In this article, we will see How Fast Is USPS First Class?
USPS – United States Postal Service is the easiest, safest, and convenient way to ship your mails to their expected destination anywhere in the United States, including insular areas and associated states. It is an independent postal service agency working under the executive branch of the United States federal government. Whether an essential package or a surprise gift to someone special living far away, USPS is your way.
It takes about 1-5 business days for a package sent through USPS’s first-class mail service to reach the desired destination. However, if the packages are small and lightweight, the delivery period is reduced to 1-3 business days. It is an affordable and fast postal service for any parcels and mails.
Mail And Stamp Prices
The First Class Mail Forever stamps for 1oz range from $0.55 to $0.58. The feature of this stamp is that it will never expire even when the postage prices are on a hike. Further, the stamps vary according to the weight and type of the packages. Prices start from $4.30 for up to 13oz packages. Further details according to the kind of package are given below:
For letters of standard size and rectangular envelope, the prices of stamps start from $0.58. And for letters that are square, or unusually shaped, or are oversized, stamp prices start at $0.88.
For rectangle and regular-sized postcards, stamp prices start at $0.40, whereas for oversized postcards, the letter stamps need to start from $0.58.
Large flat envelopes cost starts at $1.16, and small packages start from $4.30
For more details on pricing for various packages, Check this out.
Features Of First Class USPS Mail
The first-class postal service of USPS includes various features to provide the best service to its customers. Some of the features are as follows:
- Insurance up to $5000 in case of any loss or damage during shipping (for merchandise only)
- Delivery confirmation services such as Certified Mail
- Prioritized over other standard and local mails
- Fast delivery services at an affordable price
- Different prices based on shape and weight
- Certification of mailing to show the date your parcel was presented for mailing to USPS
- Return receipt with the record of all the delivery details and recipient’s signature
- Signature Confirmation to add security
- USPS tracking plus service to track your package/items
Shape And Weight Requirements
The shape of envelopes and postcards should be strictly rectangular. Otherwise, the extra money would be charged. Also, the maximum weight that can be sent through First Class Mail letters is 3.5 oz, whereas, for the parcel, envelope, and large packages, it can range up to a maximum of 13 oz.
If the items don’t satisfy the following weight and shape requirements, they are considered different packages and charged additionally for the same. For example, if the package exceeds the maximum dimensions and is non-uniform and not in shape, they are charged extra money according to the standard USPS price calculator. Suppose the envelopes are lumpy and bulky than expected to be according to the standard or contain mails with buttons, strings, or such items. In that case, they are considered non-machinable and are charged extra for being in the irregular mailpieces category.
Restricted Items
While sending packages/items through USPS, you must keep in check the list of all the restricted items that can be shipped only under certain restrictions. The list of restricted items are as follows:
- Aerosols
- Alcoholic beverages
- Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco
- Dry ice
- Cremated remains
- Poisons
- Perfumes
- Live animals
- Batteries, glues, hand sanitizer
- Paint, nail paint, medicines and prescription medicines, and much more.
Get the detailed list of the restricted item and the conditions they are mailable here.
Prohibited Items
Unlike the restricted items, mailing some items is strictly prohibited in any conditions. Such items can prove hazardous and are hence not allowed to be shipped in any circumstances. The list of all the items that prohibited is as follows:
- Airbags
- Ammunition
- Explosives
- Gasoline
USPS takes on the whole responsibility to mail and ship all your casual, domestic, and vital packages to the mentioned location with utmost safety, security while maintaining privacy at the same time. Using First Class, you can be extra assured about your package’s safe and timely delivery and can even track all the delivery records by requesting the link on your mail-id. Also, your parcel being prioritized over other local and standard mails adds up to the list of the many reasons why you must go for the First Class Mail service of USPS.
Just keep in mind the standards of size, shape, and weight of the package, the list of restricted and prohibited items and the conditions under which they are mailable, and the type of stamp that matches your item to avoid any cancellation and escape from paying additional charges for any irregularities.
