A postal scale might seem simple—put something on it, read the weight, print a label. But if you’re shipping dozens or hundreds of parcels a day, accuracy, speed, and connectivity suddenly matter a lot. A single misread ounce can mean overpaying postage or triggering returns. That’s why choosing the right postal scale is about more than just capacity—it’s about finding a balance between precision, durability, and workflow integration.
Whether you’re running a fulfillment center, a campus mailroom, or a small business shipping station, the right postal scale turns guesswork into efficiency. This guide walks you through what to look for, from platform design to data interfaces, so every shipment leaves your dock with confidence.
Right range, right speed: Match your scale’s capacity and resolution to the size and weight of your parcels.
Look for postal compliance: Choose models compatible with USPS, UPS, or FedEx requirements.
Connectivity saves time: USB, Ethernet, or Bluetooth links make shipping software integration seamless.
Durability matters: Stainless platforms and overload protection handle daily mailroom use.
Calibration and accuracy: Keep scales verified to avoid postage errors and rejected labels.
A postal scale measures the weight of envelopes, parcels, or shipping containers for the purpose of calculating postage or freight cost. Unlike basic kitchen or office scales, postal models are engineered for speed, precision, and connectivity with carrier or shipping software.
Hogentogler’s Postal Scales collection includes compact desktop models for light mail, bench-style units for parcels, and industrial platforms for shipping departments that need high throughput and consistent accuracy.
Most postal scales fall into two ranges:
Light-duty models: 10–25 lb capacity, 0.1 oz readability—perfect for small parcels, letters, and lab mailrooms.
Mid-range models: 50–100 lb capacity, 0.05 lb (or 0.8 oz) readability—ideal for everyday e-commerce or fulfillment.
Heavy-duty models: 150–300 lb capacity, 0.1 lb readability—for bulk shipments and warehouse use.
If you frequently handle packages of varying sizes, consider a scale that supports multi-range operation, automatically adjusting resolution based on weight (e.g., 0.01 lb up to 30 lb, then 0.1 lb above).
Accuracy requirements are especially critical if you print postage directly through online systems—rounding errors can lead to postage underpayment and returned parcels.
A postal scale’s platform should match your largest package footprint without wasted space:
Small letter platforms (6"–8") are perfect for envelopes and padded mailers.
Medium platforms (10"–14") fit most parcel boxes.
Large platforms (18" and up) accommodate bulk shipments or crates.
Durable construction prevents warping or flexing under load:
Stainless steel pans offer corrosion resistance and easy cleaning.
Aluminum or composite bases keep the unit lightweight for portable use.
Low-profile designs simplify loading and reduce fatigue during repetitive weighing.
Modern postal scales are as much about data as they are about weight. Integration with shipping and label-printing systems is now standard.
Common connections include:
USB or RS-232: Direct link to PCs or thermal label printers.
Ethernet or Wi-Fi: For networked shipping stations or multi-user setups.
Bluetooth: Wireless connection to tablets or mobile devices.
Look for scales compatible with major platforms like USPS Click-N-Ship®, UPS WorldShip®, and FedEx Ship Manager®. Some models even auto-feed weights into your software for real-time postage calculation and label generation.
For reliable postage, your readings must match carrier standards.
Calibration: Use certified test weights to ensure compliance with your carrier’s accepted tolerance (usually ±0.1 oz for retail shipping).
Zero / tare function: Ensures boxes and trays don’t distort readings.
Legal-for-trade certification: If you invoice customers by weight, choose an NTEP Certified postal scale to remain compliant with weights and measures regulations.
Regular calibration—monthly for high-volume environments—helps avoid rejected packages or extra postage adjustments.
Postal scales live in busy workspaces—drops, dust, and tape residue come with the territory. Choose models with:
Overload protection to prevent damage from stacking heavy parcels.
Non-slip feet for stability on smooth countertops.
Sealed keypads that resist dirt and moisture.
Replaceable cables or adapters for easy maintenance.
For shared mailrooms, consider a dual-display model that lets both operator and customer see the readout simultaneously.
Small offices may prefer compact, battery-powered postal scales that can move between desks. Larger shipping departments benefit from bench-mounted or platform-based scales that integrate permanently with printers and shipping systems.
If your work blends both, pick a scale that offers both AC power and battery backup, so you’re never stuck mid-shipment when power or network access fluctuates.
E-commerce & fulfillment: Quick parcel weighing and automatic label generation.
Corporate mailrooms: Streamline outgoing correspondence and internal shipments.
Education & research institutions: Manage lab shipments or hazardous materials in compliance with carrier limits.
Manufacturing & warehouse shipping: Verify packed weights before palletizing or courier pickup.
Government & healthcare facilities: Ensure documentation and specimen shipments meet postage accuracy requirements.
Capacity range (10–300 lb typical)
Readability (0.1 oz to 0.05 lb)
Platform size and material (stainless or aluminum)
Connectivity (USB, RS-232, Ethernet, Bluetooth)
Compatibility with USPS, UPS, and FedEx software
Power source (AC + battery)
Calibration method (external or NTEP-sealed)
Overload and tare functions
Display type (dual or single, backlit LCD)
Portability and footprint
Do I need an NTEP Certified postal scale?
If you use the scale to determine shipping costs or charge customers by weight, yes—look for an NTEP-certified model. For internal or estimate-only use, a non-certified unit is fine.
Can postal scales connect directly to my shipping software?
Yes. Many models integrate automatically with USPS, UPS, and FedEx platforms via USB or network connection, reducing manual data entry.
How accurate are postal scales?
High-quality postal scales offer 0.1 oz (2–3 g) resolution or better—more than enough for accurate postage. Always calibrate regularly for best results.
What capacity do I need?
Match capacity to your heaviest shipment. For most e-commerce or mailrooms, a 75–100 lb scale covers 95% of packages.
Are postal scales only for shipping?
No. Many are used for packaging verification, inventory checks, and lightweight quality control in industrial settings.
Postal Scales — https://www.hogentogler.com/multi-purpose-scales/postal-scales.asp
Bench Scales — https://www.hogentogler.com/industrial-scales/bench-scales.asp
NTEP Certified Scales — https://www.hogentogler.com/legal-for-trade/ntep-certified-scales.asp