The USPS has a long and storied history as the backbone of American commerce. The postal service was established in 1775, and it’s been delivering packages — as well as letters — ever since.
Today, the USPS is still primarily responsible for delivering mail to every address in America. Still, it also offers various other services that can be extremely useful to eCommerce businesses. Many online stores rely on USPS shipping options because they offer more features at an affordable price than private carriers like FedEx and UPS. The USPS handles over 40% of all eCommerce packages.
Whether you are a new or experienced eCommerce seller, knowing the difference between first-class and priority mail can be helpful when shipping your packages. Learn about what defines the differences of each class and how they can impact your business.
The First Class vs Priority Mail – The Differences Explained
When making decisions as an eCommerce business owner, shipping options play a crucial role in your company’s success. Understanding the differences between USPS First Class vs Priority mail and when it makes sense to use each option can have huge implications on your business’s shipping rates, speed of delivery and other factors that affect conversion rates and customer satisfaction.
First-class mail is a very affordable option for small parcels. It can be used for packages weighing up to 13 ounces and is often used by eCommerce companies that sell delicate items such as jewellery or clothing. The main advantage of first-class mail is that it’s inexpensive — especially when compared to priority mail (more on that below). The downside is that it’s not guaranteed to arrive within 2-3 days like priority mail is, so this might not be the best option for you if you’re shipping something time-sensitive. First-Class Mail prices are based on weight, not size. All postcards and flats must be rectangular. Otherwise, an additional charge may apply.
Priority Mail is an expedited service provided by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), a reliable, economical and time-saving alternative to express mail services at a lower cost. Your package must be within 70 pounds to qualify for Priority Mail. If you choose Priority Mail as your shipping option, you can expect your package to arrive between 2-3 days after being shipped from our warehouse. Priority Mail is available for both domestic and international shipments.
First-Class Mail has no tracking capabilities (with the exception of some international destinations). If you need to know where your package is at any given time, Priority Mail is your best bet. With Priority Mail, you can track packages using the USPS website or by phone.
How To Choose: First Class Mail vs Priority Mail
With so many different ways to ship, it can be unclear to decide which is right for your business. Priority Mail is perfect when time is a factor, and First-Class Mail is more economical. Choosing a suitable class will depend on what kind of delivery you want to guarantee and how quickly you need it. We’ve broken down the criteria into three major categories which are speed, cost and insurance. This will help your decision-making process easier.
Speed: The significant difference between first class and priority mail is speed. First-class mail takes about 3 to 5 days, whereas Priority Mail takes 2 to 3 days. This of course depends on external factors such as weather or an unexpected delay. Rest assured, Priority Mail superseeds First Class Mail in delivery speed.
Cost: The cost of Priority Mail depends on the weight and size of your package and its destination. The USPS publishes price tables for each type of mail service and their associated costs.
Insurance: USPS Priority Mail offers $100 worth of insurance coverage on all packages up to 70 pounds. This can be increased to up to $200 worth of insurance by purchasing additional insurance coverage for international shipment. First Class Mail does not offer insurance coverage.
What Can Be Shipped Through First-Class and Priority Mail & Types of Priority Mails You Can Choose From
You can ship almost anything through the United States Postal Service. The United States Postal Service has various shipping options to get your package from point A to point B.
First-Class Mail
First-class mail is an excellent option for letters, postcards and other lightweight items up to 13 ounces (about 1 pound). First-class mail is often used for personal correspondence, bills, greeting cards and packages that don’t need to be delivered quickly. It usually takes 2 to 5 days for first-class mail to reach the recipient.
Priority Mail
You can use Priority Mail to ship items weighing more than 1 lb but within the 70 lb limit. Items could range anything from books, shoes, and toys.
Priority Mail Categories
Priority Mail rates are based on weight and distance, with various price options. Priority Mail services include:
Priority Mail Express: This is the fastest service available from USPS and includes tracking, insurance and delivery confirmation. Delivery times vary depending on destination location, but most shipments will arrive within two days of the shipment date.
Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Boxes: Boxes are designed to fit specific products. They have pre-printed labels allowing customers to pay one flat rate regardless of how many items they ship in one box. Customers can also purchase larger boxes that fit multiple items simultaneously, saving money on shipping costs.
Priority Mail Parcels: This service offers flat-rate pricing based on the weight, zone and shape/size of the shipped package (up to 70 lbs). There are no additional fees for signature confirmation or insurance (optional). Parcels may be tracked via UPC or by visiting this page.
Priority Mail International Parcels: An economical way to send light packages overseas by airmail. Parcels can way up to 4 pounds, and shipment is available to over 190 countries.
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Final Thoughts
The choice is personal, but it’s worth having an informed opinion. It depends on how urgent you need that item to arrive. Ultimately, if you’re looking for speed and don’t mind spending a little extra, you’ll likely want to choose Priority Mail. The more rapid delivery will offset the higher price. On the other hand, if it’s the cost that’s critical to you, First Class Mail will be your best bet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is It Okay To Ship First-Class Mail In A Priority Mail Box Or Envelope?
No, you may only use Priority Mail Box or Envelope for Priority Mail shipment
Do The US Postal Service’s Priority Mail Actually Takes 1-3 Days to Deliver?
Yes, however inevitable delays may occur due to circumstances.
Is The USPS Priority Mail Map Accurate?
It is accurate and can be used to estimate delivery lead time.
Can U.S. Postal Service First-Class Mail Take Longer than 5 Days?
Yes, it could. Due to unavoidable circumstances such as bad weather.
USPS First-Class International vs Priority Mail International- How Does Speed Compare?
USPS First-Class International may take up to four weeks to deliver and Priority Mail International may take from 6- 10 days. Priority mail International would be the best option for international deliveries.
Is Priority Mail Faster Than First Class?
Yes,USPS Priority Mail is typically faster than First-Class Mail. However, some unforeseen circumstances can affect the delivery time of your package.
What is Better First Class or Priority Mail?
It depends on your requirement. Mainly, if you are looking for an economical option, First Class could be your choice. If you opt for speed, then Priority Mail is the better alternative. Other factors include the weight of the package and if you need insurance protection for your parcel.
