#Usps firstclass vs free shipping how to#

USPS has four main categories of shipping services that are relevant for an eCommerce business.

When the above standards aren't met, if maximum weights and dimensions are exceeded, or if a package is oddly shaped or irregular, it will likely incur a 'non-machinable' and/or 'irregular parcel' surcharge. Any paper used for paper bag or paper wrap packaging must be 50# in strength. Poly mailers must be at least 2 mils thick for shipments up to 5 lbs and 4 mils thick for shipments up to 10 lbs (and are not acceptable for shipments over 10 lbs). For parcels that are over 3/4 in thick (or exceed other dimensions required to qualify as a large envelope/flat), but are still relatively thin could be packaged in expandable paper envelopes, poly mailers / plastic bags, paper bags or wrap, or even cloth. Parcels: Corrugated shipping boxes are the most common packaging option for parcels.

When poly mailers are used, their overhang should not exceed 0.5 inches when the package is lying flat. Poly mailers, like our 100% Recycled Ivory Poly Mailers, must be at least 2 mils thick for shipments up to 5 lbs and 4 mils thick for shipments up to 10 lbs (and are not acceptable for shipments over 10 lbs). Any non-paper envelope (such as a poly mailer) that is shipped as a 'letter' would be considered non-machinable and subject to additional charges.įlats or large envelopes: Paper envelopes, plastic bags/ poly mailers, paper wrap, corrugated boxes, or cloth can be used for these mailings. USPS provides an extensive set of basic standards for all mailings.Ī summary of what we believe are the most relevant acceptable and machinable package types are as follows: USPS provides this handy chart summarizing the above. Length is the measurement of the longest dimension and girth is the distance around the thickest part (perpendicular to the length). No more than 108 inches in length and girth combined (130 combined for USPS Retail Ground).Mailing tubes can be used as long as the length is no more than 10 times the width of the tube.At least 3 inches high x 6 inches long x 1/4 inch thick.It is helpful to note the 12x15” maximum sizing. This shipment category is not subject to aspect ratio requirements. While USPS dictates that flats or large envelopes must be rectangular, square mailings are accepted as “rectangular” in this instance.Are no more than 12 inches high x 15 inches long x ¾ inch thick.Have one dimension that is greater than 6-1/8 inches high OR 11-½ inches long OR ¼ inch thick.While mailings that fall out of these aspect ratios (including square envelopes) count as “letters”, they are subject to non-machinable surcharges. Standard letters are rectangular, with an aspect ratio 1.3 and 2.5.No more than 6-1/8 inches high x 11-1/2 inches long x 1/4 inch thick.At least 3-1/2 inches x 5 inches x 0.007 inches thick.USPS has three main categories of mailings, defined by the shape, size, and weight of a shipment. Minimum packaging standards for each shipment category.Categories of shipments – what qualifies as a letter versus a flat versus a parcel.Here, we break down some of the most important things to know when it comes to packaging for USPS, based on our research and our own experiences.

#Usps firstclass vs free shipping how to#

In our work with them, we’ve learned a lot about how to package things up – what mailer size to use, which ones to avoid.Īs with any shipper, USPS has a myriad of different service options and packaging requirements, some of which are confusing to understand unless you have hours to dig into their website. We have found that their pricing is hard to beat for our sample and smaller orders, and that they are great to work with. For many (especially those who ship a lot of lightweights similarly sized and shaped items), USPS is the cheapest option.ĮcoEnclose is proud to work with USPS on many of our shipments. USPS Services and Packaging Requirements | What To Knowīusinesses typically have three shipping partners to choose from - USPS, UPS, and FedEx.