The first class package service USPS is a service that USPS provides customers included in the other typical services like priority mail, shipping services, and retail stores. One of the most popular mail categories is actually the first class mail service. As one of USPS’s best services, many customers use this type of mail sending to ship their packages.
What is a First Class Package?
USPS First Class Package is the most used service on the USPS. Customers choose top-notch mail because it’s not only the best way to send it right away, but it’s also very cheap. Customers can use this mail class to send content such as the following:
- Standard postcard
- letter
- Large envelope
- Small package (weight should not exceed 15.99 ounces)
If the first-class package weighs more than 15.99 ounces, the remaining option is to ship the box using the “First Class Mail” category.
First-class parcel services cannot guarantee delivery time, but in general, first-class mail (letters, large envelopes, standard postcards, small packages, etc.) will take a few days to reach your address. It also only takes a few business days to reach the destination.
The main features of the first class package service USPS:
- The mail-in in this category usually has a delivery time of 1-3 business days.
- With this service, customers can get 3.5 ounces of commercial price letters and postcards for free.
- As already mentioned, this type of mail is a budget option and is recognized as the best-priced service for mail under 13 ounces.
- The mail-in in this category also includes insurance. However, there are restrictions on the insurance standards for this mail category item. In the event of loss or damage to the carriage of first-class mail, the maximum insurance amount for the item only is $ 5,000.
- Similarly, this category’s mail can be checked for delivery combined with many other USPS additional services (signature verification).
Limiting factors:
You will actually not be able to send mail in this category as you wish. You have to follow some restrictions. The restrictions are as follows:
You can send up to 3.5 ounces of first-class mail. For large envelopes or parcels, the maximum weight used by this category of mail is 13 ounces.
To send mail using this service, you need to make sure that the postcard and envelope or flat envelope are rectangular. If this is not the case, additional costs may be incurred. These different size limits depend on the type of item you are shipping.
First-class delivery must comply with general USPS restrictions. These are specific general rules and standards for shipping items. Do not restrict, ban, or prohibit the use of dangerous goods for anything you want to carry. This list also includes smokeless tobacco and tobacco.
First-class mail prices are calculated based on mail size, shape, and weight. The details are as follows.
For non-machinable envelopes, it’s more like a square envelope, a square envelope, a vertical envelope, a rigid envelope, etc., rather than a message of regular shape. It also has hooks, buttons, and cords that must be manually removed. Even if you weigh less than an ounce, you may need to pay for a non-processable supplement.
Larger envelopes cost more when the envelope exceeds the maximum length, height, or width setting limit. You may have to pay extra based on the next highest product category.
If a large flat bag is large and rigid, non-rectangular, or uneven in thickness, the package price will be charged.
How does first-class mail work?
Do you know how the “First Mail” category works? The first thing to do is to seal the item and then provide your address. Next, you need to check the package size. Due to the USPS’s size limit, you must check if the package meets the specified limit before sending the box using this service.
How long does a first-class mail take?
First-class mail delivery time does not exceed 1-3 business days. This is a fast and cheap way to send lightweight packages. It is suitable for business and personal shipping. You can send tickets, brochures, lightweight items, and more to ensure that your packages arrive within first-class shipping times. However, you can see the delivery time of this message on the map below.
Why the maximum post office weight is different from the shipping software
If you look around some of the signs alongside the post office, you may have noticed a discrepancy with the maximum weight allowed in the first class package.
At retail rates (paid at the post office), the maximum weight of a first-class package is 13 ounces. The maximum value is increased to 15,999 ounces only if you purchase postage online using the shipping software.
For many shipments over 13 ounces and under $1, this roughly 3-ounce threshold can be the difference between delivery at first-class package rates and priority email payments. In some cases, sending a first-class package can save you a few dollars.
So if you actually ship a large number of boxes, you can save a few dollars in the long run. This is the main reason why you should always buy your postage online using your shipping software instead of paying retail at the post office.
Covid 19 Pandemic Impact on First-class Packages
Due to the continued impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the United States and limited availability of shipments, priority email products, and first-class packages from US Postal Services may take longer to arrive.
Effective April 17, 2020: Postal service Priority Mail Express flagship service guarantees night service and is unchanged. The daily priority mail service commitment remains unchanged. Currently, Priority Mail’s 2-day and 3-day service contracts are extended to 3-day and 4-day, respectively.
Similarly, customers will actually continue to receive end-to-end visibility, improved product tracking, and free insurance up to $ 50. Due to the additional date extension, customers should expect to use “Open and Distribute Priority Email.” (PMOD) It will be delivered nationwide within a range of 2 to 4 days.
The First Class Package Service (FCPS) 2-day and 3-day service contracts will also be extended to 3-day and 4-day, respectively. The Global Express Warranty Service has also changed. For an actual complete list of international and US domestic updates, please visit usps.com.
The purpose of the postal service is to deliver the parcel as soon as possible. Post offices are continually reviewing their network capacity to provide Americans with reliable, efficient, and fast delivery services. We will continue to offer improvements to transport availability and return to normal service levels.
Additional Advantage of using the first class packaging service
- First Class packaging and mail takes 1-3 working and business days. The service is a simple and affordable way to send envelopes and simple packages.
- The first-class Mail Forever stamps are priced at $0.55 (current price is 1 ounce) and will not expire at higher first-class postage.
- For packaging (maximum 13 ounces), prices start from $3.80.
- Due to the ongoing COVID-19 emergency, the arrival time of some packages may be longer than usual. understand more
Features and prices
- Delivery within 1-3 working days
- Highest price mail service, up to 13 ounces
- Insurance for loss or damage of cargo-only up to $5,000
- As the purpose of the certified mail delivery confirmation service
- Up to 3.5 ounces, letters, and postcards with commercial prices
- Prices are based on size, shape, and weight
- Standard letter and postcard size
- Standard-sized rectangular envelope stamps start at $0.55.
- Stamps on the square, oversized, or shaped envelopes start at $0.70.
- Postcards, Standard-sized rectangular envelope stamps start at $0.35.
- Large postcards need to have a $0.55 stamp.
- Similarly, large envelope/small package:
- Besides, large (Paperback) Envelopes from $1.00
- Small packages start at $3.80
- Weight, size, and shape requirements
The maximum weight of the first-class email is 3.5 ounces. For large mail envelopes and first-class packages, the ultimate value is 13 ounces.
All postcards and envelopes (or envelopes) must be rectangular. Otherwise, they will incur additional fees.
Mail with abnormal shapes, such as square or vertical envelopes, sturdy envelopes, rigid envelopes, paper clips, cords, and button mails, must be manually erased. If the weight is less than 1 ounce, you will be charged an additional non-processing fee.
Large mail and Envelopes
If the mail exceeds the maximum length, height, or thickness, you have to pay the second-highest price and mail category. Large (flat) envelopes that exceed the full size, are rigid, non-rectangular, or have uneven thickness will be charged for packaging. The USPS Price Calculator tool shows you how to measure envelopes and calculate domestic shipping costs.
Restricted transportation
There are specific regulations and standards for sending restrictions, prohibited, and hazardous materials (such as smokeless cigarettes and cigarettes). See more transportation restrictions and prohibitions
USPS knows that the essential things to corporate customers are: speed, convenience, security, and customer service. Similarly, they help companies provide these services and resources to customers at discounted prices.
Conclusion
The first-class packaging service can provide the best price for light goods. The maximum shipping volume for retail services is 13 ounces.
First-class package service is different from first-class mail. One of the main benefits of first-class parcel service is that it includes tracking or delivery confirmation.
The price of the first-class package service depends on the weight and price category of the package.
As the weight actually increases, so does the cost. Besides, the greater the distance, the higher the price. The USPS uses zones to measure the distance the internal load must travel, ranging from zone 1 (local) to zone 9 (very far away). Learn more about the area.
Retail prices are provided directly on USPS.com by the post office reseller or USPS. Does not include discounts on stamp prices obtained on retail stamp websites.