USPS mail

Shipping through USPS is a popular choice for many ecommerce businesses. With USPS, you get cost-effective shipping options comparable to FedEx and UPS. Their flat-rate shipping options are also a popular choice because they allow you to forecast your costs. 

One major benefit of shipping through USPS is how simple it is. All you have to do is print labels and drop packages off at your local USPS Post Office or a mailbox (depending on quantity). But which types of shipping options and mail classes are best for your business?

In this guide, we’ll go over the USPS mail types, prices, delivery options and more so you’ll know which options to pick when using USPS for ecommerce shipping.

•  USPS mail types: the 6 classes of USPS mail

The USPS divides mail into six different services called classes. Each mail class has different service levels, postage prices, and pre-sort requirements.

For most shipments, the content of the material and postage will determine the class of mail you select. Here are the 6 classes:

1.  Priority Mail :- Priority Mail is often considered the best value for ecommerce shipping. It’s not as fast as the 1-2 day shipping options available with Priority Mail Express, but it offers speedy delivery at a much more convenient shipping cost to sellers.
2.  Priority Mail Express :- Priority Mail Express is the fastest delivery option offered by the USPS. It provides guaranteed 1-Day or 2-Day expedited service by 3 p.m. for any mailable package. Even better, it includes $100 of insurance coverage. Priority Mail Express can even deliver 365 days a year in many locations throughout the US. Sunday or holiday can also be done at an additional cost.
3.  First-Class Mail :- First-Class Mail is another popular option if you’re selling lightweight products. With a delivery speed of 1-3 days, it offers a cost-effective shipping option for growing ecommerce businesses. First-Class Mail is $0.55 for each envelope regardless of how far the mail travels. First-Class Mail postage includes forwarding and return services.
4. USPS Marketing Mail :- Ecommerce businesses use USPS Marketing Mail to send marketing collateral. If you have a catalogue, flyers, coupons or anything promotional to send, consider using USPS Marketing Mail.
5. Periodicals :- The Periodicals class of mail is designed for newspapers, magazines, and other periodical publications. As an ecommerce business, you will almost never use this option unless you have a physical print magazine.
6.  Package Services/USPS Ground :- Package Services is a collective term used for three specific classes of mail: Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail. Each subclass is best suited for a certain kind of mail. As an ecommerce business, these options likely won’t apply to your business. Package Services and USPS Retail Ground packages don’t receive expedited service. These don’t include free forwarding and return.