Shipping and Postal Scales

A shipping scale weighs boxes and parcels so you pay the right postage and bill customers correctly, and a postal scale does the same for letters and small packages. MNM Scales stocks shipping scales and postal scales for home offices, mailrooms, e-commerce sellers, warehouses and fulfillment centers, from Brecknell, Mettler Toledo and our own MNM Scales line, from 7 lb letter scales to 400 lb freight scales. As one of the largest scale distributors in Texas, we own the inventory on our shelves in Cypress, TX, and every shipping scale ships free nationwide. Calibration before shipping is available on request (paid service tiers), and our TDA-Registered Technicians service scales on-site across the Houston area.

Types of shipping and postal scales

Postal and letter scales

• Brecknell PS7: 7 lb x 0.1 oz electronic letter scale for envelopes and flats.
• Brecknell 311: 11 lb x 0.1 oz digital postal scale for desks and mailrooms.
• Brecknell 325: 25 lb x 0.1 oz postal scale with hold.
• MNM Scales 25 lb electronic postal scale: 6-1/2 x 8 in platform for letters and small parcels.

USB parcel scales for shipping software

• Brecknell PS25: 25 lb x 0.2 oz portable USB postal scale, also sold as a 4-pack.
• Brecknell 335: 35 lb x 0.2 oz USB postal and parcel scale.

NTEP shipping scales for billing by weight

• Brecknell PS-USB-30, PS-USB-70 and PS-USB-150: NTEP Class III shipping scales with USB and RS-232 and a 14 x 12 in stainless platform.
• Mettler Toledo BC-60U: 150 lb x 0.05 lb NTEP shipping scale with a stainless top, USB and RS-232.
• Mettler Toledo BC6L: 150 lb NTEP shipping scale with readings down to 0.1 oz on light parcels and a stainless platter.

Heavy parcel and freight scales

• Brecknell PS330: 330 lb x 0.2 lb parcel scale with a stainless platform.
• Brecknell LPS400: 400 lb x 0.2 lb low-profile shipping scale with a 12 x 15 in platform.

Comparing Mettler Toledo shipping scales? The Mettler Toledo PS60 shipping scale (150 lb x 0.05 lb, NTEP, USB and RS-232) is a long-time shipping-desk standard. See how it stacks up in our PS60 vs BC-60 guide.

NTEP shipping scales compared

NTEP details below come from each maker’s data sheet or NTEP certificate.

How to choose a shipping scale

• Capacity. Letters and small parcels fit a 7 lb to 35 lb scale. Mixed cartons need 70 lb to 150 lb, and freight needs 330 lb to 400 lb.
• USB or standalone. A USB scale sends weight straight into shipping software, so labels print with the right postage. See connecting a scale to a computer.
• NTEP approval. If you charge customers by weight, choose an NTEP model such as the Brecknell PS-USB or Mettler Toledo BC series.
• Platform size. Pick a platform larger than your typical box so the display stays visible.

Our best shipping scale for small business guide compares the popular choices, and shipping scales for large packages covers heavy and oversized boxes.

Shop related categories

For heavier cartons and larger platforms, see shipping bench scales and bench scales. Browse Mettler Toledo scales, Brecknell scales and NTEP floor scales for pallets.

Who uses shipping and postal scales

• E-commerce sellers and small businesses: USB scales that weigh, rate and print labels in one step.
• Food manufacturers and distributors: weighing outbound cases and mixed orders.
• Fastener and steel distributors: heavy, dense parcels that need 150 lb to 400 lb capacity.
• Pharmacies and pawn shops: postal scales for mailing orders and small packages.
• Churches and offices: letter and postal scales for mailings.

Calibration for shipping scales

For any shipping scale, calibration before shipping is available on request (paid service tiers), done in our Cypress, TX shop. Pricing is set by the scale’s maximum capacity:

A scale whose capacity is exactly at a tier limit uses the lower tier.

The 11 lb Brecknell 311 falls in the 2.2–6.2 kg tier, 25 lb to 70 lb scales fall in the 6.2–35 kg tier, 150 lb scales fall in the 35–150 kg tier, and the 330 lb and 400 lb scales fall in the top tier. Calibration usually takes 1–3 business days after we receive the scale, and our mail-in scale calibration service covers scales bought anywhere.

On-site service in Houston

Our TDA-Registered Technicians handle all scale classes, including the RWM-780 and RWM-700 paperwork when a trade scale is placed in service in Texas. We calibrate and repair scales on-site across the Houston area and surrounding suburbs, with Dallas, Austin and San Antonio on request. On-site service is $295 plus $2 per mile round trip, charged once per visit, with calibration priced per scale on top. See scale calibration in Houston and scale repair.

Rentals and volume orders

MNM Scales rents all types of scales, including shipping scales for peak season. See scale rentals. Equipping several packing stations? Our wholesale scales program quotes volume pricing. Call (832) 290-3120, or contact us any time, 24/7.

Shipping scale FAQ

What size shipping scale do I need?

Choose a capacity above your heaviest package. Most small businesses pick 70 lb or 150 lb, and freight shippers pick 330 lb or 400 lb.

What is the difference between a postal scale and a shipping scale?

Postal scales are small and read in fine steps such as 0.1 oz for letters and small parcels. Shipping scales have larger platforms and capacities for boxes.

Will a USB scale work with UPS, FedEx or USPS shipping software?

Most USB shipping scales, such as the Brecknell PS-USB and Mettler Toledo BC-60U, work with common carrier and multi-carrier shipping software. Check your software’s supported scale list, or call us before ordering.

Do I need an NTEP scale to calculate postage?

For weighing your own outgoing packages, a non-NTEP scale works well. If you charge customers by weight, choose an NTEP Class III model such as the PS-USB or BC-60U.

Can you calibrate my shipping scale?

Yes. Calibration before shipping is available on request (paid service tiers), usually within 1–3 business days. You can also use our mail-in service, or have our TDA-Registered Technicians calibrate it on-site in the Houston area.

Do you rent shipping scales?

Yes. MNM Scales rents all types of scales, including shipping scales for peak season.

Is shipping free?

Yes. Every shipping and postal scale ships free nationwide from our Cypress, TX shop.