The postal service delivers massive amounts of mail daily with both accuracy and speed. It is a logistical wonder. Millions of letters and packages zig-zag across the country and through no small feat arrive at their destination. And considering the journey they are on, it all happens rather fast.

When it comes to mail, time is of the essence. While we understand that traditional mail can’t arrive as quickly as the digital type, we want the recipient to get our packages and letters quickly. When you mail something out of state, perhaps even across the country, you need to know how long it will take to arrive. The postal service can provide a pretty good estimate depending on the services you select.

On average, mail takes between two and five days for mail to arrive at its destination. There are a lot of variables at play in pinpointing the precise delivery estimate. A commercial mail service can provide a more accurate estimate for delivery times if you are a business utilizing bulk mail pricing or direct mail services. These services can take weeks, but you may be able to shave off some time if you are working only within your local area.

Types of Delivery

The USPS offers a variety of postal service products. You can choose the one that best fits your timeline and budget. Speed will cost you, but you can get your package shipped at various price points to fit your budget.

First-Class Stamp

When you send a letter in the mail, chances are you put a first-class stamp on it. The postal service can get your letter anywhere in the continental US within five days. Less for local deliveries but crossing the country can take the entire five days. If you send things to Alaska or Hawaii, add a few extra days to your delivery estimate to be safe.

Priority Mail

Priority mail can get your mail there a little bit faster. The post office will prioritize it over first-class service, making a difference in delivery timeframes. You can count on a one-to-three-day delivery estimate. Priority mail is a speedy option for letters, large envelopes, and packages.

Priority Mail Express

If you can’t wait three days for your package to arrive, you can send it via Priority Mail Express. If you can get your package to the post office by 10:30 am, they will guarantee your package is there the next business day. If you miss the 10:30 cut-off, it will be there the day after. It is a fast, efficient service that costs a premium.

Media Mail

Media mail is the cheapest option, but it takes a slow journey and has the most restrictions. Media mail serves a specific purpose: to send media pieces (books, films, charts, or binders) at a reduced cost. If you are mailing items that qualify, you will get a great deal with media mail, but it can take up to eight days.

Ground

USPS Ground is a service that can save you money if you aren’t in a hurry. You will pay less for your package, which can take up to eight days to arrive. It also has fewer restrictions than media mail. The delivery timeframe is typically relative to the length of the journey, but there are no guarantees it will get there faster even if it is traveling a short distance.

Bulk Mail

The postal service offers a service for businesses sending marketing pieces through the mail. You get the benefit of mailing a large amount of marketing materials for a cheap rate, but they will be slow to be delivered, and you have to meet the minimum threshold to be able to qualify for bulk mail. Marketing mail can take 14-21 days, less for local deliveries and more if it is crossing state lines.

Can You Speed Up a Direct Mail Campaign

Direct mail takes time, but you have options based on how much money you want to spend. After your direct mail is printed and ready to hit the post office, you are now playing by the USPS timeline.

  • Standard bulk mail takes up to two weeks to hit mailboxes, but it is the cheapest rate.
  • You can upgrade to First-Class and qualify for bulk pricing by presorting your mail. You will pay a higher rate for the convenience of faster delivery.

By working with a professional print and mail service you can plan your direct mail campaigns around delivery timelines to get the most bang for your buck.

Tips and Tricks for Faster Mail

While delivery timelines are fairly straightforward, you can do a few things to try to edge your delivery date a little closer.

  • Mail city to city. Mail moves fastest between major metropolitan areas. If you involve a rural carrier, things slow down. If sending things through cities is an option, it can save you time.
  • Drop your mail off directly at the post office. Mailing it from a mail collection box will take extra time.
  • Drop your mail off by 9 am, which almost guarantees it will leave the facility you dropped it at the same day.
  • Send your mail on Monday or Tuesday. Because the post office is closed on Sundays and holidays, you can strategically avoid delays due to closed days.
  • Anticipate delays around busy mail times. The winter holiday season sees an influx of mail, slowing things down. If you have important mail in November and December, get it out early.

The USPS does a great job getting your mail where it needs to be. With proper planning and understanding of the different service options, your mail will get where it needs to go when it needs to be there.