What is the fastest type of Mail?

If you're looking for a fast way to send something from your home to someone else's, it can be tricky to figure out what kind of service is right for you. Which mailing company offers the quickest delivery? What are some ways that an item might get lost or delayed while traveling through the postal system? And how much does sending something overnight really cost compared to other options? Here we'll explain everything you need to know when choosing the fastest method for your next shipment.

First things first, there are three major companies that handle domestic shipments -- USPS (United States Postal Service), UPS (Upsilon Delivery Systems), and FedEx (Federal Express). All three have different approaches to delivering packages quickly, but they also vary drastically in price. The following paragraphs discuss these differences so you can decide which one works best for you.

In general, if you want to speed up delivery without paying extra fees, choose either regular post office boxes or registered mail. Registered mail lets you pay more upfront but guarantees you two-day delivery once sent. However, since this is such a common option, many people don't realize that it doesn't always guarantee proper tracking. For example, if an employee steals the package before its destination, it could end up anywhere between 10 minutes and several weeks late. With a PO box, on the other hand, you just drop off the letter at any local post office during business hours. While this isn't as quick, it gives you a lot less chance of losing track of where your package is going.

The second step is deciding whether you should use a private courier like FedEx or UPS. Depending on what you're sending, using a third party may actually increase your chances of getting your items delivered quickly. This happens because couriers often make multiple stops along their routes to deliver smaller parcels instead of having them transported by truck directly to customers' doors. If you're sending something fragile, however, a private courier won't work. In those cases, USPS Priority Mail is the only real choice. It takes 2¾ days to receive, but unlike normal mail, priority has built-in tracking capabilities. You simply enter "priority" into Google Maps to see exactly where it was shipped and when it arrived. Another advantage is that it costs significantly less per piece than both FedEx and UPS. On average, Priority Mail is nearly half the price per ounce of non-priority mail.

So now let's say you've decided to take advantage of Priority Mail's speedy delivery system. How do you find out where it came from? Is it possible to track down packages after receiving them? Keep reading to learn what you need to know about finding missing mail.

Does certified mail arrive faster?

Is Priority Mail better than standard?

Is Priority Mail guaranteed to arrive in 3 days?

What is the best way to mail important documents?

When you're trying to return something, speed matters. But when you're moving something valuable, time means even more. Fortunately, returning items to stores is very easy thanks to online shopping sites like Amazon.com. When you shop online, you usually pay for shipping and handling charges separately from the actual products themselves. Since these additional costs aren't included in the advertised prices, it's smart to ask for free shipping and then pick the cheapest option for pickup. Many retailers will give you credit toward future purchases if you order large quantities of goods within a certain amount of time.

For documents, though, you need to consider another factor: security. A thief who breaks into your house likely isn't interested in electronics, DVDs, books, and kitchen appliances. Instead, he wants cash, checks, bank statements, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and anything else containing personal information. To keep thieves away from sensitive paperwork, call your local postmaster and request special lockboxes that require a signature upon opening. These allow you to control access to specific pieces of mail and protect them against theft or damage. Most businesses will charge around $20-$30 per month for these boxes plus postage if necessary.

Certified mail used to be the gold standard for secure document transport, but it no longer comes close to offering enough protection. That's why U.S. government agencies began issuing official envelopes with tamperproof seals back in 1997. Today, you can obtain these special envelopes and locks from various vendors. They come with unique bar codes, serial numbers, and tracking numbers that help officials locate stolen property. At least 50% of all thefts occur due to mishandling by employees, so adding a seal makes it harder for workers to steal your stuff [sources: US Department of Justice].

Now that you understand how to properly pack and ship important papers, read on to discover whether Priority Mail is worth the extra expense.

Does certified mail arrive faster?

Priority Mail is generally considered the fastest form of mail available today. Unfortunately, it's not perfect. There are lots of variables involved in determining how long it takes to travel across state lines and finally reach its intended recipient. Some factors include:

How big is the envelope?

Where did it originate? Does it pass through many states en route?

Are there delays caused by inclement weather?

Do customs agents slow things down?

How far must it go? Will it sit in a processing center too long?

Once again, if you're sending a delicate object, you shouldn't rely on Priority Mail alone. Even if you're sending a small book or CD, you should still check carefully before putting it in the mail. Make sure you've packed securely to avoid breakage and that you haven't accidentally damaged it somehow. Also, you should never put liquids inside an envelope, nor should you add excessive amounts of packing tape. Finally, don't write on the outside of the package unless absolutely necessary. Putting Post-It Notes on an envelope slows down sorting times and adds unnecessary weight.

While Priority Mail is definitely quicker than standard mail, it's not necessarily cheaper. Read below to compare the difference.

You probably already know that you can buy insurance for your mailed possessions through companies like Lloyds of London. Sometimes called value added protection, VAP provides coverage for stolen or destroyed merchandise. According to Consumer Reports, VAP policies typically provide lower limits than typical burglary insurance plans. However, they do save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a year. Plus, if you ever lose your policy number, you can file a report with the police. Once authorities verify your claim, you should recover whatever was taken.

Is Priority Mail better than standard?

Yes and no. First, it depends on what you're sending. As discussed earlier, if you're moving valuables, then you should skip Priority Mail altogether. Because it uses larger containers, Priority Mail is great for transporting heavy loads. For instance, if you move every few months, you can purchase one flat rate container and fill it whenever you run low. You can also get bulk rates if you plan on doing this frequently.

However, if you're sending letters, catalogues, greeting cards, magazines, newspapers, or similar lightweight materials, Priority Mail is ideal. Simply weigh the contents of your package to determine how much postage you need. For heavier objects weighing 5 pounds (2 kilograms) or more, stick with standard mail. Otherwise, you'll save quite a bit of money. Just remember that the maximum size for Priority Mail is 8 cubic feet (0.24 cubic meters). So if you have a huge stack of records or furniture, look elsewhere.

As mentioned previously, it can sometimes take more than a week for an undelivered parcel to show up at a customer's door. Luckily, tracking systems exist to prevent this problem. Let's talk about how they work.

According to the United States Postal Inspection Service, roughly 80 percent of all packages that are left sitting unclaimed at post offices eventually wind up being returned to sender. Tracking devices reduce that risk considerably. After placing your order, you'll receive a confirmation email stating that you ordered a particular product. Then, whenever your item arrives, you'll receive a text message with your tracking number. Log onto your account and track your package wherever you happen to be.

With Priority Mail, you can track deliveries via a phone app, website, or toll-free number. Of course, you can also opt to print labels yourself. If you live in a rural area, you might not have reliable cell reception, making printed labels essential. Either way, you'll see detailed maps showing exactly where your package is located. Other useful features of the site include push notifications letting you know that your package has been picked up and a history of previous orders.

Tracking numbers are especially helpful for packages marked "Return to Sender." Without a tracking number, you wouldn't know where to start troubleshooting why your attempt at delivery failed. If you think that happened because the label got ripped off, you can contact the sender asking for a new address. Or maybe the worker didn't open it correctly. Whatever the reason, tracking allows you to fix issues easily.

Finally, here's our last tip: Don't wait until Sunday night to try calling your shipper. Call early Monday morning to ensure that your package gets there on schedule.

When sending a letter through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), you have two choices for how quickly your message can be delivered: First-Class Package or Standard Post Office Box. The first option takes three days, while the latter takes five business days. But what if you need something sent overnight? You could pay an extra fee, but that would add another day onto delivery time. Or you could use one of the other options available from USPS -- Expedited Parcel Services or EMS. These are both ways to get your package in even less than 24 hours. But how do they stack up against each other when compared head-to-head? We'll compare them below so you know exactly which service best fits your needs.

First, let's look at how these companies calculate their estimated arrival times. They base this on a number of factors including where the destination address is located, whether there's more than one stop along the route, and the size and weight of the item being shipped. All packages must pass inspection by post office employees before leaving the facility. That means no explosives allowed.

Next we'll take a closer look at each company's methods for handling priority mail shipments.

How fast does Priority Mail take?

Priority Mail has become synonymous with "overnight" because its guaranteed next-day delivery makes sure everything arrives within 1 business day after mailing. In fact, according to the National Association of Letter Carriers, Priority Mail is the only postal product to guarantee same-day or next-day delivery. It doesn't matter if you're going across town or around the world — as long as it weighs 5 pounds or fewer, it should arrive within 2 days. Of course, not everyone lives near a major city, and some destinations aren't even accessible via roadways. If you live in rural areas like those, consider using a different method of transportation instead. And if you want to receive your shipment sooner rather than later, see our tips on speeding things up.

But what happens if you're trying to send important documents between states, or simply need something urgently mailed cross-country? One solution is to choose Express Mail International (EMI). This allows you to select standard ground mail rates for larger items weighing over 10 pounds. For example, express mail is $29.95 per pound versus regular postage rate of 45 cents plus local surcharges of anywhere from 11 cents to 25 cents depending on location. To learn why EMI may be cheaper than USPS Priority Mail, read How Does Email Work?

The downside to EMI is that it cannot compete with USPS' prices for smaller parcels. While EMI offers free tracking information, tracking isn't offered for every country. Plus, it also requires special packaging materials such as bubble wrap and tape, due to international customs regulations.

UPS also provides a similar service called Next Business Day Delivery. With this option, deliveries typically show up during normal business hours Monday to Friday, though sometimes Saturday morning. Like Priority Mail, this option guarantees delivery within 1 business day. However, unlike Priority Mail, this service doesn't require any additional fees. As a result, many people often confuse it with Priority Mail. Some retailers even advertise Next Day Delivery without mentioning its name. So make sure to ask your shipper if you're receiving either Next Day or a Guaranteed Next Day Delivery.

Which is faster certified or registered mail?

While both Registered Mail and Certified Mail provide proof that your package was successfully delivered, there are differences between the types. Both work similarly to notify someone who didn't expect a gift on his doorstep. When you register or certify a package, however, you don't actually sign for it. Instead, the sender sends a receipt containing detailed information about the contents inside, including signature required, date received, and return policy. Since you've already paid for delivery, signed for it, and left instructions for the recipient to pick it up, you won't incur late charges. Registered Mail comes in several forms, ranging from Red Envelope to Media Mail.

Certified Mail is just as easy as Registered Mail, but it includes the added assurance that the package arrived safely. Its distinguishing feature is that it uses a green seal instead of a red envelope. This color choice is meant to signify the importance of a particular piece of correspondence. A black, white, or brown label adhered directly to the outside of the box gives a second level of confirmation.

In addition to speedier delivery, Registered Mail might cost you slightly more than Certified Mail. Depending on the destination, price quotes vary widely, from $1.25 to $4.50 a mile. On average, Certified Mail costs $2.40 a mile, while Registered Mail runs $3.15 a mile [source USPostalService]. Because Certified Mail envelopes come pre-paid, shippers charge a small processing fee. However, prepaid envelopes are included in your postage rate, so there's no increase in postage when ordering Certified Mail.

Both Registered Mail and Certified Mail packages include tracking numbers. But since Tracking Obligations apply differently depending on the form chosen, always check with your provider for specific details.

You can track Registered Mail yourself online, but you'll still need to call customer service to report lost mail. With Certified Mail, you can log into MyUSPS.com and view real-time updates.

If you'd prefer to skip the trip to your mailbox altogether, try out USPS Home Pickup. Using GPS technology, customers can schedule a pickup appointment at home whenever convenient. No registration needed — just go to usps.gov/homepickup.

For even quicker shipping, you could opt for Electronic Signature Delivery (ESD) through ePacketMail. This lets users print electronic versions of receipts, letters, invoices, and statements, eliminating the expense of stamps. Users then enter codes found on the backside of the document to activate emailing capabilities. Once activated, recipients can open, scan, and electronically file the paperwork themselves.

Is it better to send mail registered or certified?

Registered Mail and Certified Mail are usually considered equal in terms of value to the user. But if you plan to resell the item, you'll probably find that the higher priced version is easier to sell. Additionally, Certified Mail is accepted worldwide, whereas Registered Mail is limited mostly to countries in Europe and Canada.

Another consideration is insurance coverage. If you ever lose your parcel, Registered Mail carriers will replace it if possible; with Certified Mail, however, you're responsible for returning it undamaged. Most likely, the difference in price will end up saving you money overall.

Since getting anything in today's world is pretty urgent, it seems logical to assume that choosing Certified Mail is the right move. After all, you shouldn't wait until tomorrow to hear from Aunt Betty. Unfortunately, USPS says otherwise. According to its Web site, Priority Mail is the ideal choice for high-priority communications. For instance, if you need a doctor's prescription filled immediately, or if you're expecting notification of a death abroad, then it's worth paying the extra few dollars for Priority Mail. Otherwise, stick with USPS Priority Mail.

With all of these options readily available to consumers, figuring out which is the quickest way to reach your desired destination becomes increasingly difficult. Fortunately, with a little research, you'll discover that your preferred mode of communication is the perfect fit for your situation.

When it comes time for a quick shipment from one place to another, sometimes there isn't enough time to wait until your next trip through customs or hold up at the post office. Shipping can be expensive -- especially when the item being shipped is large and bulky like furniture, appliances, computers, etc. If you're in need of overnight delivery but don't have a lot of extra cash lying around, then you may want to consider using an expedited service such as USPS's Priority Mail International Flat Rate Boxes (which we'll refer to simply as "Priority Mail") or similar options offered by other carriers. These services use special packaging that allows packages to clear Customs more quickly and arrive sooner without sacrificing quality or safety. This guide will help explain how these services work and what makes them so fast!

First things first, let's discuss if Priority Mail is actually the fastest method of sending international shipments. We've already talked about some of its benefits, including cost-effectiveness and speediness, but are they really worth skipping the slower postal system altogether? Let's look at both sides of the argument...

Is Priority Mail faster than normal Mail?

Yes, absolutely. There is no doubt that Priority Mail is the quickest option available today. According to the United States Postal Service website, even though the Priority Mail package has a higher postage rate, it takes just two days on average to deliver compared to six days for First Class Package Postage and five days for Parcels Postage. In addition, Priority Mail also offers additional discounts on insurance, tracking, and signature confirmation, plus free pickup and redelivery within the US. You only pay for actual distance traveled once you receive your order instead of paying per mile. Even better news, if you live outside of the US, many countries now allow for electronic notification of arrival via email.

If you choose Priority Mail, here are some tips to make sure everything goes smoothly:

Ship early - The earlier you send your items, the less likely they'll get lost during processing. Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of lead time before your scheduled delivery date.

Don't put too much weight on your box - Make sure you know exactly what your limits are for any boxes you plan to pack. Some carriers require boxes to weigh under 50 pounds while others prefer 80 percent below their maximum capacity. It's best to check this out beforehand since overweight charges could result.

Take care of paperwork - Pack all necessary paperwork inside the box itself rather than stuffing it into separate envelopes. Also, keep copies of receipts in case anything gets lost or damaged. Don't forget to include important information on all labels, otherwise inspectors might miss something valuable.

Use proper containers - Use sturdy plastic bins with solid walls and avoid cardboard boxes that aren't well secured. Many times these types of boxes are used to transport hazardous materials, so take note of specific requirements for those kinds of deliveries.

Be prepared for delays due to weather conditions - During inclement weather, expect delays due to road closures, poor visibility, accidents, construction, power outages, and severe storms. Be patient and contact customer support if needed. Keep track of orders placed for pick ups, and remember that not every location provides this service.

Keep tabs on your parcel - Check online status updates regularly and call customer service if you haven't heard back after three hours. Remember that different locations handle tracking differently, so ask where your shipment is located and who should sign for it.

Is Priority Mail the same as regular mail?

No, it's definitely not the same thing. While Priority Mail was designed specifically for speedy overseas delivery, it does differ from normal mail in several ways. For starters, priority mail uses flat-rate pricing based upon size and number of contents. Regular mail usually increases according to volume and weight. Second, priority mail requires customers to fill out a declaration form prior to mailing. Third, because it travels with added protection, you won't see any junk mail ads or solicitations for products in foreign countries. Lastly, while receiving parcels in the US is often convenient, having them redirected to your local post office can cause confusion and delay. Therefore, it's recommended to request redirection to the nearest regional distribution center closest to your home address.

Here are some helpful hints to follow if you decide to opt for Priority Mail:

Choose appropriate sizes - When packing household goods, select boxes based upon size rather than quantity. Smaller boxes tend to travel longer distances and incur fewer fees whereas larger ones end up costing more to move. Avoid putting multiple heavy objects together in small spaces since they can easily shift positions causing damage and/or injury.

Pack fragile items carefully - Protect fragile items with foam inserts or bubble wrap to prevent breakage during transit. Otherwise, secure loose edges tightly to ensure safe transportation.

Include detailed descriptions - Write down precise measurements of your packages and list details such as color, material, condition, brand name, and model numbers. Include pictures whenever possible. Any discrepancies between what you wrote down and what arrives can add unexpected costs later on. Make sure to attach original invoices and documentation regarding purchases made for reference purposes.

Have someone inspect boxes - Always hire professional assistance to thoroughly evaluate incoming shipments. Ask people you trust to examine boxes immediately upon receipt and report back to you regarding potential problems. A good inspector knows what to look for depending upon product categories, so he or she can spot trouble spots right away and suggest solutions accordingly.

Signature required - With Priority Mail International, you must provide a signed statement to prove responsibility for the content. This means you'll need someone else's permission to accept delivery. Since it's difficult to forge signatures on documents nowadays, providing proof of authorization can eliminate costly disputes later on.

Is Priority Mail quicker than ground?

While Priority Mail is certainly faster than ground, it's still limited by availability of trucks and drivers. Depending on your destination country, your shipment may go by land through various nations along the route before arriving at its final destination. However, if you do decide to use air freight, you'd typically find yourself waiting anywhere from 24 to 72 hours before picking up your package. That said, getting it delivered via plane is generally cheaper than moving it across town. Here are some useful guidelines to follow when choosing whether to fly or drive:

Large items weighing over 2 tons - Get quotes from both companies to compare prices and convenience. Large items can fit nicely in cargo holds of planes, allowing for low rates and shorter turnaround times. On the other hand, transporting a car full of stuff can be quite stressful and would probably increase overall expenses.

Flat shapes vs round shapes - Round shapes benefit from smaller dimensions and lighter weights. They can be packed tighter and transported easier by truck. Rectangular pieces come in handy for long thin objects or oddly shaped items.

Smaller items weighing less than 1 pound - Ground moves faster than air for light loads. But if you need to ship electronics, books, clothing, and other delicate belongings, a flight is probably your cheapest choice.

Packing - Airfreight professionals recommend wrapping each object individually in layers of newspaper followed by thick brown paper. Then cover it with tapered wooden slats to protect corners and edges. Finally, seal everything with strong adhesive film to block moisture exposure and pests.