United States Postal Service Priority Mail can be an effective, fast way to get your parcels delivered, BUT it helps if you know a few “insider” tips and tricks.
USPS Priority Mail is a special “two to three days” delivery class of service created by the US Postal Service. But how often, and when should you use Priority Mail?
First, you should know that Priority Mail is not a guaranteed delivery service. Most of the time, your domestic package will arrive in two days. However, if you are shipping during a holiday period or other time of heavy mail volume, your package could easily take three, or even more, days to arrive. During the Christmas holiday, the USPS recommends a full five business days for packages to arrive on time.
Are there times when you SHOULDN’T use Priority Mail? Yes. If you don’t need your package or letter there in two days, First Class Mail (for smaller items) or Parcel Post (for packages) works very well. Most First Class packages are delivered in three days. If you’re shipping to a local zip code, First Class mail will often get there in a day or two, so there’s no need to pay extra for Priority. For heavier packages, third class “Parcel Post” will get your package there in a week to ten days, and will cost you much less.
But in addition to the speed of service, there ARE several advantages to shipping Priority Mail. One of the most unknown (and underused) is the fact that the post office will provide you with 100% FREE cardboard boxes that fit most items. Unfortunately, the post office rarely publicizes this fact (choosing to try and sell you a box instead), so you often have to be “in the know” to get a free Priority Box. The secret is simple: Just ask for it. Almost all post offices have them in stock. If you need quantities of boxes, you can order them free from the USPS website.
From a packaging company, similar boxes can cost you up to $3.00 a piece, so this is an advantage that should not be overlooked.
In addition to the faster service, Priority Mail boxes often get slightly better handling than packages sent via a slower class of service, and are thus less likely to be damaged. Parcel Post and Media Mail boxes are crammed into large containers and may spend days in the back of a truck or trucks. Priority Mail generally goes by air. The less people that have to handle the package, the less likely your package is to get damaged.
FLAT RATE BOXES: More recently, the USPS has introduced “Flat Rate Boxes” for Priority Mailing. Although there are times when these boxes can save you money, you should be aware that if you’re mailing something that weighs less than two pounds, or mailing to an address in a nearby state, you will almost always be better off using a regular Priority Box. The flat rate boxes are convenient, but you often end up paying for that convenience. If in doubt, have a postal clerk weigh your item with a regular Priority Box and then determine if it might be beneficial to go Flat Rate. In most cases, you’re better off sticking to the regular Priority Boxes.
Is Priority Mail always the best way to go, or should you check with another shipping company (like UPS or FedEX Ground)? Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you’re mailing something small and lighter in weight (under two pounds), Priority Mail will almost always be most economical way to get your item there in two to three days. If however, you are sending something heavier than two pounds, or larger then 24 inches in size, you may be able to save money with UPS or FedEx Ground. FedEx Ground in particular delivers to many zip codes in three days or less, and you may be able to save 50% or more on shipping this way.
Via the web, you can also print your own USPS labels and Priority Mail postage. The advantage to this option is the fact that you receive free “Delivery Confirmation” of your parcel. The disadvantage is that you have to use your own paper and printer ink.
In general, USPS Priority Mail is a fast, efficient service when you need a smaller item delivered in two to three days.
