Priority Mail Definition
Priority Mail, offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS), is a mail delivery option that's generally a faster option than regular first-class mail. The USPS offers two types of Priority Mail shipping: flat-rate and zone-based. The service is good for shipping in the U.S., or internationally. Costs vary depending on the type of flat-rate packaging used or--for the zone-based version--on the size, weight and destination of the package. The USPS website (usps.com) provides lots of information about Priority Mail, including shipping rates, free shipping kits and other services available.
Other People Are Reading
-
Flat-Rate Priority Mail Shipping
-
The USPS has several different sizes of boxes and envelopes that are available for flat-rate Priority Mail shipping. Whatever fits in these boxes or envelopes ships for the specific rate assigned to that packaging format.
Other Priority Mail Shipping
-
Items can also be sent via Priority Mail without using a flat-rate box or envelope. The USPS calls this "zone-based." Shipping rates vary depending on the size and weight of the package, and its destination.
-
Priority Mail Flat-Rate Shipping Kits
-
A Priority Mail flat-rate shipping kit can be ordered for free on the USPS website--a link is available in Resources. The kit includes several flat-rate boxes and envelopes, a shipping guide and other information.
Shipping Times
-
Items sent via USPS Priority Mail typically reach their destinations within two to three days. International shipping times vary depending on the country where the item is being shipped (typically around 7 to 10 days).
Weight Limits
-
The weight limit for packages sent using Priority Mail is 70 pounds. Items must fit comfortably in the selected flat-rate package or other type of packaging.
Costs
-
Zone-based domestic priority mail costs start at $4.95. Flat-rate envelopes and small boxes are $4.95, and large flat-rate boxes are $13.95. Rates can sometimes be a little cheaper when ordering supplies and buying postage online. International shipping rates are higher, and vary based on the destination.
-
