Priority mail, on the other hand, comes with an insurance policy attached. However, you can add insurance coverage onto your First Class mail deliveries for an additional fee. So, in cases where a package is lost or damaged during delivery via First Class, the sender isn’t covered. One of the biggest differences between the two services is that First Class mail doesn’t have a default insurance policy like Priority Mail.

However, the maximum weight is considerably more at 70 lbs. Priority mail packages can again have a maximum dimension of 108” in combined length and girth. The maximum weight of a package being delivered by First Class mail is 15.99 oz. The maximum dimensions of packages sent via First Class mail can be 108” in combined length and girth – this is where the longest side is the “length” and the circumference of the parcel’s thickest section is the “girth”. Package size is one of the most important factors when considering which USPS mail service to go for, let’s take a closer look at USPS sizing guide. If your packages weigh less than 3.5 ounces, they should be sent First Class since and costs less and is only slighlty slower than Priority. It’s prioritized first before standard mail, hence its name, and is the favored way to send large parcels and packages.

Priority Mail on the other hand is often used to send packages weighing up to 70lbs. It’s a cost-effective way to send smaller, lighter items quickly and efficiently. This results in First Class mail being used for sending letters, thick envelopes, and lightweight packages. These are the most common things to take into account when deciding which service to use.įirst Class is primarily used to ship parcels that are 3.5 ounces or lower. Priority Mail: The Differencesįirst Class and Priority Mail look pretty similar but they each have unique offerings.įirst Class and Priority Mail differ based on weight, size, shape, and the delivery timeframe for of packages. USPS First Class vs Priority Mail International Transit Time Serviceįirst Class vs. USPS Transit Timeįirst Class Mail uses USPS zonestake a look at the estimated delivery time it takes for different locations around the US and worldwide: USPS First Class vs Priority Mail Domestic Transit Time USPS Service If you would like a breakdown of the shipping rates available to you. USPS First Class vs Priority Mail Price Comparisonįirst Class Mail is a more economical shipping option than Priority Mail. However, both Priority Mail and First Class Mail allow additional coverage to be purchased through the USPS or through a third-party provider. First Class Mail has no default insurance coverage. Restriction TypeĪ major benefit of Priority Mail is that it automatically includes insurance coverage if a parcel is lost or damaged in transit. Items over a pound and/or items of higher value work better with Priority Mail. Max Dimensions and Weight for USPSįirst Class Mail is typically used for smaller, lighter packages - weighing under a pound - with items whose insured value isn’t very high. However, Priority Mail is typically cheaper than UPS or FedEx for packages weighing under 10 lbs. Priority Mail is similar to services provided by UPS and FedEx. Because of the faster speed, it’s more expensive than First Class Mail. Think of it as being similar to Amazon Prime’s 2-day shipping, but with flat rates on packages up to 70 lbs. Priority Mail is the USPS’s fastest shipping service. Fourth Class Mail: Media Mail (CDs, vinyl records, DVDs, books, bound print media consisting of 8 or more pages.).Third Class Mail: Marketing mail, flyers, mailers, etc.

Second Class Mail: periodicals, magazines, newspapers that are printed more than 4 times a year.The USPS has different classes available for its mail. First Class Mail is used to ship letters, thick envelopes, padded envelopes, and lightweight packages. What is USPS First Class Mail?ĭespite its name, First Class Mail isn’t USPS’s fast shipping service. We know it can be confusing to determine which service is best for you, so here is our guide to learning which USPS service is best for you. Both servcies have their pros and cons, and the service you choose depend on many factors. When shipping with USPS, most shippers use First Class Mail or Priority Mail. Priority Mail – When to Use Each Service Posted by Shipping Tree on June 10, 2022

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