USPS Mail Types: Cost, Speed and More
Delivery via USPS is a popular choice for plenty of eCommerce businesses. With USPS, you get price-effective transport options comparable to FedEx and ups. Their flat-rate transport options also are a famous desire because they permit you to forecast your fees. One predominant advantage of transport thru USPS is that it is effortless to use. All you have to do is stick your labels and drop your packages off at your neighborhood USPS mailbox (depending on the amount and type of service you choose).
Maintaining the delivery budget is very important for any eCommerce business. Even the slightest change can prove to be profitable for your business. If you own a business, you ship many packages every month, and for that, knowing all types of mailing services available for you is essential for your business.
Overview of USPS Mail Classes
The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers six different mail classes for sending letters, documents, packages, and other items. Each class has different features, delivery speeds, and costs to meet varying mailing needs.
Priority Mail Express
Priority Mail Express is the fastest USPS shipping option, offering overnight delivery. It includes up to $100 of insurance, tracking, and delivery on holidays. The cost depends on the weight and destination.
First-Class Mail
First-Class Mail offers affordable delivery in 1-3 days for envelopes and lightweight packages. The cost is $0.55 per envelope regardless of distance. First-Class Mail works well for postcards, letters, and small ecommerce orders.
USPS Retail Ground
USPS Retail Ground provides economical ground shipping for packages too large for First-Class. It does not include expedited handling or free forwarding/returns, but tracking is included. USPS Retail Ground is commonly used for ecommerce shipments.
Priority Mail
Priority Mail offers fast 1-3 day delivery based on distance. The cost varies by weight and zone. Priority Mail is popular for ecommerce shipping due to its speed and reasonable rates compared to express shipping.
Periodicals
The Periodicals class is for newspapers, magazines, and periodical publications delivered on a regular schedule. Rates are designed for publishers and major mailers.
USPS Marketing Mail
USPS Marketing Mail enables businesses to send high-volume mailings such as catalogs, flyers, and coupons. Significant discounts are offered but require a minimum of 200 pieces at 50 lbs. Tracking is not included.
Choosing the Right USPS Mail Class
When selecting a USPS mail class, weigh factors like budget, delivery speed, package size and weight, and included features. First-Class and Priority Mail are common options for ecommerce shipping. For urgent documents or packages, Priority Mail Express offers the fastest delivery.
Next article: "If It Fits It Ships"- Benefits of USPS Flat Rate Service
FAQs
What are the different classes of USPS mail?
The six main classes of USPS mail are Priority Mail Express, First-Class Mail, USPS Retail Ground, Priority Mail, Periodicals, and USPS Marketing Mail.
Which is the fastest USPS shipping method?
Priority Mail Express is the fastest USPS shipping option, offering overnight delivery across the US.
What does First-Class mail cost?
First-Class Mail costs $0.55 per envelope regardless of weight or distance shipped.
Does USPS Retail Ground include tracking?
Yes, USPS Retail Ground shipping includes free tracking on all shipments without additional fees.
What factors determine Priority Mail shipping cost?
Priority Mail shipping rates are based on the weight of the package and the zone it is traveling to, which reflects the distance.
When would a business use Periodicals shipping?
Periodicals rates apply to newspapers, magazines, and periodical publications that are mailed on a regular schedule.
What is USPS Marketing Mail used for?
USPS Marketing Mail enables businesses to send high-volume mailings such as promotional letters, flyers, catalogs, and coupons.
How do I choose the right USPS mail class?
Consider budget, delivery speed, weight/size limits, and features included to select the best USPS mail class for your specific mailing needs.