What is Priority Mail Express?

USPS Priority Mail Express is a guaranteed way to send documents and packages to a destination overnight or in one to two days on any day of the year. If the US Postal Service doesn't deliver your package on time, they will refund the full postage cost.

USPS Priority Mail Express is a guaranteed way to send documents and packages to a destination overnight or in one to two days on any day of the year. If the US Postal Service doesn't deliver your package on time, they will refund the full postage cost. Packages under 70 pounds can be sent through Priority Mail Express to any address in the United States. Priority Mail Express comes with up to $200 in insurance and delivery tracking for free.

USPS is the only overnight shipping carrier that is allowed to deliver packages to a P.O. Box address. Other carriers, such as UPS and FedEx, cannot deliver packages to mailboxes in the Post Office.

USPS uses zone-based pricing for Priority Mail Express. There are nine zones in the United States. Prices are based on the distance from the original package location to the delivery destination. Prices start at $26.35 and up at the Post Office and $24.25 and up for Simpl Fulfillment clients. Additional fees apply for packages that must arrive on Sundays or holidays.

Benefits of USPS Priority Mail 

Fast Delivery Time

According to the claims of the Priority Mail express services, they have the fastest delivery time for mail and parcels. The service delivers mail within the same day to 2-day time frame. With such a small time frame, you can rest assured that your mail reaches its destination on time and without delays. 

No Holidays

In many areas and cities of the USA, Priority Mail Express also delivers on Sundays and holidays. Therefore, the sender can avoid mulling over the delays due to holidays. Moreover, this feature of Priority Mail express helps countless businesses in the USA. You can now ship your USPS priority mail express envelope or USPS express box on any day, and within two days, the shipment will reach its destination. 

Free Package Pickup Service

One of the benefits that Priority Mail express extends to its users is the free package pickup service that operates across states in the USA. The pickup service picks up priority mail express boxes without any fee and simplifies the pickup and delivery process. This helps you save time and money. You can send the package on its way without spending much money. 

Related: How to Get Free Shipping Supplies from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL

Insurance

 Another aspect of USPS's priority mail express service will be its insurance on the shipments. You wish the shipments to reach safely, and if there are any damages, the insurance covers the cost of liability. The 

USPS offers $100 insurance on every Priority mail express box and envelope. You can increase insurance coverage by investing more money in the carrier service. 

Related: How To Send USPS Priority Express Mail

How is Priority Mail Express different from Priority Mail and First-Class Mail service levels?

Apart from Priority Mail express, you also have Priority mail service from USPS. There are some differences between the two services that you should know about. Priority mail express is the upper, better version of Priority mail. The Priority mail express service is faster than Priority mail service, and you can send your letters and parcels within two days of anticipated delivery. USPS Priority mail express is more reliable, so it is preferred by merchants and sellers who send products in bulk to different parts of the USA. However, the difference reflects in the shipment price also. Priority mail is three times cheaper than the priority mail express service. If you have a strict deadline to deliver the package, take the help of Priority Mail Express. The delivery time for Priority mail is 1 to 3 business days. It is a standard service from USPS. However, Priority mail does not come with a guarantee of package delivery to the destination. You can only do something if the package is completed on time. This is different for Priority mail express.

When we talk about USPS first class parcels, the USPS first class service is an economical way of sending parcels. It would help if you waited 2 to 5 business days to deliver the parcel. The first-class service does not deliver on holidays and weekends. Therefore, the delivery time is more significant, with at least a week needed. Moreover, first-class mail service is used to ship envelopes and thick envelopes. The service is used primarily to ship lightweight packages.

On the other hand, priority mail service ships parcels of up to 70 lbs. The price of shipping with Priority mail and First-class mail is lesser than that of Priority mail express. However, the service that Priority mail express offers is very superior. 

Related: Why Did My UPS Package Get Rescheduled?

When should I use Priority Mail Express instead of another shipping service level such as FedEx or UPS Ground shipping?

Of course, other private shipping carriers specialize in faster deliveries. However, FedEx and UPS services deliver mostly international shipments. When you want to send a parcel within the domestic grounds, you should go for the Priority mail express service from UPS because it does not cost much and specializes in domestic ground delivery. Inside the USA, USPS has the best network of shipments, and you will get fast service. Until and unless you send a mail package outside the USA, you do not have to go for UPS or FedEx services. When the budget of your shipment is less, and you want to start at as low a rate as $3.01, go for USPS priority mail express. You can even use express mail envelopes for lighter-weight packages under the priority mail express bracket. USPS offers free insurance, and you can quickly get insurance coverage for your shipment. For good, the government assured service, you should prefer using USPS services for delivery. 

Related: Compare USPS Priority Mail to Priority Mail Express

What is the cost of sending a package with Priority Mail Express compared to other shipping service levels offered by USPS?

When you compare the costs of USPS priority mail with other service providers like FedEx and UPS, USPS offers the lowest prices and rates. 

Depending on different modes of shipment, there are different costs and rates applicable.

Its features are remarkable when you look at the costs you incur with the USPS Priority mail express service. For example, you can benefit from scheduled, free pickup of packages with low USPS costs. This way, USPS helps many merchants in the USA deliver their products quickly. USPS can be a low-cost, helping hand for your business. 

In the case of FedEx and UPS, you will get commercial discounts. However, you get a volume discount when we take up USPS Priority mail express service. This high-volume discount is along with a retail rate discount for merchants. So, merchants can benefit from double discounts if they choose USPS as their trusted carrier service partner. Express envelope USPS and boxes safely deliver your shipment with the guarantee of the fastest and safest delivery. The cost of sending packages in USPS express mail envelopes and boxes is far lower than other services. However, priority mail express does not compromise on benefits to merchants. 

Related: What is FedEx Priority Overnight?

How do I track my package once it's been shipped with Priority Mail Express?

When sending an essential package or a high-volume shipment with your business products, it is necessary to track the shipment. You cannot afford to lose or damage the cargo. USPS, therefore, offers its highly advanced tracking service free of cost to its customers. The tracking method is straightforward, and you can get it done once you have the correct information on your hand. Keep all the information with you for accurate tracking and use it to monitor your package. 

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USPS has a track and confirm tool that also works for USPS priority mail express packages. You need to enter your tracking number into the tool and see the status and location of the shipment. This service is available on the website, and you can track it on your laptop or mobile phone. There are other ways of tracking your load too. For example, you can call 1-800-222-1811 and seek information regarding the transit. You can also track with the help of a short SMS to the number 28777 with your tracking number. 

The well-organized USPS priority mail express system makes shipment delivery a fast and successful process. 

Related: What Do the USPS Tracking Status Updates Mean?

Conclusion

 Priority Mail Express is an excellent choice for shipping parcels quickly and efficiently around the globe. Whether you're sending a package to a friend in another country or need something delivered urgently within the United States, this service can get the job done. With its convenient pick-up options and variety of delivery times, there's no reason not to give it a try! If you're looking for ways to reduce your shipping costs for eCommerce orders, contact us today. We'd be happy to help!

Recommended: How Late Does USPS Deliver? A Complete Guide

Calculating Your Package's Cubic Tier

For Boxes and Rigid Packages:
  1. Measure the outer dimensions (length, width, height) in inches
  2. Round each measurement down to the nearest quarter inch
  3. Multiply length x width x height
  4. Divide the result by 1728 (cubic inches in a cubic foot)
  5. The result is your package's cubic feet measurement

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

  1. Round down to 12.25" x 9.5" x 3"
  2. 12.25 x 9.5 x 3 = 349.125
  3. 349.125 / 1728 = 0.202 cubic feet
  4. 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:
  1. Measure the length and width of the empty envelope
  2. Round down to the nearest quarter inch
  3. Add the length and width together
  4. 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

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

Tips for Maximizing Savings

  1. Optimize packaging: Use the smallest box possible that safely fits your items
  2. Consider breaking up large orders: Sometimes shipping in multiple smaller boxes can be cheaper
  3. Use cubic feet calculators: Online tools can help quickly determine your package's tier
  4. Compare rates: Always compare Cubic rates with other shipping methods
  5. 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.