USPS is one of the most widely used delivery services in the U.S. Since the postal service delivers mail and packages to almost every household, it becomes crucial to answer the “when does USPS deliver packages” question.
There is no specific time for package deliveries via USPS. Factors determining when you get your package are distance, mail type, and post office workload.
Nevertheless, most packages are delivered according to their estimated delivery date between 9 am to 7 am (Monday to Saturday).
Moving forward, this guide breaks down the delivery timeline for different USPS services and how to know when your parcel will arrive. You will also learn what to do if you miss a delivery.
USPS Mail Types & Their Turnaround Time
1. First-Class Mail
This is a popular and affordable USPS service. Letters, postcards, bills, and other documents that weigh less than 13 ounces can be mailed via this service.
The delivery timeline is usually between 3 to 5 business days during the normal operating hours (9 am to 7 pm).
2. Priority Mail
Priority Mail is a fast and reliable service that delivers within 1 to 3 business days. Unlike First-Class Mail, it is more suitable for larger and heavier documents.
3. Priority Mail Express
Priority Mail Express is the fastest delivery service offered by USPS. This service delivers mail overnight to most locations in the United States.
Delivery time for Priority Mail Express may vary from hours to a few days depending on the recipient’s location.
4. USPS Retail Ground
This ground shipping service takes up to 2 to 8 days to deliver a parcel. It is a cost-effective way to ship larger and heavier packages, especially those that are not time-sensitive.
5. Media Mail
Media Mail is another cost-effective USPS service for sending books, CDs, DVDs, and other media files. Delivery takes about 2 to 8 days as well.
6. USPS International Mail
USPS offers various international mail services that vary in cost and turnaround. Examples include Priority Mail International and First-Class Package International Service.
The turnaround for these services is 6 to 10 business days and 7 to 21 business days, respectively.
How to Know When USPS Will Deliver Your Package
The easiest way to know when your USPS package will arrive is to track it actively. To do this, enter your package’s tracking number on the USPS website or app.
Alternatively, you can subscribe to a service that lets you receive delivery notifications. This service provides prompt details about the status of your package via email or text message.
What if You Miss a Delivery?
If you miss a delivery, USPS will leave a delivery notice at your residence or the address on the package. You can request a new delivery via the USPS website or the local post office near you with this tag.
Alternatively, you can choose to pick up the package at the nearest post office or USPS location. Just go with a government-approved ID and all the package’s documents.
FAQs
Does USPS work on Sunday?
USPS does not consider Sunday as a work day. However, it offers limited delivery services, which may not apply to you or your mail.
Can you pick up a package from USPS before delivery?
You can request that USPS hold your parcel for you and pick it up later. This mostly works for packages that are eligible for Package Intercept.
What happens if USPS loses your package?
You must file a claim for a refund immediately or before 60 days from the date of mailing.
How long does USPS claim to take?
Once you file and submit a claim with all the necessary documents, you should get your refund within 5 to 7 business days.
Who pays for lost USPS packages?
USPS covers the cost of shipping and the price of the package if it is protected by insurance.
For packages not under insurance, a claim will only cover shipping costs.
Conclusion: When Does USPS Deliver Packages?
USPS remains a reliable and affordable delivery service for many mail and parcels, primarily within the U.S. However, how fast it delivers these packages depends on the destination, type of Mail, and the delivery schedule.
If your package is time-sensitive or expensive, opting for expedited services such as Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express is best.
First-Class Mail or USPS Retail Ground may be ideal for parcels or media with less urgency. To know when your package will arrive, you need to track it or actively subscribe to a delivery notification service.
I hope you found this guide helpful. Explore Threaller to get answers to other USPS-related inquiries.
Thanks for reading.
