USPS Tips You Need to Ship Smart and Save Money
Shipping with the United States Postal Service can feel like a maze, but it doesn’t have to be. In the next few minutes you’ll learn the exact steps that make each USPS shipment cheaper, faster, and hassle‑free.
Save Money on Every USPS Shipment
First thing: use the flat‑rate boxes. They come in several sizes, cost the same no matter how heavy the contents (as long as they fit), and often beat the price of weight‑based services for heavy items. If you’re sending a bike part or a box full of books, grab a flat‑rate box from the post office or order one online for free.
Second, measure twice, ship once. USPS charges by the ounce, but the weight thresholds are low. A light package that’s just a few ounces over the limit can jump into a higher price bracket. Use a digital kitchen scale at home, and if the weight is borderline, remove non‑essential packaging. A piece of bubble wrap or a thin envelope can save a few dollars.
Third, pick the right service. First‑Class Mail is perfect for letters, postcards, and small items under 13 ounces. Priority Mail is the go‑to for anything larger or heavier, and it includes tracking and insurance up to $50. If you need it faster, consider Priority Mail Express, but remember it’s a premium price.
Fourth, ship online with Click‑N‑Ship. The platform shows real‑time rates, lets you purchase postage, and prints a barcode label that you can attach at home. Online rates are often a few cents cheaper than the counter price, and you skip the line.
Finally, watch for free shipping promotions. USPS runs occasional “free flat‑rate” weeks or offers discounts for business accounts. Sign up for the free USPS newsletters to stay in the loop.
Make Your USPS Packages Arrive On Time
Address mistakes are the #1 cause of delayed deliveries. Write the recipient’s name in full, use a clear street number, and include the ZIP+4 code if you have it. The extra four digits pinpoint the exact carrier route and reduce mis‑sorts.
Second, schedule a pickup if you’re sending multiple packages. The USPS pickup service is free for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and international shipments. Just leave the packages in your mailbox or at the curb as instructed, and the carrier will take them on their route.
Third, understand cut‑off times. Most post offices stop accepting Priority Mail the night before the next‑day delivery cutoff (usually 5 pm local time). If you need next‑day service, drop off the package before the cut‑off or use a self‑service kiosk that prints a label after hours.
Fourth, use tracking and delivery confirmation. Even for cheap First‑Class packages, adding a “Delivery Confirmation” service costs just a few cents and lets you see when the package lands at the destination. For high‑value items, upgrade to “Signature Confirmation” to make sure someone signs for it.
Lastly, pack for the journey. Use sturdy boxes, seal with packing tape, and cushion fragile items with bubble wrap or packing peanuts. A well‑packed box survives the bumps of sorting facilities and reduces the chance of damage claims.
Putting these tips into practice will shave dollars off each shipment and keep your parcels moving smoothly. The next time you reach for a USPS label, you’ll already know the cheapest box, the right service, and the exact steps to get it there on time. Happy shipping!
