How to Schedule a USPS Pickup: Step-by-Step Guide
Are you facing difficulty in scheduling USPS pickups? Here's the step-by-step solution to make the process easier for you.
Scheduling a USPS pickup is a convenient way to send out packages without leaving your home or office. When you schedule a pickup, your letter carrier will collect your ready packages during their regular mail delivery route. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of scheduling a USPS pickup and answer some frequently asked questions.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Scheduling a USPS Pickup
- Navigate to the "Ship" page on the USPS website and click on the "Schedule a Pickup" button.
- Click on "Request Pickup" and select "USPS" to proceed to the next page.
- Choose the pickup location from your saved "Ship From" addresses.
- Use the drop-down menu to inform your letter carrier where to find your packages.
- Enter the number of packages for each service type (e.g., Priority Mail, First Class Package) and the estimated total weight of all packages.
Tips for Multi-Story Buildings and Specific Pickup Times
- If you live in a multi-story building, make sure your packages are available on the ground level in a secure location for pickup.
- To schedule a free next-day pickup, submit your request before 3 AM ET.
- For specific pickup dates and times, use the Paid Pickup on Demand service for a fee of $24.
What to Do if USPS Doesn't Pick Up Your Package
If your scheduled pickup is missed, follow these steps:
- Confirm that your packages were ready at the designated location during your regular mail delivery time.
- Understand that letter carriers may sometimes miss pickups due to various factors, such as workload, weather conditions, or obstructed pathways.
- Contact your local Post Office or Postmaster to address recurring pickup issues. You can find your local Post Office here.
Frequently Asked Questions About USPS Pickups
What are some reasons why a package may not be eligible for scheduled pickup?
Common reasons include failed address verification, Saturday pickup restrictions, and the need for additional processing at the post office. Ensure your package meets all requirements for scheduled pickup to avoid delays or rejection.
How can I schedule a USPS pickup using ShippingEasy?
Access the "Ready to Ship" page, select the order, choose USPS as the carrier, specify the service type and packaging, enter the weight, and set the ship date to the next business day. Tick the "Request a Pick Up" box to submit your request.
What are the eligible packages for scheduling a pickup during regular mail delivery?
Eligible packages include Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service-Commercial, and International or return items.
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.