US Postal Service Shipping Methods

The United States Postal Services offers options to ship or mail packages, letters or documents to both domestic and international locations. Some methods are slower, but more cost-effective. Other methods offer faster, date-certain services at a higher cost. There are also special services available, not only to regular shippers, but also to commercial and nonprofit shippers.

Express Mail and Express Mail International

This is the speediest method, offering guaranteed overnight delivery to most locations domestically. Insurance of up to $100 is included. An Express Mail flat rate envelope is available for one price, with any weights, items or distance included. Express Mail International ships to 190 countries with a money-back guarantee and date-certain service for packages sent to select foreign countries.

Priority Mail and Priority Mail International

This method is fast and affordable, usually delivering within two to three days. Flat-rate envelopes and boxes for one price are also available. Priority Mail Commercial is available for businesses at special rates. Priority International sends merchandise and correspondence to over 190 countries.

First-Class Mail and First-Class International

This method is quick and affordable for basic mailing needs. It's the least expensive and most immediate option when mailing letters, postcards and envelopes 13 ounces or less. Prices are based on shape and weight of envelopes and boxes. First-Class International letters can be sent to almost any foreign country at a reasonable price. It's the most economical way to send postcards, letters, small packages, large envelopes, printed matter and small packets 4 pounds and under, globally. Prices are based on weight and destination of the envelope or package.

Parcel Post

This is a reliable and affordable ground option for packages domestically. Small and large packages can be sent. Thick envelopes and tubes with gifts and merchandise can also be sent using this method. Prices are based on weight and distance of packages. Parcel Select is a sub-category of Parcel Post, used to send large volumes of ground shipments. It's designed for medium and large shippers seeking an economical ground-shipping service.

Media Mail

This method is for printed and recorded material. Items can be shipped domestically by ground in small and large packages with books, manuscripts, film, sound recordings, videotapes and computer readable media (such as CDs, DVDs, and diskettes). Prices are based on weight of the package. Bound Printed Matter is a sub-category of Media Mail, paid by permit imprint only. It's used for sending advertising, promotional, editorial or directory material such as catalogs and phone books.

Library Mail

This method offers special prices for items sent by ground to, from or between educational organizations and museums domestically. It's also used for shipping on loan from or mailed between academic institutions, museums, public libraries and similar organizations. Content is limited to books, academic theses, sound recordings and other similar items. Each package must show the name of a school or nonprofit organization in the address or return address. Prices are based on weight of the package.

Global Express Guaranteed

This method is for global overnight shipping. Guaranteed shipping with commercial pricing is available. It provides the fastest, date-certain international service with a money-back delivery guarantee to more than 190 countries. FedEx Express and the U.S. Postal Services formed a partnership to provide this service. Envelope pricing is based on weight and distance. For all other items, the price is based on size, weight of the package and country of delivery.

References

• The United States Postal Service - USPS