Key Points:

  • USPS transit times significantly depend on the type of shipping option that you choose
  • To change USPS delivery times from the company’s website, you will need to enter the current address, article number indicated from the delivery notice, attempted delivery date, and preferred future delivery date
  • USPS holidays are not included in the calculated expected USPS transit times

The United States Postal Service (USPS) delivers an estimated 700 million pieces of packages daily, with delivery times ranging from next day to several weeks depending on the service.

If you’re an eCommerce merchant shipping packages, you’ll want to understand the exact USPS delivery times for the various services to best meet your customers' expectations.

Table of Contents

Domestic USPS Delivery Times Per Service

The USPS provides different delivery options across the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Merchants can choose economical options like First-Class Package Service for reliable, timely delivery or more expensive services like Priority Mail Express for overnight delivery.

The USPS has more than 30,000 retail locations within the U.S., making package sending and drop-offs easier. The table below outlines the most popular domestic USPS delivery hours per service.

Mail Class Estimated Delivery Time Estimated Cost
Priority Mail Express Overnight delivery $26.35
Priority Mail 1 – 3 business days $7.50
Priority Mail Flat Rate 1 – 3 business days $8.30
Priority Mail Regional Rate 1 – 3 business days $9.98
First class Package Service 1 – 3 business days $3.80
Parcel Select 2 – 8 business days N/A
USPS Retail Ground 2 – 8 business days $7.50
First-Class Mail – Letters 1 – 3 business days $0.55
First-Class Mail – Large Envelopes 1 – 3 business days $1.00

International USPS Delivery Times Per Service

The USPS offers several international services with various delivery times, working with local postal services for last-mile delivery. Merchants can choose affordable options like Priority Mail International or more expensive, faster options like Global Express Guaranteed.

Mail Class Estimated Delivery Time Estimated Cost
Global Express Guaranteed 1 – 3 business days $67.80
Priority Mail Express International 3 – 5 business days $5.95
Priority Mail International 6 – 10 business days $36.35
First Class Package International Service 6 – 20 business days $20.75
First Class Mail International – Letters 6 – 20 days $1.20

6 Important Things to Know About USPS Delivery Times

Before sending your shipment with USPS, it is important to understand the various metrics that affect delivery. With this, you can accurately predict USPS mail delivery time and provide your customers with estimated delivery times.

Below are some key points to note about USPS delivery times.

  1. USPS transit times significantly depend on the type of shipping option that you choose. For instance, choosing to send your domestic shipment with Priority Mail Express ensures an overnight delivery, while USPS shipping times for USPS Retail Ground takes up to 8 days. USPS express mail delivery time for international shipments will also take delivery earlier than first-class mail international mail options.
  2. Before selecting a delivery option, take advantage of the Easyship Shipping Rates Calculator to calculate the expected USPS rates and delivery times. Simply enter the sender location and the intended destination in the tool to get an estimate.
  3. For urgent shipments that should be delivered within a given timeframe, inquire for USPS special delivery services.
  4. USPS delivery times to military destinations might change based on the prevailing operational conditions of the area.
  5. USPS holidays are not included in the calculated expected USPS transit times. The company only operates during business days.
USPS DELIVERY TIMES

How COVID-19 is Impacting USPS Delivery Times

Unfortunately, with the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, unexpected changes in USPS delivery times are bound to occur. The timelines of deliveries to various destinations, both within the U.S and outside the contiguous United States, are significantly affected by the limited availability of transport. As such, even the initially fast delivery options, such as USPS Retail Ground services, can take up to five weeks to reach Puerto Rico, Alaska, and Hawaii, among other U.S. territories.

Can I Get a Delivery Time Estimate for My USPS Packages?

As mentioned, USPS shipping time varies depending on various factors. You can get an accurate estimate by understanding the distance between the two locations, the type of mail class chosen, the presence of recognized USPS holidays, and transport challenges.

For instance, if you want to send your shipment using USPS retail ground, it might take between 2 and 8 working days to deliver the package. This makes it a reliable option for those sending oversized and non-urgent packages. USPS media mail also takes the same duration, but an affordable alternative for sending educational materials.

eCommerce businesses looking to deliver standard-sized or single-piece envelopes weighing up to 3.5oz can opt for the USPS first-class mail, which takes between 2 and 3 business days.

How Easyship Can Help

The USPS offers reliable and affordable shipping services for eCommerce merchants. It’s important to understand the delivery times for the various services to assure you provide the best shipping experience for your customers.

Easyship offers many USPS shipping options for eCommerce merchants looking for affordable solutions. All USPS shipments have rates using Commercial Plus Pricing (CPP), so you can take advantage of substantial savings. Through our platform, you can manage the entire USPS shipping experience from easy to schedule pickups to generating shipping labels, and our Shipping Rates Calculator provides you with an accurate pricing and delivery time estimate.

Sign up today for a free Easyship account and gain access to discounted USPS rates!

USPS Delivery Times FAQ

When is USPS latest delivery time?

How long does USPS take to deliver? USPS delivery hours are almost the same, only that they vary according to the delivery route and volume of the packages in the shipment. Nevertheless, USPS often delivers packages, parcels, and mail items to indicated recipients before 5 pm. 

If you are looking for a USPS estimated delivery date, packages sent through Priority Mail Express typically reach recipients by 10.30 am. Those sent through domestic express mail before 12 pm while international mail delivers to customers before 3 pm.

How long does in transit take USPS?

USPS transit times vary depending on various factors. Probably a significant determinant is the distance between the sender and the intended destinations. The mail class option chosen by the sender also affects USPS delivery times, with some options providing faster services than others.

How to schedule or change delivery time USPS

Rescheduling delivery with USPS requires some shipment details. To change USPS delivery times from the company’s website, you will need to enter the current address, article number indicated from the delivery notice, attempted delivery date, and preferred future delivery date.

What happens if you miss USPS delivery times?

Several situations may come up, making it impossible to attend to your delivery. However, worry not if you missed USPS delivery time. You can schedule the delivery with the help of the peach-colored slip left by the courier to find your items and reschedule for delivery.


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