How Long Does Priority Mail Take
How Long Does Priority Mail Take
Since its establishment, the USPS has introduced innumerable services to suit the needs of every individual and organization. It is our job to understand these services and know what we need.
First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express are the most popular and commonly used USPS mailing options. But, they all offer different features and are suited for different mail items. Also, their charges vary depending on several factors like mail weight, destination, etc.
In this blog, we will discuss how long does Priority Mail takes. This way, you can decide which option you should choose to send out your mail items.
But, before jumping to its answer, we will cover everything you need to know about Priority Mail, like how it works, pricing, etc.
What Is Priority Mail?
Priority Mail is a package delivery service that enables customers to ship depending on size and weight or via standard-priced boxes and envelopes.
Though it is primarily used to send packages, you can also send letters and postcards that don’t fit the First-Class Mail guidelines.
Priority Mail is primarily a domestic mailing option, but you can also mail internationally via Priority Mail International. The pricing differs significantly according to the destination country, but most of the features are the same as domestic.
Priority Mail items are delivered on all days of the week, except Sunday. You also don’t need to pay anything extra for Saturday deliveries.
There are many advantages of Priority Mail as compared to First-Class Mail. For example, First-Class Mail doesn’t let you send anything weighing more than 13 oz. But, you can mail packages up to 70 lbs with Priority Mail.
How long does it take for Priority Mail to arrive?
Well, it takes between one to three business days depending on where you want to send the item.
Thinking about How long is USPS priority mail or how long does priority mail take to deliver?
USPS’s Priority Mail service can put your package on a fast track to its destination—and give you peace of mind by including tracking. The name of this service gives it away: Priority Mail is the main delivery service USPS offers. Package pickup is included if you don’t want to take the time to go to the post office.
Thus, Priority Mail provides a cheaper and faster option for customers to send their packages across the country. Furthermore, you can buy additional services like Return Receipt, extra insurance coverage, etc.
Find below some more features of Priority Mail:
- Unlike First-Class Mail, you can track all Priority Mail items. The receipt you get while posting a package consists of a tracking number.
- You can return and forward Priority Mail at no extra cost.
- Postal charges can be paid either via stamps or metered postage.
- You can request free Package Pickup from home or office.
- The USPS gives a $50 insurance coverage on most packages (restriction apply).
- Priority Mail rates start at $7.95.
How Does USPS Priority Mail Work?
There is no difference in Priority Mail collection—you can post it the same way as you would for any other mail item. Your options include:
- Dropping it in a collection box.
- Leaving it at your carrier or mailbox for pickup.
- Taking it to an authorized retailer.
- Handing it over to the clerk at the Post Office.
The first two options need you to calculate the postage by yourself. Take care to affix the correct number of stamps or print the correct postage. If you are unsure of the postage, take it to the post office window for accurate calculation. Or you can use the USPS shipping calculator to do the same.
Once posted, your Priority Mail items are sent to sorting and processing centers. After sorting, the packages are handled depending on the mailing class you selected.
The packages are loaded on a truck for ground shipping or into a plane. After reaching the destination, they are taken to the local Post Office for delivery to the mailing addresses.
Do You Need a Signature For Priority Mail?
If you don’t buy any add-ons for your package, the USPS can deliver the item to anyone present at the address. But, you can purchase services like Registered Mail, Certified Mail, Signature Confirmation, Adult Signature, COD Hold for Pickup, or Insured Mail.
By pairing Priority Mail with any of these services, you can assure that the mailman delivers the package only when someone is present to sign for it.
Once the recipient signs the receipt, the USPS is no longer liable for the package. The postal workers will leave a notice and take the mail item back to the post office if no one is available to receive the same. Sometimes, there are specific instructions on this notice for the recipient—like collecting it from the post office. Otherwise, you can call the USPS office and request redelivery.
If you need to get a copy of the signature, you can opt for a Return Receipt. It is mailed back to you via First-Class Mail, and you can store it as proof of delivery.
How Long Does Priority Shipping Take?
It is advisable to know how long is Priority Mail delivery time is before sending anything via this option. Priority Mail takes within one to three working days from the date of mailing. It depends on the distance between the origin and destination.
The USPS website has a Priority Mail map that helps you get a delivery time estimate. You only need to enter your ZIP code and select the state you are mailing to.
Find below the Priority Mail delivery map to get an idea of the estimated arrival time:
As you can see above, the USPS has divided the entire country into zones. In some zones, the delivery takes no more than one working day. But, you can hardly see a few zones having the 1-day delivery timeframe.
Priority Mail deliveries in most of these zones take three business days. So, always plan your mail arrival keeping the 3-day estimate in mind.
Is Priority Mail guaranteed to arrive in 3 days?
Clearly, no. The one to three days delivery timeframe is only an estimate. There are no delivery guarantees in First-Class Mail and Priority Mail options. Your mail items may or may not reach the destination within three days, but the USPS does try.
If there isn’t a lot of mail backlog, the USPS workers can complete the delivery in the said time without any issues. Otherwise, you need to wait for a few more days.
Yet, you cannot request a refund if the USPS fails to complete the delivery in the said time. Additionally, if you want a money-back guarantee, you can opt for Priority Mail Express instead.
How Long Does Priority Mail Express Take?
Priority Mail Express is the fastest USPS service and takes between one to two working days to reach its destination. It also offers free tracking and a $100 insurance cover. You can claim a refund if you do not receive the mail by 3 PM on the second day.
The USPS can deliver your mail before 10.30 am the next day for an extra fee. You may also request a Sunday or holiday delivery by paying a small charge.
How Long Does Priority Mail Take to Deliver Internationally?
The answer varies depending on the destination country of your package. Typically, the USPS completes the delivery in six to ten working days.
Why Are Some Priority Mail Deliveries Delayed?
The USPS does not deliver mail on Sundays. Hence, if you mail on a Saturday evening, the item remains at the Post Office until the next working day.
The estimate says that the delivery would take one to three ‘working’ days. So, you cannot count a non-working day while calculating the delivery date.
Also, the USPS does not deliver mail on federal holidays like Labor Day, President’s Day, Veterans Day, etc.
There are other reasons as well for your Priority Mail deliveries to get delayed, like:
- Backlogs: As said above, the USPS may face some backlogs, especially during peak times like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Bad weather: Bad or severe weather conditions are another prime reason your mail delivery is not completed even after three working days. The USPS advises its customers to please be patient during such difficult times.
- Incorrect mailing addresses: The USPS may fail to deliver your package if you write an incorrect mailing address on it. Sometimes, the USPS may correct a few minor errors, but it doesn’t guarantee delivery. Packages with incorrect addresses are lost, misplaced, returned, or delayed.
You can only avoid such situations by verifying your mailing addresses beforehand. PostGrid’s address verification API can help you standardize and validate your delivery addresses and avoid unnecessary delays.
First Class Vs. Priority Mail: Which One Is Faster?
Surprisingly, the delivery timeframes of both First-Class Mail and Priority Mail are the same. First-Class Mail also takes between one to three business days to arrive.
The prime difference is the weight limitation; First-Class Mail only allows you to send items up to 13 oz. As discussed earlier, Priority Mail is more flexible and enables you to send packages up to 70 lbs.
Apart from the weight guidelines, tracking and insurance are other features that separate Priority Mail from First-Class Mail.
Also, as the name suggests, Priority Mail is sorted and delivered on a priority basis.
Priority Mail Tracking
You can track your USPS Priority Mail envelopes and boxes by using an online tracking tool. After posting an item, you can find the tracking number on the receipt.
Moreover, you can also call up the USPS office and ask for your delivery status by giving them the tracking number.
If you buy insurance, the tracking number is mentioned in your insurance receipt too.
If you ship something online via https://www.usps.com/ship/, you can track your mail through the confirmation email you receive.
How Much Does Priority Mail Cost?
You can mail packages based on dimensions and weight or through the Priority Mail flat rate envelopes.
Furthermore, prices depend on whether you are using the Retail or Commercial option. If you are a regular mailer, you can choose the Commercial option and get some discounts.
Priority Mail rates start at $7.95 but rise upwards depending on the zone you want to mail to and the mail weight.
Conclusion
We hope you were able to get an upfront answer to your questions like how long does USPS Priority Mail take. Priority Mail is an excellent option for individuals and companies to send their packages affordably and speedily. Though it is not guaranteed whether your mail will arrive in three days or not, it does most of the time. So, you can continue to ship via Priority Mail without any second guesses.
If you need help creating, printing, and mailing your items, PostGrid can help you throughout the process. Our direct mail API can help you in the following ways:
- Design your mail items through our pre-built templates.
- Get your items printed through a reputed printer.
- Presort your mail.
- Verify your mailing addresses.
- Ship your items via First-Class, Priority Mail, and other options, as needed.
- Access delivery reports and campaign insights.
Want to automate the process of printing and mailing items to your clients, prospects, and customers? Try PostGrid today by requesting a demo.
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