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What's Does USPS Priority Mail Mean?

Priority Mail is a postal service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that provides expedited shipping at an affordable price. Priority Mail delivers packages in 1-3 business days, and offers free shipping supplies, insurance, and tracking. Priority Mail is a great option for small businesses and individuals who need to ship items quickly and affordably.

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What is Expedited Shipping USPS?

Expedited shipping through the United States Postal Service (USPS) is a service that promises faster delivery of packages and letters. There are different levels of service, with the most expedited option being Priority Mail Express. This type of shipping is available to all 50 states, as well as to Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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What is Economy Shipping USPS?

Economy Shipping is a USPS service that offers lower shipping rates for packages that weigh less than 16 ounces and are traveling less than 1,000 miles. Packages that qualify for Economy Shipping will be shipped using the most cost-effective method possible, which may include First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Parcel Post.

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Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express represent the best in USPS shipping.

U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail and Priority Express Mail both get your items to their destination fast, and they both offer features like tracking numbers and a standard level of insurance. The main differences between the two are delivery times and dates. Priority Mail Express gets your letters and packages there faster and can deliver seven days a week, but you'll pay extra for those services. The other important difference is that Priority Mail Express is a guaranteed service. Here is a simple diagram to help you distinguish between the two.

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USPS Priority Mail Express Vs. Priority Mail

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USPS Priority Mail Vs Priority Mail Express

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Priority Mail Meaning

Priority Mail is the United States Postal Service's standard air service. Packages should arrive at their domestic destination within 1-3 business days. Transit times vary depending on how far the package is going from its origin. However, it's vital to keep in mind that this is not a guaranteed service. There's no refund or anything that can be done if it doesn't make it in time.

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Priority Mail is the less costly option of the two. There are also more rate and package options, including several Flat Rate box and envelope sizes, Regional Rate, weight-based rates, and dimensional-based rates.

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How Long Does Priority Shipping Take?

The USPS Priority Mail delivery time is 1-3 days, but this may vary depending on the origin and destination of the package. USPS does not guarantee delivery times for international priority shipping, so your package may arrive earlier or later than expected.

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Can Priority Mail be Tracked?

USPS priority mail can be tracked online using the USPS tracking service. USPS priority shipping is a bit more expensive than USPS first class shipping, but it offers faster delivery times. USPS typically delivers priority mail within 2-3 days.

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How does Priority Mail Work?

It used to be known as Express Mail; Priority Mail Express is USPS fastest letter delivery. Depending on the distance a shipment must travel, USPS will make a service commitment of 1 to 3 business days for domestic shipments.

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Overnight shipping services scheduled delivery by 10:30 am also available to most U.S. addresses, including PO Boxes. As of 2020, USPS expedite usps overnight shipping cost is $5.00 per package.

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Most importantly, this is a guaranteed service. If the package isn't delivered by the guaranteed delivery date, you can apply for a refund of the postage paid. Refunds claims must be filed at the local post office, where the package was dropped off the priority mail packaging. We handle claims on behalf of our clients for them.

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Priority Mail Express Service is limited to a few flat rate box options and weight-based rates.

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Is USPS Priority Mail Insured?

Yes. Priority Mail is insured for up to $100. If the item you mail is worth more than $100, you may purchase additional insurance coverage. The amount of insurance you purchase must be equal to the value of your item.

If you are mailing an item worth more than $100, you should purchase additional insurance coverage. The amount of insurance you purchase must be equal to the value of your item. This will ensure that your item is fully covered in case it is lost or damaged in transit.

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USPS Priority Mail Speed: Priority Mail is How Many Days?

It depends on your location. As a general guideline, Priority Mail Express takes 1-2 days to most locations within the United States. Orders placed before 3pm EST Eastern Time will be delivered the next day. Orders placed after 3pm EST will be delivered in two days.

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Recommended: What is FedEx Priority Overnight?

Calculating Your Package's Cubic Tier

For Boxes and Rigid Packages:

Measure the outer dimensions (length, width, height) in inches
Round each measurement down to the nearest quarter inch
Multiply length x width x height
Divide the result by 1728 (cubic inches in a cubic foot)
The result is your package's cubic feet measurement

Example: For a box measuring 12.3" x 9.5" x 3":

Round down to 12.25" x 9.5" x 3"
12.25 x 9.5 x 3 = 349.125
349.125 / 1728 = 0.202 cubic feet
This package falls into the 0.3 cubic feet pricing tier

Note: Maximum size for any single dimension is 18 inches

For Envelopes and Soft Packs:

Measure the length and width of the empty envelope
Round down to the nearest quarter inch
Add the length and width together
Use the total to determine the pricing tier:
- Tier 0.1: Up to 21"
- Tier 0.2: 21.01" to 27"
- Tier 0.3: 27.01" to 31"
- Tier 0.4: 31.01" to 34"
- Tier 0.5: 34.01" to 36"

Restrictions

Tubes and rolls are not eligible for Cubic pricing
Maximum combined length and girth is 84 inches

Benefits of Using Priority Mail Cubic

Cost savings: Cheaper than weight-based pricing for small, heavy items
Predictable pricing: Easy to calculate shipping costs based on box dimensions
Fast delivery: 1-3 business day delivery to any US address, including PO boxes
Free tracking: Monitor shipments at no extra cost
Included insurance: $100 of coverage with every shipment
No surcharges: Residential and fuel surcharges included in the price

Tips for Maximizing Savings

Optimize packaging: Use the smallest box possible that safely fits your items
Consider breaking up large orders: Sometimes shipping in multiple smaller boxes can be cheaper
Use cubic feet calculators: Online tools can help quickly determine your package's tier
Compare rates: Always compare Cubic rates with other shipping methods
Use Commercial Pricing: Accessing Commercial Pricing rates can lead to even more savings

2024 USPS Priority Mail Cubic Rates

Accessing Priority Mail Cubic Rates

Priority Mail Cubic isn't available at regular Post Office counters. However, many online shipping platforms and 3PL providers offer access to these rates. By partnering with a fulfillment provider, you can easily access these discounted rates and streamline your shipping process. For small-scale sellers not yet ready for a 3PL, Pirate Ship offers free access to USPS Priority Mail Cubic rates with no monthly fees or minimums.

Compare USPS Priority Mail to Priority Mail Express