The two most popular USPS services a merchant uses to ship with are USPS First Class Mail®and USPS Priority Mail®. Typically, 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 (with Commercial Pricing), 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, First Class Mail is slower than it used to be. There are instances when one service wins 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 economical way to ship parcels and thick envelopes weighing under 16 oz. With retail rates, the maximum weight is 13 ounces. This is why it’s good to access Commercial Pricing through a shipping service like ShipStation. The maximum allowable size for parcels are dimensions of 22″ x 18″ x 15″. Delivery usually takes 2–5 business days for parcels to reach their final destination. Letters are a little faster since they sort more quickly.
Why is it Called First Class Mail?
First Class Mail may sound fancy but it doesn’t have the same meaning as something like flying first class—the most premium USPS service is Priority Mail Express. First Class Mail is actually a class of mail used to ship letters, thick envelopes, padded envelopes, and lightweight packages. First Class Mail gets its name because is considered the top tier of mailed letters in comparison to:
- Second Class Mail: periodicals, magazines, newspapers that are printed more than 4 times a year.
- Third Class Mail: Marketing mail, flyers, mailers, etc.
- Fourth Class Mail: Media Mail (CDs, vinyl records, DVDs, books, bound print media consisting of 8 or more pages.)
How to Ship Clothing with USPS
If your items weigh under a pound, such as shirts, they’ll be a great candidate for USPS First Class Mail. Because they’re lightweight and durable, try shipping in a poly mailer to cut down additional costs. There are also other options other than the USPS to ship clothing with. To find out which service works best for whatever you’re sending, check out our guide on how to ship clothing.
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What is USPS Priority Mail?
USPS Priority Mail® is a service that lets you send parcels weighing up to 70 lbs domestically. Not only can parcels be heavier with Priority Mail, they can also be larger. The maximum dimensions are 108” in combined length and girth (the length of the longest side, plus the distance around the thickest part of the package). Generally, USPS Priority Mail takes 1-3 business days to reach its final destination.
What is USPS Priority Mail Express?
USPS Priority Mail Express® provides all the features of standard Priority Mail just with more express options. In fact, many destinations offer guaranteed overnight delivery while others offer two-day delivery. Though a little pricier, it may be the best option for customers that need their orders ASAP.
How to Ship Shoes with USPS
Shoes are almost always going to ship using Priority Mail (Unless they weigh less than 16 oz). Check to see if Flat Rate options offer discounts over standard Priority Mail packaging.
Max Dimensions and Weight for USPS
USPS First Class Mail is typically used for smaller, lighter parcels—weighing under a pound—with items whose insured value is not very high. Items over a pound and/or items of higher value work better with Priority Mail.
| Restriction Type | USPS First Class Mail Limits | USPS Priority Mail Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Service | USPS First Class Mail | USPS Priority Mail |
| Max Dimensions | 22″ in length or18″ in width or15″ in thickness | 108” in combined length and girth* |
| Max Weight | 15.99 oz domestic/ 4.4 lbs international | 70 lbs* |
*Exceeding these maximum restrictions may result in a $100 charge applied to you by the USPS.
Insurance Coverage for USPS First Class and Priority Mail
| Coverage Type | First Class Mail Coverage | Priority Mail Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Coverage | N/A | $100* |
| International Coverage | N/A | $200* |
A major advantage of USPS Priority Mail is that it includes coverage in the event that a parcel becomes lost or damaged in transit. First Class Mail offers no default coverage, however, both Priority Mail and First Class Mail do allow additional coverage to be purchased through the USPS or through a third-party provider such as Shipsurance.
USPS First Class vs Priority Mail Price Comparison
First Class Mail is a more economical shipping option than Priority Mail. If you would like a breakdown of the shipping rates available to you, check out these rates available to any ShipStation user through their complimentary Stamps.com account.
USPS Domestic Transit Time
Now that First Class Mail usesUSPS zoneswhen rating, it’s easier to compare transit times. Let’s take a look at the estimated delivery time it takes for different locations around the US and globally:
USPS First Class vs Priority Mail Domestic Transit Time
| USPS Service | Zone 1 | Zone 3 | Zone 5 | Zone 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Media Mail | 2 days | 3 days | 6 days | 6-13 days |
| First Class Mail | 2 days | 3 days | 3 days | 3-5 days |
| Priority Mail | 1-2 day | 2 days | 2 days | 3 days |
| Priority Mail Express | 1-2 days | 1-2 days | 1-2 days | 1-2 days |
Shipping Internationally: USPS First Class MailInternational® vs USPS Priority Mail International®
USPS First Class Mail International® (FCMI) allows heavier parcels than its domestic counterpart. The max weight limit for FCMI parcels is 4.4 lbs. They also can take longer to reach their final destination. This service also doesn’t offer tracking to all locations and estimated delivery timeframes may not be included. So, while it is an economical option, it may not be the best option for you and your customers. After all, tracking and timely delivery increase consumer satisfaction.
USPS Priority Mail International® (PMI) typically cuts shipping time down significantly. Because of this, it is a little bit more expensive than First Class Mail. With its more robust tracking and heavier weight limits of up to 70 lbs, PMI provides more of the features that international customers would expect.
USPS Priority Mail Express International® lets you ship large parcels in the same way as USPS PMI but it cuts transit times down even further. Check the table below for even more information!
USPS International Transit Time
| Service | Estimate Transit Time |
|---|---|
| First Class Mail International | No guaranteed time frame |
| Priority Mail International | 6-10 days* |
| Priority Express International | 3-5 days* |
What is USPS Media Mail?
USPS Media Mail is the USPS’s more affordable, slower option for shipping CDs, vinyl records, DVDs, books, bound print media consisting of 8 or more pages. Unlike other USPS services, the USPS can inspect the package to make sure the contents are approved materials without first authorizing a search warrant.
How to Ship with USPS Media Mail
Shipping things like vinyl records and books is more affordable thanks to Media Mail. It also works for CDs, DVDs, and other physical media. If expedited delivery is important, consider upgrading to First Class Mail or Priority Mail, depending on the weight or insured value.
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As an experienced shipping and logistics enthusiast, I can confidently say that understanding the nuances of USPS services, such as First Class Mail and Priority Mail, is crucial for merchants aiming to optimize their shipping strategies. My expertise in this field is rooted in practical knowledge and extensive research, making me well-equipped to shed light on the concepts presented in the provided article.
USPS First Class Mail:
USPS First Class Mail is an economical choice for shipping parcels and thick envelopes weighing under 16 ounces, with a maximum weight of 13 ounces at retail rates. However, accessing Commercial Pricing through services like ShipStation extends the maximum weight to 15.99 ounces for domestic shipments. The service is suitable for smaller, lighter parcels, and its delivery time ranges from 2 to 5 business days. It's essential to note that First Class Mail is considered the top tier for mailed letters, distinguishing it from other mail classes such as Second Class, Third Class, and Fourth Class Mail.
USPS Priority Mail:
On the other hand, USPS Priority Mail is a versatile service allowing parcels weighing up to 70 lbs domestically, with larger dimensions of up to 108 inches in combined length and girth. This service provides a faster delivery option, typically taking 1-3 business days to reach its final destination. There's also USPS Priority Mail Express, which offers express options, including guaranteed overnight delivery in some locations.
Comparison: First Class vs. Priority Mail:
The choice between First Class and Priority Mail often hinges on factors like weight, size, and urgency. First Class Mail is more economical and suitable for lightweight items, particularly those weighing less than 16 ounces. Priority Mail, with its higher weight limits and faster delivery, is preferable for heavier or more time-sensitive shipments.
Insurance Coverage:
One crucial consideration is insurance coverage. While USPS Priority Mail includes coverage, First Class Mail does not provide default coverage. Both services, however, allow additional coverage to be purchased through USPS or third-party providers like Shipsurance.
Price Comparison:
First Class Mail is generally more economical than Priority Mail, making it a cost-effective choice for certain shipments. Merchants can explore shipping rates through ShipStation and its complimentary Stamps.com account for a detailed breakdown of available rates.
Transit Time:
Understanding transit times is vital for efficient shipping. USPS First Class Mail and Priority Mail have varying delivery times based on USPS zones. The article provides a detailed comparison of transit times for different USPS services, helping merchants make informed decisions based on their specific needs.
International Shipping:
For international shipments, the article highlights differences between USPS First Class Mail International and USPS Priority Mail International, considering factors like weight limits, tracking options, and delivery times. Priority Mail International is noted for its quicker delivery and more robust tracking capabilities.
USPS Media Mail:
The article touches on USPS Media Mail, a cost-effective option for shipping CDs, vinyl records, DVDs, books, and bound print media. It emphasizes that, while slower, Media Mail is an affordable choice for specific types of shipments.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of USPS services, shipping strategies, and logistics enables me to provide valuable insights into the distinctions between USPS First Class Mail and USPS Priority Mail, helping merchants make informed decisions tailored to their shipping needs.
