Are you looking to send a parcel or a gift to your friends or family in the US? Well, the internet has hugely replaced the sending of letters through emails, messaging, and text. However, there is only so much that you can send via these means. Luckily, there are various ways that you can use to send letters and small packages to your loved one across the US and globally.
In this article, we will focus on the three best ways that you can use to send parcels in the US.
1. USPS
The United States Postal Service, or the USPS, is the most common method for sending your parcels across the US. Depending on your urgency, you can go for the priority mail express services that take 1 to 3 business days to deliver the envelope parcel to your loved ones. The other option is the priority mail and first-class package service that involves envelopes, boxes, and lightweight parcels. Like the priority mail express, it takes 1 to 3 business days to send parcel to US.
While it may be a little costly, the priority service beats time, especially for parcels on a time crunch. It could be a birthday gift, Christmas gift, or a physical letter you want to send in good time.
2. UPS
UPS, or the United Parcel Service, prides itself in being a time-definite leader for small package delivery services in the US. They have different modes of transportation, including road, air, and ocean vessels. The most common channel for them is the trucks and planes, which means the package gets to your desired recipients early on.
However, if you want to send parcel to US less than 200 miles away, the package will use the UPS Truck. Most ground packages (within 48 contagious states) will be shipped within 1 to 5 working days. If you are shipping parcels from far-end states, the delivery times will be slightly longer.
3. FedEx
FedEx is among the most popular shipping companies globally and in the US. It offers different categories of delivery services with varying times and fees. Following this, the delivery timeframe for your parcel will depend on whether you ship it at night or via ground.
FedEx Ground delivery services take up to the end of day business to deliver, while the home delivery service can drop off as late as 8 p.m. The company promises to deliver packages between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
For overnight shipments, the company offers three service levels: delivery before 9:30 a.m., another at 10:30 a.m., and another before 3 p.m. These timelines work best when sending a birthday gift or a time-sensitive parcel. Remember that the above delivery timelines are only for weekdays.
3 Quick Tips for Sending Your Parcels in the US
Now that you know the best shipping methods to send parcels in the US, how can you make the process smoother? Read on for some tips before sending the parcels.
1. Use the Right Packaging
Packaging your items determines the kind of experience the recipient will have while unpacking. Ensure that you select a good-sized box with some bubble wrap space so the item doesn’t move around in transit. While doing so, note the size and weight so you don’t overpay.
2. Consider Your Urgency
How fast do you want the parcel to get to your loved one? In most cases, we wait till it’s too late and we’re on a time crunch. In the methods discussed above, each has its delivery timeframes and fees attached. The most expensive ones will be those with a sense of urgency. If it is not too urgent, you will not pay so much.
3. Properly Label Your Parcel
This goes without saying. Labeling is not just to remind the shipping companies of what is in the box. It also serves as direction on how to handle it. You can include aspects such as ‘Fragile’ to ensure your items are handled carefully. It goes a long way to give the recipient a fun opening time.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Sending parcels to the US doesn’t have to be difficult. As you can see, the providers have different delivery timelines for their services. Your package’s size, content, and urgency will determine the most affordable shipping method. With the three mentioned methods, large packages are subject to pricing surcharges and dimension weight pricing. It all comes down to what’s in the parcel!
