Sending packages can be confusing, but the United States Postal Service (USPS) has different options to make it easier. In this guide, we’ll look at the prices for USPS First Class Package, Priority Mail, and International Mail, so you know how to pick the right one for your needs.
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1. USPS First Class Package: Cheap and Quick
- What it’s for: Good for small and light packages (up to 15.99 ounces).
- How long it takes: Usually delivers in 1-3 business days.
- How much it costs: Affordable, especially for smaller things.
| Commercial Mail Prices | Retail Mail Prices |
| First-class package service commercial parcel· 1st four ounces – $2.74. 4-8 ounces – $3.21 | First-Class Package Service Retail Parcel· 1st four ounces – $3.80. 4-8 ounces – $4.60 |
| For First-class mail, large envelopes. click on this link to know about the pricing. | First-Class Mail large envelopes. 1st ounce – $1. Added ounce – $0.20 |
| First-class mail postcard· Click the link to know about the pricing. | First-class mail postcard. Single postcard – $0.35. Stamped postcard – $0.39 |
| First-class mail letter. Click the link for more information | First-class mail letter. 1st ounce – $0.55. Added Ounce – $0.15 |
| First-class mail metered mail letter. 1st ounce – $0.50. Added ounce – $0.15 |
How USPS Decides First Class Package Prices
- Factors: They look at how heavy it is, how big it is, and where it’s going.
- Estimating costs: Use the USPS website to get an idea of how much it will cost.
2. USPS Priority Mail: Fast and Simple
- What it’s for: Great for quick deliveries of packages (up to 70 pounds).
- How long it takes: 1-3 business days, or even faster with Priority Mail Express.
- Special boxes: You can use flat-rate boxes for a fixed price no matter how heavy.
| Free Supplies | Shipping Price | Dimensions | Great for the following packages |
| Flat Rate Envelope | $7.15 Commercial Base$7.75 at Post Office & Online | 12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ | Letters Documents Manuscripts |
| Gift Card Flat Rate Envelope | $7.15 Commercial Base$7.75 at Post Office & Online | 10″ x 7″ | Oversized Greeting Cards Gift Cards |
| Window Flat Rate Envelope | $7.15 Commercial Base$7.75 at Post Office & Online | 10″ x 5″12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ | Pre-addressed Envelopes |
| Small Flat Rate Envelope | $7.15 Commercial Base$7.75 at Post Office & Online | 10″ x 6″ | Small Documents Passports |
| Padded Flat Rate Envelope | $7.75 Commercial Base$8.40 at Post Office & Online | 12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ | Clothing Books Boxed Jewelry |
| Legal Flat Rate Envelope | $7.45 Commercial Base$8.05 at Post Office & Online | 15″ x 9 1/2″ | Legal Documents |
| Small Flat Rate Box | $7.65 Commercial Base$8.30 at Post Office & Online | Outside: 8 11/16″ x 5 7/16″ x 1 3/4″ Inside: 8 5/8″ x 5 3/8″ x 1 5/8″ | Brochures Small Electronics |
| Medium Flat Rate Box — 1 (top-loading) | $13.20 Commercial Base$15.05 at Post Office & Online | Outside: 11 1/4″ x 8 3/4″ x 6″ Inside: 11″ x 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ | Office Supplies Shoes |
| Medium Flat Rate Box — 2 (side-loading) | $13.20 Commercial Base$15.05 at Post Office & Online | Outside: 14″ x 12″ x 3 1/2″ Inside: 13 5/8″ x 11 7/8″ x 3 3/8″ | Office Supplies Shoes |
| Large Flat Rate Box | $18.30 Commercial Base$21.10 at Post Office & Online | Outside: 12 1/4″ x 12 1/4″ x 6″ Inside: 12″ x 12″ x 5 1/2″ | Laptop Computers Gifts etc. |
| APO/FPO/DPO Flat Rate Box | $16.80 Commercial Base$19.60 at Post Office & Online | Outside: 12 1/4″ x 12 1/4″ x 6″ Inside: 12″ x 12″ x 5 1/2″ | Sending Gifts to Troops |
| Large Flat Rate Board Game Box | $18.30 Commercial Base$21.10 at Post Office & Online | Outside: 24 1/16″ x 11 7/8″ x 3 1/8″ Inside: 23 11/16″ x 11 3/4″ x 3″ | Board Games |
| Prepaid Forever® Priority Mail Flat Rate® Packaging | $7.75 at Post Office & Online | Various Sizes Available | Various Options |
Table from https://www.usps.com/ship/priority-mail.htm
Understanding Priority Mail Pricing
- Influencing factors: Weight, size, and destination affect the price.
- Flat-rate boxes: If your stuff fits, you pay a fixed price, which is often a good deal for heavy things.
3. Shipping Around the World with USPS International Mail
- Options: There are different services for international shipping, depending on how fast you need it.
- USPS First Class Package International: Good for smaller international packages.
| Service | Starting Price | Ship Time | Pricing Options | Shipping Methods | Insurance | Other Services |
| Global Express Guaranteed® (GXG®) | $67.80 (varies by country) | 1-3 days | [List] | At Post Office & Online | $100 included | Included: USPS Tracking |
| Priority Mail Express International® | $45.95 (varies by country) | 3-5 days | [List] | At Post Office & Online | $100 included (documents); $200 included (merchandise)9 | Included: USPS Tracking |
| Priority Mail International® | $26.90 (varies by country) | 6-10 days | [List] | At Post Office & Online | $100 included (documents); $200 included (merchandise)10 | Included: USPS Tracking Available: Return Receipt |
| First-Class Mail International® | $1.20 (varies by country) | Varies | [List] | At Post Office & Online | N/A | Available: USPS Tracking, Registered Mail®, Return Reciept 13, Certificate of Mailing (for unregistered mail) |
| First-Class Package International Service® | $12.25 (varies by country) | Varies | [List] | At Post Office & Online | N/A | Available: USPS Tracking, Registered Mail, Return Reciept 13, Certificate of Mailing (for unregistered mail) |
| Airmail M-Bags® | $51.70 (varies by country) | Varies | [List] | At Post Office & Online | N/A | Available: USPS Tracking |
Table from https://www.usps.com/international/mail-shipping-services.htm
Figuring Out International Mail Costs
- What matters: Where it’s going, how heavy it is, and which service you choose.
- Important forms: When you send things to another country, there are extra forms to fill out.
Keeping Up with USPS Prices
- Changes happen: Prices might go up or down, so it’s good to stay informed.
- Stay updated: Visit the USPS website to know the latest prices and news.
Tips for Smart Shipping: Save Money
- Flat-rate advantage: Consider using flat-rate boxes for heavy things with Priority Mail.
- Free USPS boxes: Use the free boxes USPS provides for Priority Mail and First Class Package to save money.
Conclusion:
Sending packages with USPS is easier than it seems. Now that you know about First Class, Priority, and International Mail, you can choose the right one for your needs and budget. USPS first class offers reliable and affordable options, so whether you’re sending things nearby or to another country, you can trust them to get your packages there quickly and safely. Keep an eye on USPS updates, explore the different services, and make the most of USPS for your shipping needs.