key points:
- First Class Mail is inexpensive and probably the easiest way to ship lightweight packages like letters and envelopes
- Second Class Mail is the best option for mailing magazines, newspapers, and publications recurring
- easyship offers usps first class and priority mail at commercial rates plus (cpp), and you can easily compare the different services using our shipping rate calculator to determine which one is best for you
the united states postal service (usps) is one of the most popular courier solutions for e-commerce merchants. offer a variety of options for domestic and international shipping. The guide below outlines the difference between two common USPS shipping options, First Class Mail versus Priority Mail.
As an e-commerce business, you need to consider several factors before deciding on any of these shipping options. cost and delivery times are probably crucial factors in determining which delivery option you choose. With that said, read on for the detailed differences between priority and first class.
what is the difference between first class and priority mail?
differentiating between first class mail and priority mail will make it easier to choose your shipping options. First Class Mail is inexpensive and probably the easiest way to send lightweight packages like letters and envelopes. it is considered a first-tier shipping option compared to second, third, and fourth class mail.
Second Class Mail is the best option for mailing magazines, newspapers, and periodicals. Third Class is suited to flyers, mailers, and marketing mail, while Fourth Class Mail is best for media mail, including vinyl records, books, DVDs, CDs, and other bound print media with more than eight pages.
on the other hand, priority mail is the usps priority shipping option. the option is best for e-commerce businesses looking to ship their packages faster. In addition to being a faster option than first class mail, it also allows you to send heavier packages, up to 70 pounds. Comparing First Class to Priority Mail, Priority Mail is a better alternative for shipping international packages as it significantly reduces shipping time. however, due to the short delivery time, it is more expensive than first class mail.
Putting aside the comparison between USPS Priority Mail and First Class, Priority Mail is comparatively closer to FedEx and UPS shipping services. however, first class mail is cheaper than the fedex and ups pricing models, especially for packages weighing less than 10 pounds.
comparison of first class mail vs. priority mail
Entering the details of First Class Mail vs. Priority Mail makes it easy to choose between these two options.
which is faster?
Transit time is probably one of the crucial factors when comparing first class mail to priority mail. however, before making a decision, it’s worth noting that both shipping options are excellent, providing delivery times of two to three days. Since USPS uses shipping zones to classify delivery times, below is a comparison table of Priority and First Class transit times for domestic and international shipments.
packaging dimensions and weight
Another crucial difference when considering these services is the dimensions and weight of the package. Unlike Priority Mail, First Class Mail has various weight and size specifications for shipping packages. postcards, envelopes and letters, for example, have weight and dimension specifications; on the other hand, priority mail packages must not exceed 70 pounds. companies with packages that exceed the size and weight limits are subject to additional restrictions.
That said, the maximum dimensions for First Class Mail and USPS Priority Mail should not exceed 108”. Please note this is the combined girth and length of the package. On the other hand, the maximum mail weight for USPS First Class Mail is 15.99 oz, while USPS Priority Mail can ship up to 70 lbs.
price
Pricing details for USPS Priority vs. First Class Mail vary based on a number of factors. Unlike other courier services, USPS regularly changes its postal rates in line with inflation. however, customers typically spend less shipping with First Class Mail compared to Priority Mail. this is because priority mail rates are based on distance.
The cost of shipping a package by First Class Mail depends largely on the weight, size, and destination of the shipment. priority mail often has flat rates for specific boxes and envelopes. packages sent via priority mail and first class mail to the same destination often have a difference of $3 in most situations.
an example of a 9 x 12 inch envelope weighing 13 ounces sent from pittsburgh to pennsylvania would cost $3.52 if sent by first class mail. the same package shipped the same distance would take two days and cost $7.15 for those using their package and $6.70 for shippers using the priority mail flat-rate option. Similarly, a 13-ounce shipment costs $5.50 for first class, $7.50 for 2-day priority mail, and $7.20 for the flat-rate small box priority mail option.
First Class vs. Priority Mail Shipping Features
In addition to cost and delivery time, other factors highlight the differences between USPS First Class Mail and Priority Mail. Some of the key features to look out for include:
Insurance: Perhaps the advantage Priority Mail has over First Class Mail is the included insurance coverage that compensates for packages that are lost or damaged in transit. Unlike Priority Mail, First Class Mail does not carry default insurance coverage. priority mail offers coverage of up to $100 for domestic shipments and default insurance coverage of $200 for international coverage. Fortunately, you can purchase additional coverage through USPS or third-party service providers.
Tracking: Unlike insurance, both First Class Mail and Priority Mail offer tracking updates until packages reach their intended destination. this includes the date and time of delivery or delivery attempts in case of failed deliveries. tracking services are available for both shipping options at no charge.
Additional shipping features to consider when comparing USPS First Class vs. Priority Mail include availability of money-back guarantee, weekend delivery, signature services, certified mail, cost of acknowledgment of receipt, special handling and shipping certificate.
when to use first class mail versus priority mail
The choice between first class mail and priority mail comes down to a few factors. USPS First Class Mail is a cost-effective shipping option for shipping packages under 1 pound, specifically for typed or handwritten letters, postcards, thick/large envelopes, brochures, and regular bills.
Priority mail will be a better option if you are shipping heavier or larger packages that you want delivered faster. You’ll also get the added benefit of free tracking and insurance with this option.
usps shipping with easyship
easyship offers usps first class and priority mail at commercial prices plus (cpp), and you can easily compare the different services using our shipping rate calculator to determine which is best for you. With EasyShip, you can get the most out of your USPS shipments with seamless management: schedule pickups, generate shipping labels and scan forms, plus track your shipments.
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first class mail vs. priority mail frequently asked questions
can I send first class mail in a priority mail box or envelope?
Priority mail boxes or envelopes are for priority mail only.
Does first class mail really only take 1-3 days to deliver?
yes, first class mail takes 1-3 business days. however, there can always be an unexpected occurrence.
how accurate is the usps priority mail map?
usps priority mail is accurate to calculate delivery time.
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