small differences in how parcels are measured or rounded may occur, so rate deviations of about 10–15% are generally considered normal.
Troubleshooting
If, after using the USPS Calculator, you still notice major differences between WooCommerce and USPS rates, proceed with the next troubleshooting steps.
2. Check for USPS Account Settings:
- If you use a USPS account with Commercial Rates, confirm that this option is enabled in the plugin settings.
- Also ensure that product dimensions and weights are correctly entered in WooCommerce and match the USPS Calculator.
Additionally, review the plugin settings listed below, since they can influence the shipping rates displayed in WooCommerce.
Rates Adjustments
- Commercial Rates
- Value of contents
- Insurance
- PRO Handling Fees
- PRO Parcel Packing Method
- Volume packing – How the fitting algorithm works(PRO)
- 3D bin packing – How the fitting algorithm works(PRO)
These plugin options strongly affect shipping rates, so configure them with care to keep WooCommerce prices in line with official USPS calculators.
3. Enable Debug Mode:
For further troubleshooting, enable Debug Mode. Find more details here: USPS – How to enable debug mode?
Still seeing issues?
If discrepancies remain after following all steps, please contact us with full shipment details, and we will investigate further.