First Class vs. Third Class Delivery Time

First class mail has less of a delivery time than third class mail.

The United States Postal Service offers multiple shipping options, each with their own delivery times. First class mail is only for envelopes and small packages weighing 13 oz. or less. Third class mail is called parcel post, can weigh up to 70 lbs. and measure up to 130 inches around in combined length, height and girth.

Delivery Times

According to the USPS Postage Price Calculator, a package mailed from Greenwood, Texas, going to Hollywood, California, should arrive in two to three days by first class mail. The same package traveling by third class mail should arrive in six days.

Distance

Delivery times vary based on destination. The less distance the item has to travel, the less time it takes to reach its destination. According to the USPS Postage Price Calculator, a package mailed from Greenwood, Texas, to Decatur, Texas, only takes two days by both first and third class mails.

Additional Services

Additional packaging services are available for both first and third class mails, which include additional services such as delivery confirmation, insurance, signature confirmation, certificate of mailing and return receipt for merchandise.

References

• USPS: Parcel Post
• USPS: Insurance and Extra Services
• USPS: First Class

Resources

• USPS: Postage Price Calculator