first-class postage (or first-class mail®) is a service designed to send envelopes and lightweight packages. its simplicity and affordability have made first-class postage the most popular class of mail service in the us. uu. and an essential tool for small businesses and online merchants. Most lightweight envelopes and packages qualify for first-class postage or shipping labels in one of three categories:
- Retail First Class Mail: Envelopes and Other Light and Flat Mailings
- Retail First Class Mail: Light Parcels
- Retail First Class Mail retail: both flat postage and light packs
If your small business mails and ships in bulk, First Class Commercial Parcel Service offers the greatest savings. A handful of online shipping providers, including Pitneyship, have partnered with USPS® and other carriers to offer these commercial rates to their members online.
answers to your questions about first class postage
what is the difference between standard and first class postage?
price, delivery time and service options separate standard and first class postage. first class costs less than regular postage but more than standard service. a first class delivery typically takes two to three days locally and up to four days nationally. automatic returns and mail forwarding are included free of charge. when the goal is good customer service, first class postage is the best option.
Standard mail typically takes less than five business days locally and up to two weeks nationally, but these times are not guaranteed. standard mail does not offer free automatic returns or mail forwarding. Standard mail is also known as marketing mail because its low costs (about 32 percent less than first-class postage) make it a good choice for sending promotional materials.
what is the difference between postage and metered mail?
This is an important distinction because you cannot print a traditional postage stamp like the ones you get at the post office. Metered Mail allows you to purchase and print postage directly on an envelope using an approved provider like Pitneyship. metered mail can also be weighed for exact costs instead of paying first-class flat rates.
what is usps first class mail?
usps describes its first-class mail service as offering “the most immediate and least expensive options for mailing postcards, letters, large (flat) envelopes, and packages.” Other carriers offer similar services, but when most people refer to first-class postage, they have USPS first-class mail services in mind. Small businesses receive further discounts if they purchase first-class postage through PitneyShip or another USPS-approved provider.
what can be sent with a first class stamp or label?
postcards, letters, large envelopes and small packages can be sent using first-class postage and first-class shipping labels. the maximum weight for first class letters is 3.5 oz. and the maximum weight for first class envelopes and large packages is 13 oz. Size restrictions also apply, depending on the type of envelope or package. odd shapes and bulky packages will cost more.
Which carriers offer first class mail insurance?
Some First Class services include loss and damage insurance, and you can purchase additional insurance for others. there are some distinctions between carriers:
- usps: up to $5,000 loss or damage insurance included for merchandise shipments only.
- fedex: $100 basic coverage included for all packages, and you can purchase additional shipping insurance of value.
does first class mail include tracking?
usps tracking® is included with first class package service. Post, Letter and Flat Envelope Tracking is an optional service that allows you to print the necessary barcodes on your first-class envelope or shipping label.
how to print first class mail
If your small business mails and ships regularly, an approved online or digital shipping service will save you the most time and money. The steps vary by carrier, but the following instructions for printing a pitneyship First Class Mail envelope give you an idea of how it works.
- from the pitneyship home screen, select stamp sheets & rolls.
- select envelopes.
- perform any of the optional tasks required to set up the envelope, including:
- add and verify addresses
- change the size of the envelope
- preview the envelope to be printed