What are the different ways packages are sent through the mail? Please Help....?

Question

I need to know what the difference is between

first class

priority mail

parcel post

media mail

standard

ups

usps

can anyone explain this to me???

Answer 1

usps.com has info

so do the other sites! :)

Answer 2

Really the main difference between the first 4 is size and weight of the package. The Post office uses a system like this:

(This list goes from smaller, more light weight packages to larger heavier packages)

FIRST CLASS: ships fast, really cheap, used for items like CD's, a toy,  small book [items that weigh UNDER 13 ounces, which equals 1 pound] Starts at $1.17

PRIORITY: This essentially is your first class items that weigh OVER 13 ounces, usually no more than 3 days

FLAT RATE PRIORITY: Gets there in the same time period, but mailed in a flat rate priority box, a little bigger for more items and weight doesn't matter, you can put anything in it for a fixed price

MEDIA MAIL: Slower shipping, sometimes 1-2 weeks depending on location, but cheap way for small light weight items. Typically used for books, magazines and the like. 1pound-$2.23 up to 5 pounds-$3.63

PARCEL: This is simply the bigger heavier version of media mail.  

Standard is typically a fixed price, often used in place of media

USPS is the United States Postal Service, allows you to print mailing labels and postage from your home printer...don't need any special machine, and also has pickup services for shipping packages.

UPS is an independent company that ships worldwide, can be costly, but a good alternative if shipping very large items like appliances, etc.

Both offer overnight shipping as well.  

Answer 3

USPS is the United States Post Office:

price high to low-

Priority gets the fastest shipping, and does not wind up in the bottom of a bin to get crushed.

First class is a day or two slower.

Parcel post is the slowest and cheapest for non media mail,  and has a chance of winding up on the bottom of those huge bins where packages might get crushed.

Media mail is the cheapest.  It is used to send books, dvd, cd, magazines, or anything else that might be considered media.  Media mail can also be slow, but not always.  It depends on the time of the year.

UPS-The brown trucks you see delivering packages called  United Parcel Service

Standard would mean "ground" shipping which is an average of 3-5 business days.

They also offer 3 day shipping, 2 day and over night.  Overnight and 2nd day usually require a ride in a plane.  

Then there's FedEx-another UPS like business.