Auto Direct Mail Tips: The Different Classes of Mail
Depending on your industry, direct mail marketing and shipping through the post office can be a great option for your business. With Auto Direct Mail, we can help you handle the hassle of dealing with the USPS and figuring out your postage. But it is important to know the different classes of mail if you have a business. If you want to utilize USPS mail marketing, understanding each class of mail will come in handy. The post office tries to make it as simple as possible for you, but if you have never done it before it can be confusing. A large part of the process is knowing what is best for your business. You must decide which type of mail class and shipping option will be your best option.
USPS Mail Classes – The Six Types
Each type of mail service has been divided by the USPS into what they call classes. Each class of mail has different postage prices, pre-sort requirements, and service levels. The content of the material as well as the postage for most shipments will determine your mail class. These are the six classes:
- Priority Mail Express (the fastest option to ship)
- Priority Mail
- First-Class Mail
- USPS Marketing Mail
- Periodicals
- Package Services/USPS Retail Ground
Need more information? Check out this cheat sheet from the USPS to help you figure out the best option for your business below:
Priority Mail Express
This is the USPS’s fastest delivery option that they offer. If you drop off before 3pm it can be guaranteed delivery for 1-day or 2-day expedited service. It even includes insurance coverage of $100. This is the service for you if your goal is to get your package delivered overnight. This is most often used whenever there is an extreme case of needing something the next day or as a competitive offer.
Priority Mail
This is considered the greatest value for shipping ecommerce. It offers a convenient shipping cost at fast delivery times for sellers. The cost is determined by the length of travel for packages, measured by shipping zones. Postage goes up as the more zones you pass through. For Priority mail flat rate boxes or envelopes, the USPS offers special prices.
First-Class Mail
A popular option for businesses sending direct mail marketing, this is a cost-effective option that will arrive quickly. Mail gets delivered withing 1-3 days and is $0.55 for each piece no matter how far it is being sent. Postage includes return and forwarding services. Auto Direct Mail can offer bulk rate discounts for 500 pieces or more.
USPS Marketing Mail
Our most popular offering is the standard bulk mail rate and requires a minimum of 200 pieces. This includes flats/large envelopes, parcels, and letters.
Auto Direct Mail at ADM
Automated Direct Mail (ADM) has been in the print and mailing business for over 20 years. We work with thousands of businesses in Palm Beach County to market themselves and get the most out of their marketing budgets. We can take stress out of mailing and worry about postage so you can focus on your business. Check out our mailing page to see what we can offer and find our website to learn more about us.
If you want to learn more about the mail classes, check out these resources below:
