What Is Considered As First Class Mail?

When it comes to mailing, there are a few different options that people can choose from. First class mail, which is what we are most familiar with, is the option that allows you to send envelopes and letters. This is a common option for many businesses, especially during times of transition, because it allows you to reach your audience in an economical way and still get your message out.

The first step in mailing something is writing the address on the envelope and affixing the appropriate stamps. Once this is done, it’s dropped in the mailbox or handed to a postal employee to be processed. It’s important to note that first class mail doesn’t necessarily guarantee delivery, but it does give your piece a higher priority than standard or bulk mail. This is important because many direct mail campaigns are time sensitive and need to arrive on-time in order to be effective.

Generally, a locally addressed first class piece will be delivered in 1 to 3 days. Nationally, this might take a little longer. First class mail also includes automatic mail forwarding and return to sender options, which are not included with standard or bulk mail.

Another thing to keep in mind is that your first class item might be considered non-machinable, which means that it can’t be processed by USPS machines and needs to be handled manually. This can be based on factors such as texture, shape (squared or unusual), additional components (clasps, strings, etc.), and size. This might result in a non-machinable surcharge or a flat rate charge.