Sending goods and mail requires efficiency for almost any individual or company. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is one of the oldest and most reputable companies in the parcel shipping business. 

There are many delivery options, from sending an envelope locally to mailing a package internationally; knowledge about USPS can make these services efficient and economical.

In this guide, you will find everything you need about USPS shipping solutions, prices, packing, and different shipping services. Now let’s go through each of those to guide you to ship like a pro with USPS.

Benefits of USPS Freight Shipping

1. Cost-Effective Solutions

USPS Freight Shipping has some of the cheapest service charges in domestic and international freight for smaller to medium consignments.

2. Flexible Services

The USPS offers not only the basic service but also various features that allow it to transport parcels in a shorter time or to send packages of irregular dimensions or materials that are easily damaged.

3. Reliable Network

USPS has many offices, and due to this policy, it can deliver parcels and mail to different parts of the country and even internationally.

4. Transparency and Tracking

Through tracking updates and effective communication, customers find USPS a trusted organization to work with for businesses and individuals.

Drawbacks of Using USPS Shipping

1. Large packages

The United States Postal Service could be better when shipping bulky products or enormous numbers of mail. The combined weight of the contents is restricted to not more than 70 lbs.

The maximum sum between the length and the perimeter (the distance around the thickest part) normally is 108 inches. However, if the item exceeds this measurement, the package must be shipped using USPS Retail Ground from a US Post Office.

2. Tracking issues

The United States Postal Service is making a great effort to update its equipment and services to improve efficiency. However, their tracking abilities are not as comprehensive and advanced as those of other large private operators.

3. Longer transit times

If your delivery is not time-sensitive, and the cost is your major concern. However, if transit times are more important, USPS may be more appropriate because its transit time is relatively slower compared to FedEx or UPS services

Some people would not care much about getting their package a few days later due to the reduction in the price of shipping.

USPS Services For Shipping

USPS has unique services that it offers when it comes to freight shipping services. It is a system of services that are aimed at providing different types of deliveries according to weight, time, and price.

1. USPS First Class Mail

  • It is suitable for use by individuals or business people who wish to send small parcels or mail that does not weigh much. 
  • USPS First Class Mail is ideal for items of up to 13 ounces.
  • It takes 1 to 5 business days for delivery.
  • It is used in mailing various letters and greeting cards or small parcels at lower costs. 
  • Delivery tracking is not compulsory but can be included for an extra charge to check the delivery details. 
  • It is ideal for products that don’t have to be delivered quickly or within a single day.

2. USPS Priority Mail

  • To achieve more delivery speed, USPS Priority Mail makes sure that the parcels get delivered within 1 to 3 business days
  • This service is suitable for shipments weighing up to 70 pounds and comes with additional perks.
  • Free tracking numbers for tracking and getting updated.
  • Automation of products most valued up to $50.
  • The flat rates when the pricing depends on the size of the box rather than the weight or the distance.
  • Such a parcel service as Priority Mail works well when you send products to your clients or valuable goods.

3. USPS Priority Mail Express

  • Priority Mail Express is the fastest option that precisely delivers the postage in a day or within 1-2 business days even on the weekends and on holidays. 
  • This particular service costs more, and even packages as heavy as 70 pounds can be insured for up to $100.
  • This is especially useful for urgent deliveries such as legal papers, medical equipment or products, or gifts, which have to be delivered within a short duration. 
  • Delivery confirmation is also offered to ensure that the product has reached its destination safely.

4. USPS Parcel Post (Retail Ground)

  • USPS Parcel Post is another service available for those individuals who don’t need urgent delivery and they have large shipments. 
  • This service has delivery times ranging from 2 to 8 business days based on distance. 
  • It is ideal for big or bulky items and those that cannot be delivered very quickly.
  • Parcel Post is utilized for big and heavy packages that do not fit into the standard weight or dimension criteria of other USPS categories
  • It could not offer free tracking or insurance, so one has to buy these services when they are needed.

5. USPS Media Mail

  • As for the shipping of books, DVDs, & CDs for schools, using Media Mail is one of the cheapest. 
  • This service can take as many as 70 pounds of goods per package, and delivery can take anywhere between 2-10 business days.
  • Nonetheless, compared to other available services, Media Mail is rather inexpensive, although it is rather limited in terms of allowed items for shipment.
  • Parcels being sent can only be educational or media in nature, and USPS can inspect parcels before dispatch.

6. USPS Library Mail

  • Library Mail specializes in offering services to libraries, schools, and non-profit organizations and their customers.
  • Affords fairly reasonable rates for the shipment of books, manuscripts, and related items. 

Similar to Media Mail, Library Mail is restricted by the type of content but can accommodate packages weighing as much as 70 pounds and takes 2-8 business days.

How to book USPS through Shipixy?

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  • Go to Shipixy website
  • Login using your credentials.
  • Go to the dashboard. 
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Select Suitable USPS Service 
  • Go to the shipment carriers menu.
  • Choose discounted USPS service.
  • Verify your decision.
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  • Enter both the sender and receiver addresses.
  • Add the weight and size of your parcel.
  • Confirm your details.
  • Examine the shipping summary. 
  • Select the appropriate payment method. 
  • Confirm your order and get the tracking code.

How to Prepare International Shipments

To ship internationally via USPS there are a few more things that need to be followed to meet the customs rules and regulations for the country and to make sure that your shipment arrives on time.

1. Understand Customs Requirements

There are additional rules and regulations which have to be followed before cargo is sent to another country and one of them is that one has to confirm whether the specific country has any restrictions on the importation of the specific product. 

Some countries ban or limit specific goods, which may include perishable goods,  electronics, or certain chemicals, for instance. USPS offers resources where individuals can learn about these regulations to prevent a package from being delayed or rejected.

2. Complete Customs Forms

International deliveries involve documents called customs declarations that describe the items being shipped, their worth, and their intended use. These forms enable the customs authorities to evaluate the goods as well as establish if any duties or taxes are payable. 

In the case of the International shipment, the customs forms can be filled out online or through physical contact with the USPS. Some of these documents can be completed at the post office, while others can be completed through the Internet using the USPS Click-N-Ship services.

3. Choose the Right Service

At USPS international shipping there are available options such as Priority Mail International, First-Class Package International, as well as Global Express Guaranteed (GXG). It’s the decision just based on the delivery time preferred by you or the amount you are willing to spend. 

Priority Mail International is the most conventional service for shipping and sending your packages, while Global Express Guaranteed is the fastest and most costly mode of shipping.

4. Label and Package Securely

As with domestic shipping, we need to ensure the correct packaging of the items to avoid causing damage while in transit for long distances. When sealing, it is important to use a strong and resistant material. 

Make sure to put the full address of both the sender and receiver on the package to ensure that it is not delayed or delivered to the wrong location.

5. Pay Attention to Delivery Times

The delivery time for international shipments depends on the country of delivery and the type of shipment service chosen. The estimated time of delivering an item when sent internationally can also be obtained from USPS through their website under the international service selected. 

Remember these times can change depending on the processing of local customs and the performances of international postal services.

What Factors Does USPS Consider To Determine Shipping Rates for a Package?

The cost of shipping with the USPS depends on size, weight, delivery time, and any other services required.  If you want to determine your shipping prices accurately, then visit the USPS Calculator for shipping on their homepage.  This tool also considers all the factors below and gives you a quote depending on your shipment information. 

Below are some factors to determine shipping rates.

1. Package Size and Weight

Most of the voluminous and massive parcels are expensive in shipping. This means that USPS determines the shipping cost based on the weight and dimensions of the product since a service needs more room in delivery trucks.

2. Shipping Distance (Zones)

USPS has sections of the United States as zones, and the price of shipment rises with the zones a parcel has to cross. The shipping cost increases as the distance increases, especially for services that are specific, like Priority Mail.

3. Delivery Speed

Services that are fast are expensive as compared to services that are slow such as First Class Mail. This paper also agrees with the assumption that shipping speed is a very influential factor in pricing strategy.

4. Additional Services

Other additional services like tracking, insurance, and signature confirmation are also charged on the shipping cost. Other options given offer extra reassurance and security for the consignment especially where the cargo is perishable, bulky,  or of high value.

Conclusion

USPS provides a cost-effective and efficient means for carrying out different shipping services both within and outside the United States. USPS presents different services that range from simple mail deliveries to express shipping and even international services

Due to its simplicity, affordable prices, and availability of self-service tools via the Internet, USPS continues to be a go-to service. 

Whether you are sending a letter to your friend or a package to a business, USPS makes sure to deliver those items to their destinations with care and speed.

FAQs

1. How many days does USPS take to deliver?

Delivery times with USPS are different depending on the service provided at the post office. First-Class with a processing and delivery time of 1-5 business days, Priority Mail with a delivery time of 1-3 days, and Priority Mail Express which may take overnight or 1-2 days to deliver. 

2. What is the fastest USPS service?

The most suitable USPS shipping depends on one’s considerations. Priority Mail Express is suitable for fast delivery, while Priority Mail is best for faster and cheaper services. First-Class Mail is the cheapest for smaller and lighter objects, which should not be shipped urgently.

3. Does USPS do international shipping?

Yes, the USPS has access to services to ship internationally with options such as Priority Mail International, First-Class Package International, and Global Express Guaranteed, which can deliver to over 180 countries at different time frames.

4. What is meant by USPS package services?

The USPS package services are Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, First-Class Package Service, and Media Mail. These services vary in delivery speed and cost by size, weight, and delivery location.

5. What does USPS stand for?

USPS refers to the United States Postal Service, which is a government-run service that largely deals with the delivery of mail and packages within the United States and to other parts of the world.