Are you looking to send mail to a different state? Are you planning to ship a package outside of the country? With the many different shipping options out there, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is still one of the most reliable.
The USPS delivers around 187 million pieces of First-Class Mail daily. They also handle over 3.5 million corporate emails a day. Moreover, the also issue over 276,000 money orders daily.
But if it is your first time to use USPS, you need to understand the available options. You need to get an idea of how much a USPS package size will cost you.
Keep on reading below as we discuss the different types of USPS mail and their corresponding rates.
USPS Package Size and Rates
When sending mail and packages via USPS, there are several things you need to consider. You need to know the type of mail your package falls under. You also need to know how much it will cost you.
Let’s take a look closer look at each USPS package size:
Priority Mail
In case your package goes beyond 13oz in weight, it will fall under the Priority Mail. This type of mail takes 1 to 3 business days before it reaches the intended receiver.
One of the key features that make Priority Mails an easy favorite is that the shipping supplies are free. By heading to the USPS website, you can order the boxes that you need and they will ship them for free right at your doorstep.
The price for Priority Mail starts at $7.35.
As for the different types of boxes, there are four types. First, there is the Priority Regional Mail Box. The price of this box depends on the weight and distance of your package.
Next is the Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box. USPS will charge you a flat rate regardless of the weight of your package. The caveat, however, is that you will have to use the special box of USPS.
The third type is the Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box. For this type, you have two box options, differing in size.
The price for these boxes is $12.80 for the commercial base.
The fourth type is the Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box. This is the largest option among USPS’ flat rate boxes. This type costs $17.60.
First Class Mail
If your package is under 13oz, then the First Class Mail is your best bet. Like the Priority Mail, the First Class Mail also ships in 1 to 3 business days. The rates of Priority Mails vary depending on the shape, size, and weight of the item.
You also need to pay for the stamp. For letters, a standard-sized stamp costs $0.55. The square or oversized envelope stamps, on the other hand, costs $0.70.
If you’re sending postcards, the standard stamps will cost you $0.35. The oversized postcard stamps start at $0.55.
However, there is a major concern with First Class Mail: the package restrictions. You need to make sure that you are getting the dimensions right. This means you shouldn’t exceed 15” x 12”.
Also, the package should be a quarter of an inch thick at the very least.
Standard Post
Next on the list is the Standard Post. This is the cheapest option the USPS offers. The caveat, however, is that they may take several business days before the package reaches its destination.
If time-sensitivity does not bother you that much, then you may give the Standard Post a shot. In addition, this option best works if your package weighs more than 70lbs.
Express Mail
If you want USPS’ next-day delivery, then it’s the Express Mail that you are looking for. This is the USPS’ fastest domestic service. It also comes with a money-back guarantee.
Rates for Express Mail starts at $25.50. This is much cheaper compared to other options like UPS or FedEx.
What you need to look out for are the pickup times of your package. USPS Express Mail pickups only take place early in the day. They can also drop off the package not later than 3 pm.
FedEx and UPS, on the other hand, can drop off the packages as late as 6 pm.
Media Mail
Last but not least is the Media Mail. This is quite similar to the Standard Post except for the nature of the package’s contents.
With the Media Post, you can only ship educational materials. These include books, DVDs, and CDs. You can also use the Media Post to ship printed test materials, printed music, binders for medical studies, and computer-readable materials.
With the advent of online and cloud-related options, fewer people are using Media Mail. Students and educators can now send materials through DropBox and other cloud-based applications.
Additional USPS Services
The USPS also offers extra services concerning their shipments. Here are some you should look into:
- Delivery Confirmation – Express, First Class, and Priority Mail packages come with this service. All you need to do is to print your shipping labels online.
- Insurance – USPS also offers insurance of up to as much as $5,000.
- Collect on Delivery – This means the recipient will pay for the shipping and item upon receipt of the package.
There are other products outside of the USPS that help make life easier for senders. The Certified Mail Labels, for example, helps you in tracking your packages. Simply click on the link to find out how it works.
Keep on Expanding Your Options
Understanding the USPS package size and their corresponding charges is the key to maximizing your USPS experience. If your experience does not meet your standards, there are other options out there.
But it doesn't end here. There are more crucial tips and tricks to discover to further boost your business shipping needs.
We invite you to check our different blog posts to help expand your options. We write comparisons and product features that aim to help consumers make the right decisions.
