Introduction:
USPS priority mail is a fast and reliable shipping service that's bineen around since 1913. The priority mail service has changed over the years, but it remains one of the most popuzlar shipping options for businesses. This article will go into detail about USPS priority mail, including how to calculate priority mail rates, what you can ship with priority mail, and why some people might want to avoid this service altogether. If you're wondering whether or not priority mail is worth it for your business needs--keep reading!t
What Is USPS Priority Mail?
USPS priority mail is a type of shipping service offered by the US Postal Service. Priority Mail offers an expedited delivery option that can be used for packages up to a maximum weight of 70 lbs. This service provides priority over standard parcels so they are delivered faster to their destination and takes 1-3 business days days to arrive. USPS priority mail offers an affordable price for shipping that is comparable with other types of expedited shipping services like UPS or FedEx. This method also includes free USPS tracking and insurance.
How Much Does Priority Mail Cost?
Shipping a package with priority mail is an affordable way to send packages that require delivery in 1-3 business days. You can find up to date pricing online on the post office website. In 2021, priority shipments for lightweight packages begin at rates as low as $7.70 for a package under 1lb and increase based on weight, box or envelope size, and zone.
Priority mail also has flat rate pricing options. These shipping options allow you to use free shipping supplies from the post office to ship packages at fixed discounted rates regardless of weight (with some restrictions) or delivery destination. In the words of the post office, "if it fits it ships!" This is a game changer for small businesses as in most cases the price of shipping labels is fixed to the size of the boxes or envelopes used. Currently priority mail flat rate boxes and envelopes allow you to get all the benefits of priority mail including free insurance and online tracking at a dependable fixed price. you can purchase priority mail postage either at your local post office or online.
When Should You Use USPS Priority Mail?
USPS priority mail is ideal for small packages that are going to have a shorter transit time. If you’re shipping something and don't know what service to use, or want the most affordable option available then USPS priority mail may be perfect for your needs. Think of it as using an express service - only cheaper!
When mailing packages there are many services to choose from, however priority mail is one of the more affordable options when you consider the level of service you receive. It especially worth looking into if you are shipping small lightweight packages as the post office is priced competitively to compete with the 5 day ground services offered by both UPS and Fedex. If you are looking to ship a box or package and you are looking for a speedy delivery with a low cost shipping label compared to other express or expedited services priority mail could be a good fit for your business.
Pros And Cons Of Using USPS Priority Mail
Pros
One big benefit of priority mail is that it includes insurance. You receive $50 insurance for each priority mail package. This means that if your priority mail parcel gets lost, or damaged , or stolen, the USPS will refund you up to $50. You can also purchase additional insurance to make sure your package is fully protected when shipping.
Another advantage of priority mail is that you can easily track your package. When shipping priority mail, you will receive free tracking. This means that the USPS sends updates on where your priority mail parcel is and when it was delivered to its intended destination.
Whether you are shipping one box or an entire pile of boxes USPS offers free package pickup at your door. Having your box picked up and USPS tracking begin from your doorstep is a huge advantage of this mail service
Cons
One potential downside of priority mail is that it can cost more than other shipping options, especially compared to first class parcel service or some of the economy options offered by other carriers.
Although your box generally will reach its intended destination within 1-3 business days. There is no delivery time guarantee with priority mail.
Finally, there are some restrictions on what can be shipped using this service you cannot use priority mail to ship anything live like plants, meat or fresh produce nor can it be used for shipments that require a signature upon delivery such as jewelry orders and some prescription drugs.
How Do I Track My Shipment With USPS Priority Mail?
To track your USPS priority mail, head over to the Priority Mail tracking page. Here you should find a list of priority mail items that were shipped to the same ZIP Code. Simply click on one of these items, and you'll be able to see your priority mail item represented by a tracking bar.
If you have a priority mail label, the tracking bar will be in green text on a blue background. If not, it'll be in grey text on a white background.
You'll be able to see the priority mail date, tracking number (both US and international), and the priority mail's current location. You'll also have a map showing you where your priority mail is currently located on the world map.
You can also check the status of your priority mail shipment by clicking the priority mail tracking link. Here you'll be able to see when your priority mail was mailed, how long it will take for priority mail to get to its destination, priority mail updates and more.
What Are Some Options For When You Don't Want To Use USPS Priority Mail?
The shipping industry is full of additional options for when you don't want to use USPS priority mail. One option might be UPS, that offers ground shipping which uses the trucking system and generally takes anywhere from one day up to five days depending on what part of the country you are in. They also offered expedited options as well. FedEx Express is another shipping option. It is not the cheapest, but it can come in handy when you need something delivered ASAP and don't want to wait for USPS priority mail shipping. FedEx Express also offers a variety of shipping methods that include express, two-day delivery as well as overnight delivery options. Finally there's Fedex Ground and Home Delivery which has shipping rates that are generally cheaper than shipping with FedEx Express.
Conclusion
So, is USPS priority mail worth it? It all depends on your needs. If you're looking for fast and reliable shipping that can take care of sending out packages or documents with ease--priority mail might be the way to go! To calculate rates for this particular service, head over to https://postcalc.usps.com/, enter in how many pounds are being shipped (plus any dimensions), and click "Calculate Rates". You'll get an idea of what your total cost will roughly be before you actually send anything off.
