All About USPS Priority Mail®: Fast, Reliable, and Affordable Shipping

A great way to ship small with USPS, featuring three pricing options: Cubic, Weight-Based, and Flat Rate.

What is USPS Priority Mail?

Three different pricing options

Priority Mail offers three pricing options—Cubic, Weight-Based, and Flat Rate—all designed to help you save more while providing the same features.

Quick delivery

All USPS Priority Mail packages are delivered within one to three business days in the US.

Great for small packages

Priority Mail is ideal for small packages, offering fast delivery and great low rates.

Discounted shipping rates

Save up to 87%* on Priority Mail compared to Retail Rates through us.

Tracking and up to $100 insurance included

Some USPS Priority Mail shipments include end-to-end tracking and up to $100 of USPS liability insurance for free.

Ship with any box or envelope

Use your packaging for Priority Mail–not just Flat Rate boxes.

Overview of USPS Priority Mail Services

Priority Mail Cubic

Ideal for small, heavy packages as these rates are based on size rather than weight and are available only through platforms like ours.

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Weight-Based Priority Mail

Priority Mail offers weight-based rates for packages weighing between 1 to 70 lbs, ideal for items too large for Cubic pricing.

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Priority Mail Flat Rate

With its “If it fits, it ships” motto, Flat Rate offers fixed pricing as long as items fit in the provided boxes or envelopes. Keep in mind it might not always be the cheapest option.

Learn More

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Pro Tips

What are the USPS Priority Mail delivery times?

USPS Priority Mail typically takes one to three business days, depending on destination, to deliver. You can easily check for a delivery time estimate on USPS’s Priority Mail Delivery Map.

USPS Priority Mail vs. First-Class Mail: What is the speed comparison?

USPS Priority Mail generally delivers in 2-3 business days. First-Class Mail, while more economical, typically takes 1-5 business days for delivery.

What are the USPS Priority Mail packaging options?

For USPS Priority Mail, you have two main packaging options: USPS Flat Rate packaging (envelopes and various box sizes, where the price is fixed regardless of weight up to 70 lbs) or your own packaging, which is priced by weight and distance. Free Priority Mail branded boxes and envelopes (both Flat Rate and non-Flat Rate) are available from USPS and Stamps.com.

How to choose the right packaging for your shipment?

Choosing the right package depends on your item’s size, weight, fragility, and the shipping service you’re using. Always pick a sturdy box with enough room for cushioning, ensuring contents won’t shift during transit. You can use USPS-branded flat-rate packaging for convenience or your own packaging for custom needs.

What are the USPS Priority Mail tracking and insurance options?

USPS Priority Mail includes free USPS Tracking®, which provides real-time updates on your package’s journey. It also automatically includes insurance coverage for loss and damages: up to $50 for most retail packages and up to $100 for most commercial packages. You can purchase additional insurance coverage up to $5,000 for more valuable items.

Does USPS Priority Mail require a signature?

USPS Priority Mail does not automatically require a signature for delivery. However, shippers can add a “Signature Confirmation” service for an additional fee to ensure the recipient or a responsible party signs for the package. This provides proof of delivery and is often used for valuable shipments.

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