The Complete Guide To Sending Mail Through USPS

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has existed for over 50 years. While they’ve moved far beyond the original horseback delivery, they are still performing an essential service. Without the USPS, many people would be unable to receive letters, prescriptions, and other packages.

If your business sends packages to customers, understanding the guidelines for sending mail through the USPS is essential. If you’re trying to figure out how to send mail through USPS, keep reading. Our explanation for different mail requirements will make everything feel simple.

The Importance of Stamps

Depending on the weight of your package, you might only need stamps to send it! Stamps are for letters and postcards that are 6in x 11in with a 1/4in width or smaller. Withing the length and width parameters, you will need to add more stamps to accommodate for the weight of the package.

Stamps act as payment for the shipping process. You can buy stamps in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. Each stamp style will have a different value and is one of the easiest ways you can support the USPS.

Larger packages will need a shipping label, not a stamp.

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Tips for Addressing Your Packages

Before you can begin the shipping process, you need to make sure your packages are properly addressed. Domestic mail service relies on you providing the right information to work.

Print or clearly type the name of the recipient. The street address should be clear and always include unit numbers. If possible, include a directional like SW for southwest to make the address even clearer.

You also need to include a return address. A return address gives the post office somewhere to return the letter or package if the recipient’s address is incorrect. You risk losing the package if there is no return address.

USPS Priority Mail

USPS priority mail express is for letters, thick envelopes, tubes, and mailable packages. Depending on the size of the package, the USPS can even provide packaging materials for free.

Priority mail express provides you with a receipt at the time of mailing, insurance for the mail up to $100, delivery date and time, and a signature from the customer if you need it.

Regular priority mail covers the same type of mail as priority express. But, priority is for more important items like documents, gifts, and products. You receive a mailing certificate, insurance up to $50 at no extra charge, signature confirmation, and tracking. The biggest appeal in priority mail over priority express is the ability to give customers a tracking number.

First Class Mail

First-class mail focuses on the business or personal bills and correspondences. You can send postcards, letters, bigger envelopes, and smaller packages with first-class mail.

The other first-class option is service retail. Service retail is only meant for packages.

For both types of first-class mail, you will receive a mailing certificate, insurance, registration, tracking, and signature confirmations. For many business owners, this is a great option because your package will be fully insured and tracking is available.

Ground and Media Mail

USPS retail ground mail shipments are for packages, thick envelopes, and tubes that are being sent domestically. Ground mail can contain gifts and merchandise.

Media mail is for packages and thick envelopes shipped domestically as well. What makes it different from ground mail is that media mail is only for books, recordings, manuscripts, and educational material. You cannot include advertising in media mail unless it is for a book announcement.

Both media mail and ground mail shipping include a mailing certificate and insurance. Packages can have tracking and signature confirmation.

Speed and Cost

Packages that are 70lbs or less should ship with either express or priority mail options. Express priority will deliver in 1-2 days, and priority will take 1-3 days. Based on the weight and distance, express is going to be more expensive than regular priority.

For letters, envelopes, or packages that are 13oz or less, you should go with one of the first-class mail options. It will take 2-5 days to arrive and is a cheaper option depending on the shape and weight of the package.

If there’s no rush on packages that are 70lbs or less, retail ground and media mail are the most affordable options. It will take 2-8 days to arrive.

The farther you’re sending the package, the more expensive it will be. Heavier packages will also cost more. International shipping will also have size restrictions for packages.

Postage Meter Rentals

There are many ways for USPS to ship your package. Ultimately, the cost comes down to how much the package weighs, where it’s going, and how quickly it needs to get there.

For many business owners, it can be hard to tell how much you need to spend on shipping without going to the post office. Not everyone has time for that, especially if they’re trying to run a business! That’s where postage meters come in.

You can input the type of shipping you want into a postage meter. Then, you weigh the package and the meter will print off the postage you need for that package. The process is quick, easy, and you don’t even have to leave the office to do it!

Picking the right postage meter for your business depends on your use, scale size, and processing speeds. No matter what kind of meter you choose, your shipping process will be faster and cheaper than ever before.

Make Sending Mail Easy Today!

Sending mail is key to a business’s success. Understanding the different ways USPS delivers mail can take the stress out of mail delivery. Using a postage meter can make processing your packages and getting them out the door quick.

Postage Meter Rental is the best place to go to rent a postage meter. Request a free quote today and start increasing the efficiency of your mail deliveries.