In the age of email, it’s difficult to know all of the details surrounding snail mail.
But you’re inevitably going to use the USPS (United States Postal Service) throughout your life, whether you’ve started a subscription box company or are creating your very own e-commerce website.
Nowadays people are all about speed and convenience. That’s why Priority Mail is popular.
How long does Priority Mail take?
Priority mail takes one to three days business based on where your package starts and where it’s being sent domestically.
Priority Mail is a domestic service offered by the USPS that includes a flat shipping rate and other perks.
Priority Mail is guaranteed to deliver between one and three days, but what determines if it’s one day or three days?
Shipping time depends on where you are shipping to and from. In the map below you can see that when shipping from Chicago, IL, to Chicago it’ll take one day. If you’re shipping from Chicago to New York City, NY, it’ll take two days, and if you’re shipping to Cheyenne, WY, it’ll take three days using Priority Mail.
Source: USPS
The price of shipping is determined based on the size and weight of the package, and the distance it’s traveling. Use the USPS calculator to determine the price of your specific package. If you’re running a business that has a plethora of outgoing shipments to customers, consider investing in shipping software.
What if my Priority Mail is late?
The good news is if your Priority Mail delivery is late, you can request a refund through the USPS website. The guaranteed one to three-day delivery is based on where and when the mailpiece was dropped off, plus the delivery zip code.
Tip: Discover how much a PO box is and consider buying one if you want your mail delivered to a secure location. |
The USPS also provides $100 coverage with any Priority Mail Express shipment and if there is any loss or damage incurred you can file that with the USPS.
Is Priority Mail faster than First-Class Mail?
First-Class Mail is for sending postcards, letters, and packages up to 13 ounces. The USPS considers anything larger or heavier to be Priority Mail. If you’re sending a letter or postcard, you only need one stamp if sending domestically. Learn how much a book of stamps is so that you can be prepared while sending multiple letters.
First-Class Mail takes on average one to three days, the same as Priority Mail. The major difference between the two services is that Priority Mail comes with the benefits previously mentioned, like tracking and insurance.
Make your mail a priority
If your business includes shipping with USPS then knowing about the functions of the Priority Mail service is a must. You can now say with confidence that your shipments will arrive at the customer’s location in one to three days.
In addition to Priority Mail, the USPS developed the Forever Stamp to incentivize people to buy stamps in bulk. Find out how much a forever stamp is worth in 2019.