Retail Ground can sometimes take up to 14 business days to deliver your package. The maximum weight for sending packages via Retail Ground is 70 pounds (32 kg).
You can use Priority Mail to send packages weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kg). All of the boxes and envelopes for Priority Mail are free! You can request to have them shipped to your home or office, or you can pick up what you need from the post office.
Express Mail also has an expedited service to have your package delivered by 3 p. m. the next day. Express Mail also provides insurance coverage for up to $100, a signature confirmation of delivery, and tracking information. Note that Priority Mail Express often has a separate pick-up and drop-off time in order to arrive at its destination on time. Contact your post office by phone or go online to confirm the drop-off time.
Use padded envelopes to send First-Class Mail for their light weight and durability. To send a lightweight package via First-Class Mail, the envelope must not exceed 15 inches (38 cm) by 12 inches (30 cm), or your package will be charged at the next higher price or mailing category. Your package must be at least 1⁄4 inch (0. 64 cm) thick. If your package doesn’t fit the dimensions, the USPS may return it, or automatically upgrade the shipping and charge the customer. [5] X Research source
Video games and computer hard drives do not qualify for Media Mail prices. Media Mail has a maximum weight of 70 pounds (32 kg). Ask a postal worker if your items qualify as Media Mail before you package it up and ship it from the post office.
For Retail Ground and First Class Mail, you can use any sturdy cardboard box. You don’t have to use the USPS Priority Mail box. Use a box that will hold your shipment, but leaves a little bit of room for you to add any padding material. If your box has other stickers or logos other than the USPS logo for Priority Mail boxes, you can cross them out with a marker or cover them with your postage label. Make sure your box does not have anything loose hanging from it like twine, string, or tape because it can get caught in the sorting equipment.
Use a permanent marker if you’re writing the address directly on the package.
When the postal worker calculates the necessary postage, be sure to ask about the cost for confirmation numbers as they may cost extra depending on your shipping method.
A postal worker can also give the cost to ship for multiple methods so you can compare and choose the best option for your shipping needs. The postal worker at the post office will often apply the postage to your package for you if you purchased it from them. Postage always goes in the top-right corner of an envelope, but this can vary for packages. If you printed your own postage on regular paper, use clear tape and cover the paper entirely so it doesn’t get too wet to read or scan.
Tracking information comes free with Priority Mail, Priority Express, and First-Class Mail. You can also get a signature confirmation if you need to verify that the package was received by a person.
