Are you trying to choose the best shipping service for important parcels and letters?
These days, there are numerous different shipping services to choose from. Each comes with different delivery timeframes and is available at a slightly different rate. Even when you have chosen the shipping service, you then need to decide which courier to use. While the United States Postal Service is the most popular courier, there are lots of other options these days.
So, let’s find out, how long does First Class mail take?
Contents
About First Class Mail
First Class Mail is one of the main delivery services that is offered by the United States Postal Service. This is designed to be an easy and affordable way to send letters and lightweight packages. The service is also suitable for envelopes with Forever Stamps attached to them.
The speed of the mail service
The standard speed for mail weighing 3.5 ounces or less is between one and five days. This may apply to letters and large envelopes that are referred to as flats. These large, flat envelopes typically contain magazines and newsletters. However, marketing mail and periodicals can take at least eight days to reach their destination.
The speed of the parcel service
Items sent using the USPS First Class Package service take between one and three business days. However, because business days are counted, the service can take a little longer at times. The service is suitable for parcels that weigh thirteen ounces or less.
First Class vs. Priority Mail
Priority Mail is designed to be the fastest shipping service that USPS offers. This is because items sent using this service are given priority. However, the difference in shipping times varies according to the distance covered.
USPS Zone One
This applies to items shipped between one and fifty miles. While Priority Mail only takes one or two days, the other service takes two days.
USPS Zone Three
This zone covers items sent between 151 and 300 miles. While Priority Mail only takes two days, the other service takes three days.
USPS Zone Five
Distances from 601 to 1,000 miles fall into this zone. While Priority Mail takes two days, the other service takes three.
USPS Zone Eight
This zone covers shipping distances of 1,801 miles or more. While Priority Mail only takes three days, the other service takes three to five days.
When it comes to sending items over relatively short distances, there is little difference between delivery times. However, the difference can be clearly seen when you send items across state lines. If you are sending packages internationally, Priority Mail is highly recommended.
The Different Stages
It is important to gain insight into the process as it will make it easier to determine if this service will meet your needs. Let’s take a closer look:
Stage One
The first step involves writing the address on the envelope or parcel and attaching a First Class stamp. The beauty of this service is that you automatically know how much postage to use. This takes away the uncertainty and saves you from having to use a postage calculator.
Stage Two
Next, you need to put your letter or parcel inside your nearest USPS mailbox. Because the postage has already been attached, there is no need to line up at a post office branch. You can find your nearest mailbox by heading over to the USPS website.
Click on Locate a Post Office and enter your current location in the search bar. You then need to select Collection Boxes from the dropdown menu. You can specify the radius and click on Search to find all the nearest mailboxes.
Stage Three
The United States Postal Service will send an employee to collect your mail and take over the process. All USPS blue boxes are emptied periodically, and the barcode of each parcel is scanned at the drop-off location. Pickup will be confirmed before 17:00, and the tracking status of your parcel will be updated.
This process is repeated each day from Monday to Friday. Saturday collections often vary according to the average volume of parcels in the blue box. In areas with a higher volume of post, the box is likely to be emptied more regularly.
Stage Four
Once your parcel has been collected, an employee will take it to the city’s Sectional Center Facility. All major cities in the United States boast an assigned Sectional Center Facility. This will be determined by the location of the mailbox you have used.
You can take the time to research your Sectional Center Facility and the Sectional Center Facility of the receiver. This will help you work out the delivery time more accurately.
Stage Five
Once your parcel arrives at the Sectional Center Facility, it will be sorted with the other mail. A huge number of parcels and letters are handled in these facilities every day of the week. This means that it is essential to ensure mail is sorted quickly and accurately.
The nine-digit ZIP code is used to efficiently sort parcels and letters. Therefore, it is important to make sure the ZIP code is complete and correct. Although your parcel may still reach its destination without this, the process will take longer.
Stage Six
When your parcel has been sorted, it will be taken to the nearest airport. It will then travel by air to the closest Sectional Center Facility to the receiver. Although this is usually a quick and easy process, minimal delays can happen.
Stage Seven
After reaching the facility, your parcel will be sorted once again. This is the final sorting process, and the barcode will be scanned during this stage. When the barcode is scanned, the tracking status will be updated.
The ZIP code also plays an essential role during this stage. Making sure the ZIP code is accurate will allow your parcel to be sorted more quickly. If any of the digits are incorrect or missing, an employee will have to do a little extra research.
Stage Eight
Your parcel will now be assigned to a mail carrier. The carrier will be given a specific route to cover during their shift. They have to plan their stops so that all letters and parcels are delivered as quickly as possible.
When the delivery route is assigned, First Class mail is prioritized over standard mail. This means that your parcels and letters will arrive first when there is a high volume of mail. Depending on the time of year, this can make the difference between just a few hours or a full day.
Stage Nine
This is the final stage of the delivery journey. After the parcel has been assigned to a route, it will be loaded into the van of a carrier. It will be organized in the van so that it is easy to access when the van reaches the recipient.
In most cases, handing over the parcel is a simple process. If the recipient is not home, the parcel will usually be left in a safe place. However, delivery can be delayed slightly if the recipient isn’t home and a signature is required. In this case, the carrier will contact the recipient and arrange a new delivery time.
Understanding The Process
When looking at all the stages your letter or parcel goes through, it’s clear why it takes up to three days. You may be surprised that it doesn’t take much longer. This is mainly due to the efficiency and expertise of the United States Postal Service.
Although this is not the fastest service, it is usually suitable for most types of deliveries. During peak times like the holiday season, this service is prioritized over standard Mail. This can make a big difference when you are sending time-sensitive parcels, cards, and letters.
Read more: How Long Will Mail Take From Zip Code to Zip Code?
Want To Know More About The USPS Shipping Process?
Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve put together an excellent selection of guides to help you better understand the process, such as the difference between USPS Priority Mail vs First Class, How Fast Is USPS First Class, and Does USPS Have First Class Tracking in 2023?
Next, let’s find out Where Can I Drop off USPS Packages, Do USPS Stamps Expire, and Can I Use Poly Mailers For USPS, as well as Does USPS Notarize Documents, and Does USPS Forward IRS And Other Government Mail for any official documents being posted.
You might also want to know When Do USPS Trucks Go Out For Delivery, and Does USPS Deliver On Saturdays, along with What Is USPS Informed Delivery, What Does Available For Pickup Mean USPS, and what to do when your USPS Out For Delivery Never Came.
Final Thoughts
First Class mail is one of the most affordable services offered by USPS. This service is usually fairly fast and efficient. It is particularly suitable for sending parcels and envelopes within the same state.
However, it should be noted that this is not the fast service the United States Postal Service offers. If speed is an issue, it may be better to choose USPS Priority Mail. If you are sending parcels to another country, USPS Priority Mail International is a much faster option.
Happy Shipping with USPS, and I hope your parcel arrives safely!
