What is the difference between first class mail and regular mail?

When most people think of regular mail, they’re really talking about USPS First-Class Mail®—the everyday service behind most letters, bills, and postcards. But there’s more to it than just dropping a stamped envelope in the mailbox. For individuals and businesses alike, choosing the right mail class affects how much you spend, how quickly your mail arrives, and how reliably it gets there.

This article breaks down First-Class Mail versus other USPS services, helping you understand what’s included, how it compares, and when to use it. You’ll learn about delivery speed, postage rates, and key business use cases so you can make smarter choices with your USPS mailing services.

Table of Content:

• What is First-Class Mail?
• What Are the Types of First-Class Mail?
• First-Class Mail Weight and Size Restrictions
• Key Differences Between USPS First-Class, Regular, and Standard Mail
• When Should You Use First-Class Mail?
• First-Class Mail Cost Considerations and Savings Tips
• How to Print First-Class Mail Labels at Home or in the Office
• How PitneyShip Helps Simplify and Save on First-Class Mail
• First-Class Mail FAQs

What is First-Class Mail?

At its core, First-Class Mail® is the USPS® service most people and businesses rely on for everyday mailing. It covers letters, postcards, flats, and lightweight parcels, offering quick and affordable delivery both domestically and internationally. Unlike bulk mailing services such as USPS Marketing Mail®, there’s no minimum volume requirement or mailing permit needed—making it especially practical for small offices and every home business that sends mail regularly.

First-Class Mail also includes built-in benefits like mail forwarding and automatic return-to-sender for undeliverable items, helping ensure important documents reach the right recipient. USPS even requires certain types of mail—like bills, invoices, statements, and personal correspondence—to be sent through First-Class Mail or a higher USPS service for security and privacy reasons.

Retail shipments can weigh up to 13 ounces, while commercial parcels sent through online shipping tools can go up to 15.999 ounces. Because it’s prioritized over USPS Marketing Mail, Media Mail® , or Retail Ground®, First-Class Mail offers a balance of speed, reliability, and cost that’s hard to beat for both personal and business use.

Why First-Class Mail gets priority over other USPS services

To understand what makes USPS First-Class Mail® a “first-class” service, it helps to see how USPS mailing options are organized. USPS ranks its mail classes by delivery priority:

• Priority Mail Express®
• Priority Mail®
• First-Class Mail®
• USPS Marketing Mail®
• Retail Ground®
• Media Mail®

While Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express are faster and more expensive, First-Class Mail still receives higher handling and delivery priority than USPS Marketing Mail, Retail Ground, or USPS Media Mail. For most mailers, it’s the ideal balance between cost, speed, and reliability across all USPS services.

What are the types of First-Class Mail?

First-Class Mail® isn’t just a single mailing option—it’s a family of USPS First-Class services designed for different needs. You can choose between First-Class Mail® for personal letters, postcards, and flats; First-Class Package Service® for lightweight parcels; or First-Class Mail International® for items headed overseas, including international postcards.

Each first class service offers a balance of speed and cost-efficiency, making it a smart choice for both individuals and businesses. However, delivery times, tracking, insurance, and refund eligibility can vary depending on which type of First-Class Mail you use.

First-Class Mail® (domestic letters and flats)

USPS First-Class Mail® is the go-to mailing option for sending letters, postcards, forms, and large envelopes quickly and affordably. It’s perfect for everyday correspondence like bills, statements, and personal letters. The familiar First-Class Mail Forever® stamp covers up to one ounce—additional weight requires extra postage.

Delivery typically takes 1–5 business days, though there’s no guaranteed delivery timeframe. For sensitive mail, optional services like Certified Mail®, Return Receipt, or Collect on Delivery provide proof of mailing or delivery, while insurance can be added for valuable contents.

USPS Tracking® isn’t included for letters, postcards, or large envelopes, which can be a drawback for business senders. However, First-Class Mail remains one of the most efficient and trusted USPS services for lightweight items that don’t require tracking. And unlike bulk mailing services, there’s no USPS bulk mail permit or minimum volume needed—making it ideal for individuals, small offices, and home-based mailers looking to save time and money.

First-Class Mail International®

First-Class Mail International® is the most affordable USPS option for sending letters, postcards, and small packages to more than 190 countries. With a single Global Forever® stamp, you can send a one-ounce letter or international postcard, and the stamp never expires, even if the postage rate changes.

Delivery typically takes 7–21 business days, depending on the destination. It’s a cost-effective choice for non-urgent correspondence, personal mail, or low-value ecommerce shipments. However, tracking and insurance are not guaranteed, and availability varies by country.

This USPS first class mail international service works best for documents and gifts under 4 lbs and international letter postage up to 3.5 oz. Some items—like hazardous materials  or restricted goods—can’t be sent, and customs forms are required for all shipments.

If you’re mailing abroad and don’t need time-sensitive delivery, First-Class Mail International offers a dependable and budget-friendly way to stay connected globally while keeping shipping simple.

First-Class Package Service® (retail & commercial)

For shipping lightweight small packages, First-Class Package Service® delivers a reliable, low-cost option that includes USPS Tracking® at no extra charge. It’s perfect for home based businesses, ecommerce sellers, and side hustlers shipping products under one pound.

Retail shipments can weigh up to 13 ounces, while commercial packages—sent through a USPS business account or online shipping software like PitneyShip—can weigh up to 15.999 ounces. Delivery typically takes 2–5 business days, though there’s no guaranteed delivery window.

Optional services like Signature Confirmation, Return Receipt, Collect on Delivery, and insurance can add extra protection for higher-value goods. While refunds aren’t available for delayed mail, insured packages can be reimbursed for loss or damage.

With access to USPS commercial pricing, this first-class package service makes small-parcel shipping faster and cheaper than heavier alternatives. For anyone managing multiple shipments, it’s the perfect blend of affordability, automation, and reliability.

First-Class Mail weight and size restrictions

Understanding First-Class Mail size restrictions is key to avoiding surcharges or delivery delays. USPS sets specific limits for each mail class, and exceeding them can bump your item into Priority Mail® or another USPS service at a higher cost.

Postcards: Must be rectangular and machinable, measuring between 3½" x 5" and 4¼" x 6", with thickness from 0.007" to 0.016".
Letters: Up to 3.5 oz and between 3½" x 5" and 6⅛" x 11½". Minimum thickness is 0.009" and maximum is ¼".
Flats (large envelopes): Up to 13 oz, sized 6⅛" x 11½" to 12" x 15", with thickness from ¼" to ¾".
First-Class Package Service: Retail packages can weigh up to 13 oz; USPS First-Class Package commercial mail can reach 15.999 oz, with a combined length and girth under 108".

Items that are rigid, square, or include clasps trigger a non-machinable surcharge. Dim weight pricing (or dimensional weight pricing) doesn’t apply here, making First-Class Mail especially cost-effective for small, lightweight shipments.

Key differences between USPS First-Class, regular, and Standard Mail

Many people use the term regular mail to describe USPS First-Class Mail®, but it’s not the only USPS service available. In fact, USPS Marketing Mail®—formerly known as Standard Mail®—is a completely different category designed for bulk advertising and promotional materials. Understanding the difference between First-Class Mail, USPS Marketing Mail, and Standard Mail helps you choose the right option for speed, cost, and reliability.

What is USPS Marketing Mail (formerly Standard Mail)?

USPS Marketing Mail®, formerly called Standard Mail®, is a bulk USPS service designed for high-volume advertising and promotional campaigns. It’s ideal for marketers, nonprofit mailing, and political outreach where cost efficiency matters more than speed. While it offers lower postage rates than First-Class Mail, delivery is slower—typically several days longer—and includes fewer built-in features like return services or USPS mail forwarding. Because of that, it’s not recommended for first class or time-sensitive correspondence.

Choosing the right USPS service—whether First-Class Mail or USPS Marketing Mail—helps improve delivery reliability, reduce costs, and keep your mailing goals on track.

When should you use First-Class Mail?

First-Class Mail® is the best choice when timing and reliability matter. It’s ideal for mailing invoices, bills, legal notices, tax forms, or personal correspondence that must arrive quickly and securely. For lightweight ecommerce shipping, it’s also perfect—especially for packages under 13 ounces where USPS Tracking® provides visibility every step of the way.

Businesses also rely on USPS Certified Mail® or Return Receipt services for critical documents requiring proof of delivery. And because First-Class Mail includes free mail forwarding and return-to-sender options, it’s a dependable way to keep addresses up to date and ensure important mail never goes missing. Whether for personal or business use, it’s the most balanced, affordable USPS option for speed and trust.

First-Class Mail cost considerations and savings tips

When it comes to First-Class Mail cost, pricing depends on what you’re sending—letters, flats, or packages—and how much they weigh. Current USPS First-Class Mail rates are about $0.68 for a Forever Stamp®, $0.53 for postcards, around $1.39 for flats, and roughly $4.75 retail or $3.50 commercial for packages.

Mail shape and design also affect mailing costs. Odd shapes or rigid standard sized envelopes may trigger a non machinable surcharge, while exceeding weight limits (3.5 oz for letters, 13 oz for packages) can reclassify your mail.

To save money, use a postage meter or online postage solutions like PitneyShip to unlock USPS commercial rates. Smart shipping platforms also help presort and batch mail, reducing manual effort and cost. Staying machinable, right-sizing your packaging, and using presort mail services are simple ways to make every ounce—and every dollar—count.

How to print First-Class Mail labels at home or in the office

You can easily print USPS First-Class Mail postage at home or in the office using digital tools. Whether you’re mailing letters, flats, or packages, platforms like PitneyShip™ make it simple to create a USPS First-Class label online, save time, and avoid extra fees. Here’s how to print First-Class Mail labels step by step.

1. Choose a mailing solution

Your mailing solution depends on what and how often you ship. USPS Click-N-Ship® works well for Priority Mail® and USPS First-Class packages, while PayPal Shipping is ideal for ecommerce sellers. For regular mailers, online postage solutions like PitneyShip combine USPS First-Class postage, tracking, automation, and discounted rates in one convenient online postage service to simplify print postage.

2. Decide on postage type

You have a few options for print postage depending on what you’re mailing. Stamps are printed on special sheets and charged at the retail rate. Metered mail, created using a postage meter, prints the exact amount directly on the envelope and typically costs less than stamps. For packages, use shipping labels that display the destination, weight, and postage details.

3. Use the right printer

Choose a printer that matches your volume and mailing needs. A thermal label printer is ideal for high-volume shipments or packages, while an inkjet printer or laser printer works perfectly for everyday envelopes. For the best results, use adhesive shipping labels and print at a minimum of 600 DPI, as recommended by USPS.

4. Weigh and print your label

Accuracy matters when you print First-Class postage. Use a digital postal scale to confirm the correct weight and avoid surcharges. In PitneyShip, follow these simple steps:

1. From the Home screen, select Stamp Sheets & Rolls
2. Choose Envelopes
3. Add or verify addresses, select the envelope size, and preview
4. Select Print

You can also include extra options like Certified Mail®, tracking, or return receipts—all while staying compliant and saving time.

How PitneyShip helps simplify and save on First-Class Mail

Managing USPS First-Class Mail® doesn’t have to be complicated—or time-consuming. With PitneyShip™, you can print postage stamps and USPS First-Class Mail labels right from any device, whether you’re in the office or working remotely. The platform gives you automatic access to USPS Commercial Base Rates, so you save with every piece you send.

PitneyShip simplifies the process with built-in address validation, real-time delivery estimates, and batch label printing for ecommerce orders. You can track shipments, organize mail history, and skip long post office lines—all from one easy-to-use dashboard.

For small businesses, remote teams, and frequent mailers, PitneyShip delivers the perfect balance of speed, accuracy, and savings—making every First-Class Mail task easier, more efficient, and more affordable.

Priority Mail FAQs

How long does First-Class Mail take?

USPS First-Class Mail typically delivers within 1 to 5 business days. Standard letters and postcards usually arrive in 1 to 3 days, while First-Class packages can take up to 5 business days, depending on the destination. While delivery times aren’t guaranteed, First-Class Mail is generally fast and reliable for most domestic shipments.

What is the difference between stamped and metered mail?

Stamped mail uses traditional postage stamps purchased from the Post Office and applied by hand. Metered mail, on the other hand, uses a postage meter or online postage software to print the exact postage amount directly on the envelope or label. Metered mail is often more efficient for businesses, offering discounted rates, faster processing, and no need to visit the Post Office to buy stamps.

What can you mail with a First-Class stamp?

A First-Class stamp allows you to mail standard-sized letters weighing up to 1 ounce. This includes personal correspondence, bills, greeting cards, and other documents that fit within USPS size and weight guidelines. You can also use additional ounce stamps if your letter weighs more than 1 ounce. For postcards, USPS offers specific First-Class postcard stamps at a lower rate.

Does First-Class mail include tracking?

Tracking is not included with standard First-Class Mail letters, postcards, or flats. However, when you use First-Class Package Service—which is designed for parcels up to 13 oz (retail) or 15.999 oz (commercial)—USPS Tracking® is included at no additional cost. For letters and flats, tracking can be added by purchasing optional services like Certified Mail, Registered Mail, or Return Receipt.

What is First-Class Postage?

First-Class postage is the cost to send letters, postcards, flats, or small packages through USPS First-Class Mail. It’s ideal for lightweight, time-sensitive mail and includes delivery in 1–5 business days, plus free forwarding and returns. You can pay with stamps, a postage meter, or online tools like PitneyShip.