Parcel Post vs Priority Mail
Parcel Post and Priority Mail are two mail services offered by USPS that are comparable in cost and features. Most people, especially sellers on websites and shippers remain confused between the features of these two mail services. Some prefer priority mail as the name suggests it is given priority while others go for more cost efficient Parcel Post. This article attempts to find out the real differences between these two services of USPS to make readers knowledgeable and choose one of the two services that is better suited for their requirements.
Parcel Post
If you are looking to send large boxes up to a size of 130”, and when the articles are not that urgent to be delivered in a few days, Parcel Post is a good service to make use. This is a ground service that delivers packets in 2-8 days and charges less than other services. PP is also chosen because of the facility to send large articles that is not possible through Priority Mail. There are many extra features or add-ons that one can get with Parcel Post such as proof of mailing, insurance against damages, delivery confirmation and signature confirmation. There is also a feature of restricted delivery that ensures the packet will be delivered to a particular recipient only. Lastly, there is a feature that allows for extra care handling for a little extra payment.
The articles sent through Parcel Post are not sealed because of the need for postal inspection. Though the delivery of articles is usually within 2-8 days, USPS does not take responsibility for delays and in general PP is delivered not later than 14 days. You cannot make a claim if the parcel takes more than 8 days for delivery as there is no guaranty for early delivery in case of PP. If PP is undelivered for some reasons, postage is charged if returned to the mailer or sender of the post.
Priority Mail
If you have small to medium sized articles to be mailed within the country a little urgently, Priority Mail is the service one should opt. This is not a ground but an air service that delivers articles within 2 days generally. There is this additional feature of free pick up from your premises, which makes Priority Mail much more convenient. The delivery of consignment booked through Priority Mail is possible on Saturdays.
Priority Mail happens to be a fast and efficient service that makes deliveries to mailboxes and even PO Boxes. Using a Track and Confirm Tool, it is possible to confirm the delivery status of the packet in Priority Mail. With extra payment, one can get add-ons like insurance coverage and also signature confirmation that lets you know to whom the packet has been delivered.
What is the difference between Parcel Post and Priority Mail?
• Priority Mail delivers articles faster than Parcel Post
• Parcel Post allows bigger articles to be mailed than Priority Mail
• Parcel Post charges the sender if the packet is undelivered and returned while, in Priority Mail, there is no return charge
• Parcel Post is a little cheaper than Priority Mail
• Parcel Post can be subject to postal inspection and is, therefore, not sealed while Priority Mail is not subject to postal inspection