When you have to send mail in a rush, the United States Postal Service has a few reliable options to ensure delivery by a specific date, including USPS Priority Express Mail, the fastest domestic shipping option at USPS.
But you may have some questions about Priority Mail Express before you use it. Like, how long does USPS Priority Mail Express take? I’ve looked into the matter, and here’s what I found out!
How Long Does USPS Priority Mail Express Take?
The United States Postal Service’s Priority Mail Express service delivers mail, guaranteed overnight or within two days by 6 p.m. That said, the length of time needed for this premium shipping service is determined based on the distance the mailpiece has to travel, with the entire continental U.S. reachable within two days.
To learn more about how far a mailpiece can go with Priority Express overnight shipping and the difference between Priority and Priority Express, keep reading for all the answers!
Is USPS Priority Mail Express Overnight?
Yes, USPS Priority Mail Express can be overnight, depending on how far the mailpiece has to go.
However, the Postal Service doesn’t set any rigid boundaries on its site, as it does for Priority shipping regarding what distance qualifies for overnight.
But it’s a safe bet that other destinations within your same postal zone are reachable overnight and possibly the next Zone or two from your location.
With that, the only way to be sure if your intended destination qualifies for overnight shipping is to check the USPS website.
Using the price calculator, you can see not only how much each eligible service will cost you but which services you’re eligible for in the first place.
Also, if your destination puts you in the range of overnight shipping, USPS tends to put that result at the top of the list.
What Is the Difference Between USPS Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express?
USPS Priority Mail and Priority Express are like siblings – not identical, but they share some DNA.
That said, some of the differences between the two include:
- Priority Mail takes between one to three days, while Priority Express is for overnight or two-day shipping.
- Priority Mail is not guaranteed, while Priority Express is.
- Priority Mail is cheaper (because it’s a bit slower).
- Priority Mail offers Flat-Rate envelopes and boxes, while Priority Express only has Flat-Rate envelopes.
In terms of shipping speed, Priority Mail can take up to three days, especially when the distance is Zone Seven or Zone Eight from your location.
Additionally, because there is no money-back guarantee, the sender receives no compensation if your Priority Mail shipment is delayed.
Does USPS Priority Mail Express Have Tracking?
Yes, USPS tracking is included with Priority Express shipping at no additional cost, so both the sender and receiver can keep an eye on the mailpiece’s shipping progress.
As an additional layer of security, you can buy add-ons like insurance and “Signature Required” with Priority Express.
Does USPS Priority Mail Express Deliver On Sundays?
Sundays are not considered regular delivery days to USPS like Saturdays, but Priority Mail Express shipments qualify for special Sunday delivery.
So, for customers who need their shipment to arrive overnight or within two days but are shipping on Friday or Saturday, this service costs an additional $12.50.
Moreover, if you’re shipping something Saturday morning, and your mailpiece qualifies for overnight delivery, it would typically be delivered Monday.
But by adding on Sunday delivery, your overnight shipment remains truly overnight.
How Reliable Is USPS Priority Mail Express?
In general, yes, USPS Priority Mail Express is very reliable.
However, this isn’t to say that mishaps don’t occur or haven’t in the past; but USPS guards this premium shipping option vigilantly against late deliveries.
Basically, when you pay Priority Express prices, you can expect Priority Express service.
What If USPS Priority Mail Express Is Late?
If your Priority Mail Express shipment is late, the sender gets a refund because the service is guaranteed.
For example, this includes time-of-day lateness, like if the package arrives after 6 p.m. on the guaranteed delivery date. In this case, the sender is also entitled to a refund.
However, the recipient still has to wait for their package but can check USPS tracking for the updated delivery information.
Also, if the package’s status still says “Out for Delivery,” it’s likely going to arrive that day, just after 6 p.m.
Is USPS Priority Mail Express Next-Day Guaranteed?
The Postal Service’s Priority Mail Express shipping is guaranteed, including both next-day and two-day service.
Therefore, this means that whichever service has been guaranteed and paid for, the sender gets their money back if the mailpiece doesn’t arrive by 6 p.m. on the stipulated date.
Does USPS Priority Mail Express Next-Day Shipping Require Signature?
If your recipient isn’t sure they will be home to receive the Priority Express shipment, no worries – signatures are not required.
That said, USPS Signature Required is an add-on service that you can pay for.
But no, despite the super-short shipping time, a signature is not required at the end of the journey for Priority Express mail pieces.
If you want to know more, you can also see our posts on USPS priority mail vs. first-class, how fast is USPS priority mail, and if USPS tracking numbers expire.