Got a birthday or Christmas present that needs to arrive like yesterday? Don’t stress! USPS offers an expedited shipping option called Priority Mail Express.
But just how fast is the USPS Priority Mail Express option? If you want to know more about this service, check out everything I found out about the matter!
How Fast Is USPS Expedited Shipping?
Priority Mail Express is the fastest shipping option offered by USPS. Packages sent through this service arrive by 6 PM the next day or in two days (including Sundays and holidays). USPS guarantees this delivery time with a money-back guarantee. Also, packages include free pickup, tracking, and $100 of insurance, with rates starting at $26.60.
If you still have questions about Priority Mail Express you need to be answered, then keep reading!
What Does Expedited Shipping Mean at USPS?
As a general term, expedited shipping refers to a type of service that delivers goods faster than regular shipping.
That said, expedited shipping’s goal is to get packages to recipients faster for a greater fee.
Also, overnight shipping, express shipping, and two-day shipping are different types of expedited shipping.
In terms of expedited shipping options, USPS offers Priority Mail Express.
With Priority Mail Express, the service provides a next-day to two-day domestic delivery service by 6 PM and comes with a money-back guarantee.
How Fast Is USPS Expedited Shipping?
For domestic delivery within the United States, expedited shipping through Priority Mail Express can be as fast as same-day or next-day delivery (depending on when you place your order).
Moreover, Priority Mail Express’ next-day to two-day delivery comes with a money-back guarantee.
Is USPS Priority Mail the Same as Priority Mail Express?
Although the names sound similar, these two services differ in pricing and delivery times.
Essentially, you can think of Priority Mail Express as an upgraded version of Priority Mail.
With that, Express Mail is faster and more reliable than regular Priority Mail (but costs about three times more).
On the other hand, Priority Mail is USPS’ standard domestic air service, as packages are delivered within one to three business days.
However, this delivery time doesn’t come with any guarantee. If packages take longer to arrive, you and your recipient just have to wait.
On the other hand, Priority Mail Express offers a next-day to two-day delivery guarantee—or your money back.
How Much Does USPS Expedited Shipping Cost?
At USPS, Priority Mail Express starts at $26.60. Then, prices go up from this rate based on how much the package weighs and where it’s going.
As a general rule, heavy packages traveling far are more expensive than light packages without far to go.
That said, USPS lets you choose from three different methods to determine your cost of service.
Weight and Zone
USPS bases your rate on the package weight and the shipping zone. Said another way, the cost is based on item weight plus delivery distance.
Furthermore, package weights are rounded up to the nearest pound and are limited to 70 pounds. Therefore, this method is best for smaller items traveling short distances.
Dimensional Weight
Basically, dimensional weight is another way of saying weight or size, whichever is greater.
With that, USPS bases your Priority Mail Express shipping cost on the actual weight or box dimensions, whichever costs more. So, this method is best for compact packages.
Flat Rate
With flat-rate shipping, you pay a set rate on domestic shipments under 70 pounds, regardless of the package’s weight. Therefore, this method is best for heavy items.
Do USPS Expedited Packages Get Delivered On Weekends?
Yes, USPS delivers Priority Mail Express packages on Saturdays.
Also, Sunday and holiday delivery are available in major markets but cost an additional $12.50. Moreover, most Priority Mail Express shipments arrive by 10:30 a.m. on Sundays.
Which Is Faster, Priority Express, Or FedEx Overnight?
In most cases, FedEx is faster than USPS when it comes to expedited shipping.
Unfortunately, USPS only offers one expedited shipping service—Priority Mail Express.
That said, Priority Mail Express packages are guaranteed next-day or two-day delivery by 6 PM (delivery time depends on how far the box needs to travel).
On the other hand, FedEx offers three levels of overnight services:
- FedEx First Overnight
- FedEx Priority Overnight
- FedEx Standard Overnight
Furthermore, packages sent with FedEx First Overnight are guaranteed to arrive by 9:30 AM the next day.
Then, FedEx Priority Overnight packages are delivered by 10:30 AM the next day. Finally, FedEx Standard Overnight packages arrive by 4:30 PM.
While FedEx does offer faster-expedited shipping options, its rates are significantly more than USPS’.
So, if your package doesn’t need to arrive by a specific time, Priority Mail Express still offers fast shipping at a more affordable rate.
What Does USPS Expedited Shipping Include?
In addition to offering some of the fastest delivery services in the market, USPS’ Priority Mail Express includes several other benefits.
For example, with domestic shipping through Priority Mail Express, customers receive the following:
- A money-back guarantee for on-time delivery
- Free boxes and envelopes
- Free package pickup service at your home or office
- Tracking
- Up to $100 insurance coverage
- Proof of delivery signature record (if requested)
- Flat-rate pricing is available
Additionally, for international shipping through Priority Mail Express International, customers receive the following:
- A money-back guarantee to select destinations
- Three to five-day delivery
- Free boxes and envelopes
- Free package pickup service at your home or office
- Tracking
- Up to $100 insurance for non-negotiable document reconstruction and up to $200 insurance for merchandise loss, damage, or missing contents
How Fast Is USPS Expedited Shipping For International Orders?
International orders sent through Priority Mail Express are delivered in three to five business days. However, delivery time varies depending on the shipping destination.
Moreover, you can use Priority Mail Express to ship to 180 countries, and certain countries even have a money-back delivery guarantee.
To know more about USPS, you can also read our posts on what are USPS shipping zones, whether you can reroute a USPS package, and whether USPS delivers to your door.
