DIFFERENCES IN US MAIL TYPES

The US Postal Service has several different types of mail and services.
First Class mail is for lightweight letters and packages up to 13 ounces and is usually delivered between 1-3 business days.

A mail piece that weighs more than 13 ounces automatically becomes Priority Mail. Priority Mail prices are based on weight and destination. Tracking is free with all Priority Mail. There are also Priority flat rate envelopes and boxes that may save you money if what you are shipping is fairly heavy and is going a long distance. Delivery for Priority Mail is also between 1-3 business days.

Priority Mail Express is for shipping items in 1-2 business days. There are also flat rate envelopes for Priority Mail Express. If your mail piece is not in a flat rate envelope, then price is determined by weight and destination. Priority Mail Express is much more expensive than Priority Mail, but it is guaranteed to be there by the date the Postal Service tells you or you get your money refunded to you for the price of mailing. Tracking is also included.

Media Mail is for mailing any kind of media such as books or bound material, DVD’s, CD’s, etc. Media Mail cannot contain any form of advertising. Media Mail packages are subject to inspection by the US Postal Service and if there is ineligible material in the package, it will be assessed at the normal postage rate and either sent to the recipient with postage due or returned to the sender. Media Mail is considered second class mail and can take up to 2 weeks to reach its destination, however prices are much lower than First Class or Priority Mail prices. Tracking is included with Media Mail.