How to Send Mail Using USPS Priority Mail

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: February 16, 2023 References

USPS priority mail gives you the option to use your own packaging or buy one of their flat rate products. There are a number of factors that determine which option is best for you. The main things to consider are weight and distance the mail will be shipped. In this article, we’ll help you find the ideal shipping solution for you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Your Own Packaging

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Weigh or estimate the weight of what you're sending. For light envelopes, you may not need to use a USPS flat rate envelope, but for a 20 pound (9 kg) box, a flat rate product is usually the better option. Judge roughly how heavy your mail is to decide if you should use a flat rate product.^{[1]
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- If you have a small home scale, use it to weigh the package so you can estimate the cost with the price calculator.
- If you are sending a heavy object or mailing over a long distance, a flat rate box may be cheaper than using your own supplies.
2
Check the priority mail guidelines. To ship something in priority mail, the package must weight less than 70 pounds (31.75 kg). Also, make sure the package totals less than 108 inches (270 cm) (2.7 m) when you add the length measurement to the measurement of the thickest part of the package.^{[2]
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- For example, if the length is 60 inches (150 cm) (1.5 m) and the thickest part of the package is 50 inches (130 cm) (1.27 m), it would be too big based on the priority mail guidelines.
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3
Use the USPS price calculator to see your options. If you are not sure whether to use your own package or a flat rate package, it’s always helpful to compare prices. Plug the specific details of your mail into the price calculator and see what options you have. Choose the cheapest option.^{[3]
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- Shipping distance plays into the overall cost, so this calculator helps you decide whether to use your own box or a flat rate box.
- Use the price calculator at https://postcalc.usps.com/.
4
Package in a box or an envelope. Make sure you read the priority mail guidelines on the USPS website so you pack it correctly. Use a basic white or manila envelope for paper or a box for larger or oddly shaped objects. Choose a sturdy box or envelope that won’t fall apart.
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Take the mail to the post office. Priority mail must be dropped off at the post office for weighing and labeling. If you leave the mail out in your mailbox, it won’t be shipped as priority mail. You also have the option of scheduling a pickup online, if you can’t get to the post office.
6
Request priority shipping at the post office. When you get to the post office to send your mail, it’s important to tell the worker that you want to ship priority. Otherwise, they will apply regular shipping standards and your mail may get to where it’s going slower than you want it to.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using USPS Flat Rate Products

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Choose between a box or an envelope. If you are mailing paper or other flat objects, look for an envelope that fits your need. Go with a box for larger, non-flat objects like a mug or a candle. Browse the sizes of boxes to see which you’d need for the object you want to mail.^{[5]
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- The main benefit of flat rate products is the ease of shipping. Whatever fits in the product can be shipped, as long as it’s under 70 pounds (31.75 kg).
- Envelopes aren’t only for flat stuff like paper, but they are mainly designed for thin objects.
- Flat rate products must be picked up at the post office or ordered online through some third party distributors or the USPS website. Pick them up for free and pay when you ship.
2
Select a box that’s the right size for what you’re mailing. Take what you’re mailing to the post office and try to put it into a flat rate box. Try out the three box sizes to find the one that fits your mail best.^{[6]
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- Each size box costs a specific amount, so you don’t want to pick a bigger box than you need because you’ll spend extra money for no reason.
- Flat rate box sizes by outside measurements in inches are small (8 11/16x5 7/16x1 3/4), medium top-loading (11 1/4x8 3/4x 6), medium side-loading (14x12x3 1/2), and large (12 1/4x12 1/4x 6).
3
Check to see if there’s a cheaper regional option. A flat rate box can be more expensive than using the USPS regional rate option. Ask at the post office to see if there’s a cheaper regional rate for what you want to ship. Save money on priority mail by always checking on the regional rate option.^{[7]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Sending the Mail

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Write the mailing and return address clearly in print. The post office or a mail service may give you a printed label, but if you write on the mail yourself, be sure it’s easy to read. Writing sloppily makes it more likely that your mail won’t get to where it needs to.^{[8]
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2
Request priority mail express for faster shipping. If you need your mail to get somewhere overnight, you may want to use the express option. The USPS guarantees shipping 7 days a week with overnight delivery. For especially time sensitive mail, this is a good option.^{[9]
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- This option is more expensive than regular priority mail shipping due to faster delivery times.
3
Schedule a pickup if you can’t get to the post office. Using a flat rate box or envelope or a service like Stamps.com allows you to have the USPS pick up your priority mail. The catch is you must schedule a pickup online. They won’t pick up mail if you leave it out but don’t schedule a pickup.^{[10]
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- Go to the USPS website and select “Schedule a Pickup” under the “Mail and Ship” menu button.
4
Use shipping records options. If you want to track your package or require a signature when it is delivered, request this when you ship the mail. Get insurance to protect expensive items. Read up on what options you have at the USPS website to see which is best for you.^{[11]
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