*Editors note: As of July 9th, 2023 the United States Postal Service (USPS) has consolidated three ground service levels (USPS First-Class Package Service, USPS Parcel Select Ground, and USPS Retail Ground) into one holistic ground service level aptly named: USPS Ground Advantage. This new service level will serve packages weighing up to 70 lbs and measure 130 inches in combined length plus girth. Deliveries are estimated to be made between 2-5 business days. To learn more, please visit our USPS Ground Advantage Blog.

Need to ship a package that weighs less than one pound? First Class Package Service from USPS is one of your quickest and most affordable options.

What is USPS First Class Package Service?

USPS First Class Package Service allows you to ship lightweight packages that weigh up to 15.999 ounces. As for dimensions, a First Class Package can have a maximum combined length and girth of 108 inches.

Items can be sent in an envelope, poly mailer, or plain or branded box. You cannot, however, use USPS-branded packaging when shipping through this service.

Packages can be sent anywhere in the U.S.—as well as to U.S. territories including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands–with shipping times ranging from 1-3 days.

It is important to note that First Class Package Service isn’t the same as USPS First Class Mail. The former is for shipping packages and poly mailers up to 1 pound, while the latter is for mailing postcards, letters, and large envelopes (also known as flats). To qualify for First Class Mail, your envelope must be less than 13 ounces and not more than 15 inches long or more than 12 inches high or more than 3/4 inch thick; otherwise, you’ll use USPS First Class Package Service.

The 2023 USPS First Class Package Service Rates

Here are the USPS First Class Package Service rates for 2023, based on weight and shipping distance. Keep in mind these are Shippo’s rates—cheaper than what you’ll get at the Post Office or USPS website.  

Who Can Use USPS First Class Package Service?

This service can be used by any business that needs to send lightweight packages under 1 pound. As long as the weight doesn’t exceed 15.999 ounces, you can ship to any residential or commercial address, as well as to any P.O. Box within the U.S. and associated territories.

This makes it perfect for e-commerce businesses that sell lightweight products and need a reliable, yet cost-effective, way to ship domestically.

Why Use Shippo for USPS First Class Package Service Parcels?

Shippo is a multi-carrier shipping software designed specifically for e-commerce businesses. Using it offers several benefits that you won’t be able to access when sending directly through Post Office branch locations or the USPS website.

For starters, Shippo offers access to discounts of up to 90% off standard postage rates, which can lead to massive savings – especially when you’re shipping at scale. Because we partner with more than 50 global carriers – with USPS being one of the largest – we’re able to offer customers deep discounts that aren’t available elsewhere.

Another benefit is Shippo’s weight limit increase. The USPS website only sells postage up to 13 ounces for parcels being shipped through the First Class Package Service rate. Shippo extends pricing for the service to packages weighing up to 15.999 ounces, allowing sellers to ship heavier packages, while still taking advantage of lower rates.

For those with heavier packages in their shipping mix, Shippo also offers access to the USPS Priority Mail Cubic service level, which bases shipping costs on package size and distance traveled, rather than weight. Retailers of small, heavy items may see substantial savings when taking advantage of this pricing.

Finally, keep in mind that Shippo offers e-commerce sellers several additional perks, including:

• Automated label creation
• Scheduled pickups from USPS directly from your home or business
• Address validation to prevent failed deliveries
• Streamlined return processes with easy-to-create return labels
• Branded tracking pages for an optimal customer experience
• Shipping notification emails

For added convenience, Shippo automatically syncs with popular e-commerce platforms – including Shopify, Square, and Wix – to further streamline shipping by allowing sellers to access and manage mailing data from within a single dashboard.

Let Shippo Crunch the Numbers

Use Shippo to create a fully customized, one-of-a-kind experience that simplifies shipping for both your e-commerce business and your customers.

To find the exact cost of sending a package through USPS First Class Package Service with Shippo, use Shippo’s USPS Postage Calculator and enter:

• Your package’s origin location
• Your package’s destination
• The type of package you’re sending
• Your package’s dimensions
• Your package’s weight

With the click of a button, Shippo will crunch the numbers for you and reveal your discounted rates.

How Much Does it Cost to Send a First Class Package?

As an example, imagine that you were shipping a package weighing 5 ounces that measures 6X4X2 inches from New York to Los Angeles (Zone 8). The regular retail rate would be $5.85, but through Shippo, you’d only pay $4.44. That translates into a 24% discount, or $1.41 in total savings.

How Long Do USPS First Class Packages Take to Deliver?

USPS First Class Package Service offers non-guaranteed delivery in 1-3 business days. Visit our USPS Time-in-transit Data page for real-time transit information for USPS First Class Package Service and USPS Priority Mail.

Can a First Class Package Be a Box?

You can ship a box, poly mailer, or envelope via USPS First Class Package Service. Keep in mind that you must use your own plain or branded packaging. None of the USPS shipping supplies qualify for USPS First Class Package Service.

Is USPS First Class Package Service Insured?

Packages traveling via USPS First Class Package Service are not insured by the carrier straight out of the gate. However, you can purchase affordable insurance for these packages through Shippo with a simple click of a button.

Does USPS Have Free First Class Package Service Boxes?

No, the USPS does not have boxes available for First Class Package Service. However, even with the cost of purchasing the box, you will still see immense savings using this option over USPS Priority Mail.

For more on how to ship smarter and cheaper using the USPS First Class Package Service, learn how to get started with Shippo.