The two most common USPS services a merchant uses to ship with are First Class and Priority Mail. Generally, the deciding factor in making a decision in First Class vs Priority Mail comes down to weight. If a parcel weighs less than 16 ounces, it makes the most sense to use First Class Mail. However, there are instances when the choice is not so black and white. For instance, the USPS has recently slowed First Class Mail. There are instances when one of these services will win over the other. We’ll go over a few situations where one service may win over the others.
what is usps first class mail?
USPS First Class Mail is an affordable way to ship packages, bulk mailers, and envelopes that weigh less than 16 oz. the maximum size allowed for packages is 22″ x 18″ x 15″ dimensions. delivery usually takes 2-5 business days to reach its final destination. the letters are a bit faster as they sort faster.
why is it called first class mail?
first class mail does not mean the same thing as a first class flight. In the USPS world, that would be express priority mail. First-class mail is a class of mail used to send letters, thick envelopes, padded envelopes, and lightweight packages. First class mail gets its name because it is considered the higher level of letters sent by mail compared to:
- second class mail: periodicals, magazines, newspapers that are printed more than 4 times a year.
- third class mail: marketing mail, flyers, advertisements, etc.
- fourth class mail: media mail (cds, vinyl records, dvds, books, bound print media consisting of 8 or more pages).
shipping t-shirts with usps
T-shirts, especially t-shirts, are good candidates for first-class mail. they are lightweight and durable. try shipping in a poly mailer to reduce additional costs.
what is usps priority mail?
usps priority mail is the class of usps mail that is your highest priority for shipping. priority mail is a service that allows you to ship packages weighing less than 70 pounds nationwide. maximum dimensions are 108” in length and girth combined (the length of the longest side, plus the distance around the thickest part of the package). It usually takes 1-3 business days for USPS Priority Mail to reach its final destination.
Internationally, International Priority Mail has another advantage, as it typically reduces shipping time significantly. therefore, it is slightly more expensive than first class mail.
priority mail is also closer to ups and fedex services. however, it is often cheaper than ups or fedex for packages weighing less than 10 pounds. This is usually because a USPS vehicle passes through the addresses every day. the smallest packages that fit in a mailbox are usually inexpensive. if the size/weight of the package requires the driver to leave their vehicle and/or is too large to fit in your courier bag, then the price can start to go up quickly.
ship shoes with usps
Shoes are almost always shipped priority mail (unless they weigh less than 16 ounces). check to see if flat rate options offer discounts over standard priority mail package.
maximum dimensions and weight for usps
usps first class mail is generally used for smaller, lighter packages, weighing less than a pound, with items whose insured value is not very high. items over a pound and/or higher value items work best with priority mail.
*exceeding these maximum restrictions may result in a USPS charge of $100.°4 pounds for international first class
insurance coverage for usps first class and priority mail
A great advantage of USPS Priority Mail is that it includes coverage in case a package is lost or damaged in transit. first class mail does not offer default coverage; However, both Priority Mail and First Class Mail allow you to purchase additional coverage through USPS or through a third-party provider, such as Shipsurance.
usps first class vs priority mail price comparison
First Class Mail is a cheaper shipping option than Priority Mail. For a breakdown of the shipping rates available to you, check out these rates available to any shipping station user through your free stamps.com account.
usps transit time
Now that First Class Mail uses USPS zones when qualifying, it’s easier to compare transit times. Let’s take a look at the estimated delivery time for different locations around the US. uu. and all over the world:
USPS First Class Domestic Transit Time vs. Priority Mail
usps first class vs. priority mail international transit time
what is usps multimedia mail?
media mail is the cheapest and slowest usps option for shipping cd’s, vinyl records, dvd’s, books, bound print media consisting of 8 pages or more. Unlike other USPS services, the USPS can inspect the package to ensure the contents are approved material without first authorizing a search warrant.
sending vinyl records with media mail
Vinyl records are usually shipped with multimedia mail. just like books, cds, dvds and other physical media. If expedited delivery is important, consider upgrading to First Class Mail or Priority Mail (depending on weight or insured value).
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