The maximum dimensions of packages sent via first class mail can be 108” in combined length and girth – this is where the longest side is the “length” and the circumference of the parcel’s thickest section is the “girth”. Maximum DimensionsĪs package size is one of the most important factors when considering which USPS mail service to go for, let’s take a closer look at the company’s sizing guide. If your parcels weigh less than 3.5 ounces, they should always be sent first class since it’s often faster than priority and costs less.
In fact, these types of packages are almost always delivered using priority mail, while smaller packages that don’t exceed the 3.5 ounce limit are usually always sent via first class mail. It’s prioritized first before standard mail, hence its name, and is the favored way to send large parcels and packages. Priority mail on the other hand is often used to send packages weighing up to 70lbs. It’s an affordable way to send smaller, lighter items quickly and efficiently. This means it’s mostly used for sending letters, thick envelopes, and lightweight packages that are of a standard size. These are the most common elements you should take into account when deciding what kind of service to go for.įirst class mail is predominantly used to ship parcels that are 3.5 ounces or less. Most importantly, first class and priority mail differ based on weight, size, shape, and the delivery timeframe for your packages. They are both a step up from second class deliveries, but they each have unique features that bring different benefits. When it comes to first class vs priority mail, from the outside, first class and priority mail look pretty similar. First Class Vs Priority Mail: The Differences Since most T-shirts weigh about 13 ounces, you’ll be able to ship those T-shirts out at a minimal cost with First Class Package Service. If you are looking to ship T-shirts, USPS First Class would be the best option with a poly mailer or soft envelope. Image by pch.vector on Example: Cheapest Way to Ship T-Shirts This will be trialed for a period of 30-60 days and will only be picked up by city carriers, but it’s worth bearing it in mind as you read the rest of this post as it is likely to have an effect on customers that use its package delivery services regularly. This could push package deliveries out by a day depending on the time they arrive in the sorting office. At 2 pm, they’ll return to their post offices to sort new items for the next day. The new initiative will push mail sorting to the afternoon so that letter carriers can start on their morning routes earlier. They will be standardizing mail delivery times and leaving more undelivered items behind to go out the following day. The New USPS Initiativeįirst things first, we should point out that USPS has recently made some changes to its services.
Items under 12 oz are considered light and can be sent effectively and quickly with the service-some exceptions, like oddly shaped packages that need to be hand sorted and might incur extra charges. The First Class Mailing service is basically used to ship lightweight packages such as letters or padded envelopes.
16 Both Services Have Their Benefits What is USPS First Class?