USPS Service Level Comparison

PostageEasy offers discounted rates on all USPS services. Understanding the differences helps you choose the most cost-effective option for your shipments.

Priority Mail

Delivery Time: 1-3 business days

Best For: Most packages, especially those over 1 lb

Features:

• Includes tracking at no extra cost
• $100 insurance included
• Free USPS Priority Mail boxes and envelopes
• Weekend and holiday delivery in some areas
• Commercial Plus pricing available through PostageEasy

Weight Limits: Up to 70 lbs

Size Limits: Combined length + girth cannot exceed 108 inches

Priority Mail Express

Delivery Time: Overnight to 2 days

Best For: Time-sensitive shipments

Features:

• Fastest USPS service
• Money-back guarantee if not delivered on time
• Includes $100 insurance
• 7-day delivery including weekends and holidays
• Tracking and signature confirmation included

Weight Limits: Up to 70 lbs

Size Limits: Combined length + girth cannot exceed 108 inches

First Class Mail

Delivery Time: 2-5 business days

Best For: Lightweight packages under 1 lb

Features:

• Most economical option for small items
• Includes tracking
• Lower weight-based pricing
• Great for e-commerce sellers

Weight Limits: Up to 15.999 oz (just under 1 lb)

Size Limits: Combined length + girth cannot exceed 108 inches

Priority Mail Flat Rate

Delivery Time: 1-3 business days

Best For: Heavy items that fit in USPS flat rate boxes

Features:

• One low price regardless of weight (up to 70 lbs)
• Free USPS-branded boxes
• Same Priority Mail features (tracking, insurance)

Available Sizes:

• Small Flat Rate Box
• Medium Flat Rate Box
• Large Flat Rate Box
• Flat Rate Envelope
• Legal Flat Rate Envelope
• Padded Flat Rate Envelope

Parcel Select Ground

Delivery Time: 2-8 business days

Best For: Large, non-urgent packages

Features:

• Lowest cost USPS option for heavy packages
• Tracking included
• No weekend delivery
• Only available through commercial partners like PostageEasy

Weight Limits: Up to 70 lbs

Media Mail

Delivery Time: 2-8 business days

Best For: Books, CDs, DVDs, and educational materials only

Features:

• Extremely low rates for qualifying items
• Tracking included
• USPS may open packages to verify contents

Weight Limits: Up to 70 lbs

Restrictions: Only books, manuscripts, educational materials, and media. No advertising materials.

Choosing the Right Service

For Speed: Priority Mail Express

When you need overnight or 2-day delivery with a money-back guarantee.

For Value: First Class Mail (under 1 lb) or Priority Mail (over 1 lb)

Best balance of price and delivery time for most shipments.

For Heavy Items: Priority Mail Flat Rate or Parcel Select

Compare flat rate pricing vs. weight-based Parcel Select to find the best deal.

For Books: Media Mail

Unbeatable pricing for books and educational media, though delivery is slower.

PostageEasy Discounts

All USPS services through PostageEasy include Commercial Plus pricing, saving you up to 89% compared to retail USPS rates. Discounts are automatically applied at checkout.