How to Ship a Package with the USPS

The Post Office is the only government agency most people deal with on a daily basis. It can be frustrating, confusing, a time consuming -- but imagine dealing with the IRS everyday instead of once a year. That said, in today's day and age, you don't even have to go the Post Office anymore. Start off with the Post Office's own website, which offers a wealth of information and free services. You can print your own postage with Click-N-Ship, and get a discount on Priority and Express mail, then you can schedule a pick-up with Carrier Pickup. You can also purchase stamps at the Postal Store.

I have never had a problem with the Post Office mailing a parcel, and neither should you. You have to know the difference between the products and services offered, and what to expect from each product and service. Be sure to visit the Postage Calculator which will give you the current prices for the products and services I will explain below.

Express Mail

Express Mail is the premiere shipping product of the Post Office, in most cases it will be delivered the next day by noon, and to more remote parts of the country the following day by three. This service also includes $100 of insurance against lose of damage. It also is the only money back guarantee you will get for delivery time. Save your receipt after mailing, if it is delivered 1 minute after the guarantee you get the postage back. When heading to the Post Office be mindful of the cut off time, some Post Offices might not guarantee next day delivery after 5pm weekdays, or 1pm on Saturdays. You can check the cut off time at: http://webapps.usps.com/expressmailcommitments/landing.jsp. The Post Office will also deliver Express Mail on Sundays and Holidays for an added fee, something no other shipping company does. If you absolutely can not have any delay in getting your package to it's destination use this product.

Priority Mail