The cost to ship baseball cards depends on several factors, including the shipping method, package weight and dimensions, and distance traveled. Generally speaking, baseball cards are lightweight so shipping costs are relatively low, but there are better and more expensive options available depending on how quickly you need the cards to arrive and the level of tracking and insurance desired.
One of the most affordable shipping methods for baseball cards is to send them via First Class Mail through the US Postal Service. An envelope or rigid mailer containing a few cards or a few stacks of cards will usually qualify for First Class rates, which as of 2022 start at around $3-$5 for shipping within the continental US. There is no tracking included and delivery times can vary significantly from a few days to over a week. Insurance is not available either, so this is best for low value collections being sent domestically.
For a step up in tracking ability and slightly faster delivery, you can opt to ship baseball cards via USPS Priority Mail. Priority Mail prices start around $7-$8 for lighter packages and rates increase based on weight and distance. Delivery is generally 2-3 business days within the US. Up to $50 of insurance is automatically included. Priority Mail is a good choice for collections valued over $50 or when needing delivery confirmation for trades.
If needing delivery confirmation and higher insurance limits, FedEx and UPS offer more expensive tracked delivery options for baseball cards. FedEx Ground rates tend to be a bit more economical than UPS Ground for lighter packages under 1 pound traveling domestically. Expect to pay $10-$15 for FedEx or UPS Ground within the US. Delivery is usually 1-5 business days. Insurance limits go up to $100-500 automatically included depending on carrier/service.
Both FedEx and UPS also offer expedited 2-3 day services like FedEx Express Saver and UPS SurePost that provide tracking and insured delivery slightly faster than Ground for a higher price. Baseball card shipments typically cost $15-$25 for 2-day domestic delivery and $20-30 for overnight via these expedited services within the US. International shipping rates to Canada and Mexico are comparable, but shipments to other countries cost significantly more.
The absolute fastest and most traceable way to ship baseball cards is via FedEx or UPS overnight express services which guarantee delivery within 1 business day practically anywhere in the US. These priority overnight options are really only worthwhile for valuable vintage cards being traded privately or auction items since rates range from $25-$50+ domestically depending on weight and distance. Tracking is door-to-door.
Of course, all shipping costs through carriers like USPS, FedEx, and UPS increase substantially for heavier packages containing thousands of cards in boxes or high-end team/player collections valued over $500-$1000. In such cases, it may be worth setting up an account and inquiring about commercial shipping rates. Alternatively, for heavy or very valuable baseball card lots, a professional packing and shipment handling service could transport collections more securely at competitive rates when speed is not critical.
For trading common/modern baseball cards or budget domestic shipments under 1 pound, First Class Mail through USPS usually costs $3-$8 total depending on the distance. USPS Priority Mail, FedEx/UPS Ground, and FedEx/UPS 2-Day services that provide tracking generally run $7-25 within the US. Meanwhile, expensive overnight express delivery via FedEx or UPS costs around $25-$50+ domestically but ensures fast 1 business day arrival. Overall shipping costs depend on multiple variables, but these are typical baseball card mailing rate ranges consumers can expect to pay. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
